Michigan Masala

I really hate giving bad reviews, but in this case I have to. It makes it even harder, because the owners are such nice people. Very friendly (if you are Indian maybe even a little too friendly).
But here are the cons:
No HVAC, no trained waiter (the uncle is waiting the tables because they can’t find a waiter to hire), no music, the ambience is pretty shabby and lacks welcoming feeling. The food was ok, I really enjoyed the buttered chicken. But: The mango lassi was watered down, the palak paneer had no salt in it, the lamb curry was way too spicy although we ordered medium and the naan was undercooked, still gooey. The prices are too high for the quality of service.
As bad as I feel about saying this, but I have to: Save your time and money and go to Ashoka.

In Indian food circles, there isnt that much to pick from in Metro Detroit — especially Macomb County. And this spot is only a D+, at best. Its almost set up like a standard Chinese Buffet… complete with the 1988 chairs and peeling wallpaper. I could justify eating that buffet for $ 5, but certainly not ten — especially for lunch. As other posters have pointed out, the Tikka Masala is about as Indian as Campbell’s tomato soup with a splash of half-​and-​half and a dash of curry. All the entrees kind of taste like beef stroganoff — minus the pasta, with either saffron or curry thrown in for good measure The rice and sides were obviously just food products from Gordon or Sysco. Actually, I doubt very much in the place is «scratch» made (aside from the naan which is pretty legit — if a bit too doughy.)
In short, if any place needs a «Restaurant Makeover», that is it. It has SO much potential if they spruce the place up, simplify the menu, 86 the buffet, hire better staff, and do some marketing. It should be a classy/​casual ethnic joint (kinda like La Saj around the corner — which kills EVERY DAY — albeit as Middle Eastern food). People dig new concepts/​food in that area. Wouldn’t hurt to build a bar in there either, and make the place a bit more fun.

Love this place! If you’re not familiar with Indian food then the lunch buffet is a great way to introduce yourself to all the complex and beautiful foods. Can’t beat the value. We drive down from Port Huron when the mood hits and you can even do a carry out carton from the buffet which includes fresh naan.

The place is kinda strange seeing a couch next to the cashier. You can tell its an Indian restaurant the moment you get into the door. Thats sweet spicy smell. The food we ordered it to go, I would say itsjust fair and expensive.

Never been here and was excited about another Indian restaurant! DISGUSTING! This is NOT Indian food and is an embarrassment! The Chef CANNOT be Indian! No 1 when I asked about Lamb Madras the Chef had NEVER heard of Madras! No 2 there is a growing trend in US Indian Restaurants where they think we’re all idiots and if they put Heinz 57 Tomato soup in they have the right to call it Tikka Massala!!! DO NOT EAT HERE!!!

I love indian food. This place doesnt cut it. Food is grey. Service is slow. Restrooms are extremely dirty. Water tasted like sand. Do not trust the other reviews.

Super disappointing!!! Decided on this place after reading past reviews… so upset I even took the chance. I’m not fimiliar with any Indian establishments in Macomb County since I reside in Oakland, but on a spur of the moment idea, my husband and I took a chance.
Upon entering, I was already skeptical. The décor is extremely outdated and delapitated. There’s almost a grimy film that covers everything, but the couch in the front just near the kitchen is what tied it all in nicely…
My husbands curry was okay… overlooked lamb, but decent blend of spices! My Korma tasted and looked like Campbell’s tomato soup and cream with a chipped red meat substance. I took two bites and didnt touch it again. It was one of the worst meals I’ve ever gotten in my life! If the owner wasn’t the waiter I would’ve asked for my money back… Do NOT go here! This place is obviously always empty for a reason!

I hope they are having an off night. Came in to order take out. It took about 15 minutes for the host/​waitress to take our order. During this time two parties came in. It took just as long for them to get menus. The party of three just walked out.
Another person is trying to order take out and was just told it would be an hour!!!
Meanwhile, they turned customers away while we were waiting for our food to arrive.
The food, however, is *very* good. Just be prepared to wait, maybe call ahead of time.

Went there for dinner and it was really good. Loved the Chicken 65, Rogan Josh, and their Chicken Masala. We shall return!

Had dinner here for the first time tonight. It smelled delicious when I walked in; the warm aroma of spices and curry made my stomach growl. The décor is cheesy/​cheap, but I’m more into food quality than décor. Service was very friendly.
The food was very good. I started with Sambar (a delightfully spiced lentil soup) which was spicy and delicious. I had the chicken curry with naan for the entrée; the chicken was tender and deliciously spiced and the naan was a perfect combo of delicate crispness and warm softness that melted in my mouth. Loved it. For dessert, I finished with rice pudding which was more of a hot rice «soup» of sorts interspersed with crunchy cashews. Wasn’t bad, but different from the rice pudding (cold) that I’m used to at other restaurants.
My tab was just under $ 20 for soup/​entrée/​dessert and beverage.
I’ll definitely go back again. I want to try the buffet!

We have been here for dinner & enjoyed ourselves so you can imagine our excitement when we heard about the lunch buffet. The service is always excellent. You can tell its a family restaurant. Everyone is always very kind & attentive. We have been back multiple times & plan I return.

You can literally smell good food when you walk in the door. Excellent, affordable ($ 10) lunch buffet if you are not familiar with Indian food. Definitely a hidden gem on the east side. Sad there wasn’t many people in the restaurant when we went (12:00 pm on a Thursday), hopefully they can advertise more to get more business in the area. They do need to update the décor of the dining rooms and bathrooms, but my rating is based on the food.

Very good food. My almost four year old daughter loves the butter chicken. I highly recommend going for the lunch buffet.

Smelled really good upon entering. Like warm bread and spices.
We arrived too late for the Buffet. Dinner with 2 appetizers and extra Naan to go with our leftovers — $ 36 + tip.
Waitress was friendly.
Samosas were good, large and sturdier than some I’ve had. Sauces were spicy.
Chicken Tikka Masala and Palak Paneer were delicious, and after starting with the Samosas plenty to take home.
Chairs were circa late 80’s, shouldn’t have been anywhere after 1993, but there they were. Tablecloth was plasticky. Christmas decorations still hung on the ceiling.
The Naan was delicious. I’d go back, but could be more enjoyable if the place was updated a bit.

I never would have known about this place had it not been for the reviews here, so my man and I just made the 30-​minute drive to check it out. I was instantly amused by the fact that the nice high ceilings and Indian art were mixed with «starving artist» style paintings and a t.v. screen playing Matlock!
The menu is quite extensive, the service excellent, and the appetizers are HUGE, though my cauliflower was a bit greasy and bland. I thought I was cool ordering my usual mango lassi until I tasted Uncle Butch’s banana shake!!! Thin and flavorful, LORD a’ MERCY this drink is to die for, and it’s rare to see it on a menu. Liquid banana-​ey gold in that thar glass! I swooned.
My kofta dish was tasty, though again I craved more spice in the sauce. I ordered my meal thali style and enjoyed the peppery papadam, the dal, and some yummy potato chunks. The naan was enormous! The raitha, though, tasted like cucumbers mixed with ranch dressing, lacking the sweetness my to tame my fiery mouth from the dal.
I don’t know if I’d make the trek again just to eat here, but it was pleasant all in all. If I happen to be in that area though, I’ll be swooping in for some blended banana goodness!

WOO HOOO I love this place! The buffet is the best in town!

I love this place sooooh much!!! The butter chicken is to die for. We usually go to the buffet lunch and it is worth every single penny. The cheese dessert is also really good. I am so glad I dont have to drive to Rochester Rd to get decent indian food.

Very average, but satisfying food that warmed us up on a cold, blustery day. The buffet was diverse ($ 7.95 was quite reasonable.), but the food could have been kept warmer. Service was attentive and prompt. The chicken dishes were especially good, with tender, flavorful choices. The lamb was on the tough side, but the korma sauce was excellent. Michigan Masala is about what you’d expect from a suburban Indian eatery, which is adequate but no more.

I have been a long time fan of Priya since it opened… but as the years passed, so did their quality… I’m so excited Michigan Masala is open on my end of town, and it’s simply delicious! It by far surpasses any Indian food I’ve had in the Detroit area, hands down! The buffets are excellent-​I love the special holiday buffets! And I love that if I don’t have the time or money to grab some buffet for lunch, I can run in and get a sampler for a cheaper price. YUMMY!

I am by no means an aficionado of Indian cuisine, but I really enjoyed the restaurant.
My first visit was with my sister who is very picky. We ordered samosas to start– they were good, as were the chutney’s. For our entrée we went with the chicken tikka masala– pretty fantastic. Some of the best I’ve ever had– the ghee and cream really came out nicely in the sauce.
We’ve also ordered carry-​out a few times since and each time it has been pretty good. The chicken tikka masala is our go-​to as are all the chutney’s– they have a few really wonderful lamb dishes as well.
I am in agreement with other reviewers that while it is adequate Indian food it is by far the best I’ve had in the Macomb/​St Clair county area.