We always avoid the Buffet as it's a mild level of spice.
My wife and I have been looking for a replacement Indian Restaurant. After reading the reviews on Tripadvisor & Yelp, we had to try the Indian Oven. Upon entering the India Oven, we were not greeted with the traditional smell of Indian spices. The smell was really very mild-maybe the location of this restaurant demands a very mild aroma? Many of our friends just will not even try an Indian Restaurant due to their thinking of heavy use of spices. Also there were no diners of Indian Culture at the India Oven when we were there-a true negative sign. My wife and I are at the medium level of spice.
We ordered: Papadum, Garlic Nan, Vegetable Biryani, Karahi Prawns, Chicken Tikka Masala with medium levels of spice & 2 Kingfish Beers-cost was $48 + Tip-reasonable if it was better.
The Papadum and Garlic Nan arrived first. The Garlic Nan was really mild as it needed more garlic. The Chicken Tikka Masala also lack full flavor as we felt the medium level of spice was really well below mild at this restaurant. When the Karahi Prawns were served, it was so similar to Mexican Shrimp Fajitas that we didn't know what to think. The Indian medium level of spice was flat at best at the India Oven. The vegetable Biryani was one of the best rice dishes we've had. The Kingfish beers were served in frozen glasses-the best way to enjoy any brand of beer!
The India Oven was very clean with no issues noted. Table service was very good. I did discuss the level of spice with our server. He advised that we ordered a level of 5 on a scale of 1 to 10. I guess that scale might be acceptable for Mesa, AZ. A level of 5 should have been medium but it tasted like a 1. A spice level of 1 is usually used on the Buffets, so we always avoid them. That plan failed this time! Our search for a replacement Indian Restaurant will continue.