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Review content:
There are several good (and not-so-good) Indian restaurants in the Pittsburgh area, but here's what distinguishes Zaiaka. The food is always prepared with the very freshest, high-quality ingredients (paneer is made in house, etc.). The complimentary papadams served with chutney before the meal are always fresh and crisp. Anyone who has ever been served chewy papadams that have been sitting around soaking up humidity all day will appreciate this.
They do a wonderful job on favorites like rogan josh (lamb always very tender), chana masala, chili chicken, and my wife's favorite, palak paneer, but their menu is more interesting than the typical Indian restaurant because of their numerous specialties, like chicken with fresh mango, baingan bukhara, and tilapia in mustard sauce. As for bread, they do excellent, always-fresh garlic naan, onion naan, paneer kulcha, and mouth-watering poori (make a special request – it's not on the menu).
Zaiaka is also set apart by their atmosphere and their honest and generous hospitality. The tasteful decor is more upscale (with real tablecloths and cloth napkins) but not the least bit pretentious. The owners, the Kumars, are among the nicest people you could hope to meet. They make absolutely certain you truly feel comfortable and welcome.
All this adds up to a superior dining experience. Not only is Zaiaka my favorite local Indian restaurant, it ranks among the best I have tried anywhere during my business travels. Virtually everyone I've taken has raved about it, from knowledgeable Indian food enthusiasts to many “converts” who were initially apprehensive or, based on prior experiences, even believed they didn't like Indian food. Zaiaka is an absolute find.
Pros: Fresh ingredients, unique menu items, best hospitality
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