Essence of North India, North Ryde

Matt and I have driven past Essence of North India in North Ryde several times and it's been on the list to try. We arrive on a Sunday evening and seated immediately.There's a big dining room of out dated furniture and a few chairs have tears in them. I'm not too phased as if the food is great then it doesn't matter about the furniture. But first I need to try the food.

After experiencing really high quality Indian food at Manjit's,  I am hoping for another hidden gem.  We try to get the attention of the solo waitress as she is preparing other tables.

Matt and I order Chicken Tikka Masala ($19.40). I hear a number of microwave sounds and then we are served warm plates. I hear more microwave sounds and then our food comes out.

I am not sure if our food has just been microwaved but I can't help but wonder why they don't turn off the sound or turn up the music so the customers can't hear the sound. The boneless chicken is flavoursome with mild and spicy tones with capsicum, onion and tomato in a masala sauce. I prefer another local Indian, the Nova Mantra,  when comparing this dish. I still enjoy the garlic naan ($3.50) with the chicken tikka masala.

Matt orders a Peshwari Naan ($5.00) which is a sweet naan with dried fruit and shredded coconut. He orders the Mughlai Chicken (Chef's Special) which is a chicken dish with yellow sauce and coconut milk, cardamom and spices. Matt agrees that the other local, Nova Manta, is his preference and the portion size is slightly bigger at the other venue. He still enjoys the mild flavours of this coconut milk based curry however I think the microwave sounds have turned him off. The sweet naan makes for a contrast in flavour.

Summary: With some changes in decore, how fresh they cook their food and customer service, I think Essence of North India has potential. There are some really delicious flavours in the food. However for now, I'll be going to the other Indian in North Ryde on Cox Rd.

Price: Most Mains are $20-25

Location: 124 Wicks Rd, North Ryde

Opening Hours: 
Monday To Thursday 12pm to 2pm, 5pm to 9:30pm
Friday to Sunday 12pm to 2pm, 5pm to 10pm

Weekend Food Escapes dined anonymously and independently paid for this meal. All words, photos and opinions are my own.