Pintu's Indian Palace - West Springfield, MA

There is nothing quite like good indian food. I was first turned on to indian food by my boyfriend a few years ago and while I was hesitant at first to try a new type of cuisine with the first bite I immediately fell in love with the warm spices and creamy sauces that Indian food is famous for.

Pintus Indian Cuisine is a small place located on Elm Street in West Springfield. It is really cozy inside and makes for a great place for a night out with a special someone. The restaurant is small with a limited number of tables so on a busy night you will most definitely have to wait for a table.

Pintu's has a large variety of appetizers, if you can't make up your mind on what you want to try go for the sampler platter which they have in both a vegetarian and non-vegetarian variety. The non -vegetarian platter is a huge platter of tandoori style chicken, lamb and vegetable samosas, tempura fried vegetables called Pakora, and also Aloo Tikki which is similar to a potato pancake. Try these offerings with different combinations from the chutney tray that is given to each table and you are sure to get things started off right.

When it comes to entrees Pintu's again has many selections in both the vegetarian and non- vegetarian categories. My favorite dish is a vegetarian dish called Malai Kofta which are basically fried cottage cheese and potato dumplings in a rich and creamy tomato gravy. The Malai Kofta at Pintu's is hands down the best I have ever had, not just in Western Mass but anywhere, it is full of Indian Spices (especially curry) cashews, and raisins which add a hint of sweet which cuts the saltiness of the gravy. Believe me when I tell you that I have dreams about this stuff....it is that good. Don't be afraid to let the server know the level of "spicy" you would like. Pintu's, along with most indian restaurants, will cater the spice to your liking so don't be turned off if you don't like spicy food.

Other entrees to try are the Lamb Curry, which is tidbits of lamb cooked in a curry and yogurt and the Nav Ratan Korma which is large pieces of cauliflower and other vegetables in a tomato based cream sauce, similar to the Malai Kofta, with nuts and raisins. Both are delicious as are many of the entrees on Pintu's extensive menu.

The traditional Indian breads at Pintu's are not to be missed the Garlic Nan and the Alu Nan are both personal favorites but you can't go wrong with any of the selections. These thick, pita like breads, are coated in butter and baked in the tandoor oven making them perfect to scoop up those curry sauces.

Another great thing about Pintu's is they have a wide selection of wines from around the world which are displayed throughout the restaurant. Pintu himself also has his own special brew called the Pintu's Porter that is brewed through Berkshire Brewing Company. It is a great accompaniment to the spicy dishes on the menu.

My one and only complaint about Pintu's is that the service is really hit or miss. Sometimes you go in and the service is incredible, with Pintu himself even stopping by to welcome you and chat at your table. At other times, especially weekend evenings, you can be easily forgotten, wait half an hour to an hour for your food, and sit with empty drinks.

If you don't mind taking a gamble on the service I highly recommend checking out Pintu's for some of the best indian food you will ever eat!

Pintu's Indian 217 Elm Street West Springfield, MA 01089