I love Indian food but usually don't get the chance to eat it often because it's not my fam's typical meal. So if I ever get to eat out with friends and get Indian food, I get excited.
Going to Ambiyan was a really nice experience. Even though we weren't able to get outoor seating on the patio because they were super busy and there was live music on the bandstand, their interior was decent - not as nice as outdoor seating on a nice cool summer evening, but at least we were nice and fresh away from outdoor heat.
Ambiyan has a Prix Fixe Menu (if you don't want to order a la carte) that comes in either vegetarian or non-vegetarian options.
Vegetarian Prix Fixe Menu ($21):
Appetizer - choice of Spinach Pakora or Aloo Tikki
Main: Choice of one Veg main course from their veg section of the menu
Side: basmati rice or freshly baked naan (you can have it buttered or plain)
Non-vegetarian Prix Fixe Menu ($26):
App - chicken samosa or chicken pakora
Main - choice of one main from either the poultry or meat section
Side - basmati rice or freshly baked naan
My friend got the non-veg prix fixe and ordered...
Chicken pakora - chickpea battered and deep fried chicken breast served with tamarind chutney. This was my fave app out of the two we ordered. The crunch from being deep-fried alongside the juiciness and dense texture of chicken breast was perfect. The tamarind chutney was a nice more sweet than sour accompaniment.
Dhaba chicken curry - traditional spicy street food chicken curry from Northern India. She liked it a lot. Not heavy and won't leave you feeling greasy or bloated. Great flavours.
Side of basmati rice - delish. She was given a good portion.
There was a lot to eat - she had to take some of it home.
I got the veg prix fixe menu and got...
Spinach pakora - seasoned baby spinach pucks lightly battered and deep fried. These were yummy and soft and slightly crispy. I do prefer the chicken pakora though but this is a good vegetarian option.
Navartan Korma - a mix of seasonal vegs in a cashew cream sauce with pineapple, mushrooms, paneer, and cashews. I really really liked this dish. Packed full of yummy veggies in a creamy warm sauce... it was delicious.
As a side, I ordered naan (buttered) and it's got to be one of the best-tasting naans that I've had.
I would definitely go here again and do recommend it to anyone looking for good Indian cuisine. The prices are higher than what you would expect from a smaller store-front that caters more to the takeout style and sharing food style. The dishes here are intended per person but don't let that stop you from sharing the flavourful bites with your friends and family. I really like how the prix fixe menu is set up - it's a great way for first-timers to sample their menu. And don't worry if you might not understand some of the culinary terms on the menu (like naan, roti, paneer, etc.) - there are definitions listed throughout the menu as a guide.