Swad Indian Vegetarian Rstrnt

An extensive menu of South Indian & Pakistani street food, all vegetarian. Very casual, and good for groups. more

Wow -been searching for memorable Indian food in Austin for 2 years. Had virtually given up finding any place worth going back to. Then we tried some stuffed chillis and samosas at the grocery store next door. They told us that they came from Swad, so we went to the source for dinner. We've made two trips to India, and I can honestly say it the Swad meal is one of the best restaurant meals we've ever had! Ordered several dishes including a thali. We ordered some things extra hot, which didn't seem to work too well, but I think that's normal the first time (they're afraid of testing western palates until they know you personally).Swad has a good selection of foods on the menu. The side dishes were also excellent. I think our favorite main dish was the utthapam. Everything came at a reasonable price. We love to cook India food, but South Indian seems particularly difficult to replicate. We'll definitely be visiting on a regular basis. Pros: complex flavors combinations, great variety, good price Cons: no serious ones more

This place is any day better than Swad, the owners at Bombay Express are very friendly, and the food is real authentic Indian food, I eat there at least twice a week. I am a vegetarian and this is the place for people like us. they also have vegan options. Its at the corner of parmer and IH35 in the Walmart complex Pros: best vegetarian indian place more

I went to Swad just last night for the first time, and I was impressed. It is a place for folks who just want to go grab some good Indian food. If you're looking for some romantic, overplayed, cultural experience, I don't think this is your place. If you're looking to go to a place just as you are, with friends or family or by yourself, then you should try it out. I tried the Thali Special there, and despite my large appetite and most stalwart effort, I could not tackle the whole thing. The variety plate offered flavors that I have not come by in any of the Indian places I have been in Austin. In addition, the price is right. I came out of there bursting at the seams for right at $12 (with tip), and I think that a person could get away with just as much or more food for less money at Swad. Pros: Good food, good price more

I loved this place, years ago. Then, sometime around three years ago, it changed. The mean old woman who used to work the counter, but knew her stuff, was replaced by a younger woman who is constantly badgered by the old woman when the old woman comes out from the kitchen. It is sad to watch. The food also changed for the worse. It was spicy, if you wanted it that way, but they could also tone things down for a more ""Westernized"" palate. No longer. All of the food we had, the last two times, was just about impossible to eat because of the hot, hot peppers in it. We asked for mild, and got fire, instead. I don't want to come off as one to judge ethnicity, but the very positive reviews here, in the recent past, appear to come from folks from India, perhaps, as judged by screen names used and grammar in the posts. These folks are used to, and like, fiery food. That's fine. As judged by the crowds that consisted of 99% non native-born US dwellers the last two times we were there, Swad is doing fine. It seems they have decided to snub us non-Indian folks, and that's their right, I suppose. I like tasty Indian food and cook it, as well, but the ultra-hot stuff is not for me and I would guess, as judged by the aforementioned ethnicity of the crowds now, not for many other US-born folks. Too bad. I do miss the old Swad and think about it each time I shop at the Indian grocery store next to it. more

Recently we moved from ATL to AUS and after trying all Indian Restaurants that are located around (close to 6 of them ? both veg and non-veg restaurants)..I personally feel this is one of the best restaurant that we like and prefer as they serve wide variety of vegetarian dishes which they normally have for buffet or excellent items listed on menu. more

Swad is by far the best indian food in at least 100 mile radius. I live 70 miles from Austin but we would drive down to Austin just for the Swad food. I have known the operators for past 15 years and the person who commented about their honesty needs to have their head examined. They are by far the most honest business people, always deliver more. I recommend this place highly. more

You would never guess that in the sort of dreary shopping mall near Rundberg and Lamar, there would be such a treasure, a vegetarian's home-away-from-home... Soothing aromas envelope you when you open the door, and there is usually a diverse and happy crowd - it's definitely family-friendly. Pros: Authentic, Family owned and operated, casual order counter environment Cons: Counter line can sometimes be long! They're closed on Tuesdays! more

Excellent food. Great Indian authentic taste. Good quantity for less price and still excellent quality of food. Prompt service. Ambience is OK, can improve lil bit. My best dish so far has been Paratha Shak and Dosas. I would highly recommend this place!!! Pros: Good quality food more

I saw some reviews in which the person said that you are a fool if you don't like this place...I guess you are a bigger fool if you like this place. My husband and I went there , I can say it was a big mistake..... the food was stale , the paneer sabji was more than 2-3 days old. I sent it back but they said it was fresh... I also witnessed lack of professional attitude. IEveryone overthere in the kitchenwas talking so loudly that each time the door opened I was scared to death. There was an old lady(may be the owner) who was contineously shouting at her daughter-in-law...it was not a good experience. I never went back there. I will not go there ieven if they offered me free food. more

My husband and I have eaten at Swad about 5-6 times in the last 10 months. The food has always been pretty good, I love the variety in their Thali and my husband really likes their Chole Bhature. Just a word of caution, stay away from their South Indian food. The service though not great is passable. Overall Swad is a great value for money. Pros: Food more

My favorite Indian restaurant in town. It serves only vegetarian snacks. Don't miss the puri's the masala aloo dosa and a mango lassi. more

I visited Swad last week. They overcharged my credit card by $15. Those of you who pay by credit card at this restaurant be aware and save your receipt. more

Swad has awesome Indian snacks from bhel puri to samosas! There is no doubt they are #1 in Austin for snacks. Dosas and idlis are also wonderfully prepared. However, their thali is really not good at all. We ended up ordering it once and couldn't even make out what dish was what-and we're INDIAN! The flavors in the thali vegetables were awful and we ordered a paneer dosa that came with potato and grated paneer (small amount) on it. It was a shame, but now we know only to order the snacks and not full-fledged meals. Pros: vegetarian, fast service, awesome snacks! Cons: thalis overrated, food sometimes greasy, sometimes bad seating more

Can't go wrong. Everything I've tried here is delicious. The sampler platter is the way to go and can feed two people no problem. My only wish is that they include English translations of the menu. They are helpful at the ordering counter but during busy times (which is almost always), it would be better to order without holding up the line. You might find some nice patrons in line who can help you decipher the menu! Pros: Taste, Quantity, Price Cons: Atmosphere more

We were visiting from Houston and were very pleasantly surprised with the choice and quality of food at Swad. This place beats any Indian vegetarian restaurant in Houston. The foos was very fresh, tasty, reasonably priced and full of north and south Indian choices. Just visit and taste for youself! Pros: fresh, tasty, nice and clean more

I wish I could eat at Swad every day. On second thought, I guess I could since the prices are so reasonable. I might consider this idea for the future. I have never had anything here that wasn't in the top 10% of anything I have ever put in my mouth. I go for the classic masala dosa, which is about three times the size of my head. AND I get an appetizer, because they're so darn good. There's no reason to mess around reading this review -- just go eat! Everyone eating there has a smile on their face. Seriously, I've never seen anyone there who is anything short of really happy. Pros: food, service, value more

swad has authentic indian food, well made every time. It is guaranteed to please your palate. The Thali is generous in size and a great value. The nan is wonderful, as are all the breads. Everything is flavorful and aromatic. Spicy, but not to the point of pain. Eat Thali at Swad once, and you will become addicted. Remember they are closed on tuesdays. Pros: inexpensive, ample parking, best india food more

I totally didn't believe my friends when they told me about the dosas at Swad. They are the width of my shoulders! For me, the best one has to be the paneer dosa with the cheese lining the inside of the lentil wrap. If you go, you absolutely positively cannot pass up the puri at Swad! If you are new to Indian cuisine, the staff are super helpful in making suggestions based on your tastes. more

The food here is fantastic. I have been to several other Indian restaurants in Austin, and many more in other countries, and this is definitely the best food around. For those not sure of what to get for your first time, try just the combination plate wtih some bread of your choice, it's more than enough food for one person, and will having your mouth watering for more. Pros: Food, Inexpensive Cons: , Decor more