
For a university student to become a regular at a restaurant, that restaurant must satisfy three conditions: affordability, a convenient location, and the taste of food. Recently my friends and I have been trying new restaurants on Whyte Avenue to explore the different options and cuisines it has to offer.
Namaste India is a somewhat hole-in-the-wall restaurant that my friends and I stumbled upon by chance. It is a restaurant chain that has been around for a while, with multiple locations around Edmonton. However, the ideal location for university students is the location on Whyte Avenue.
It hits all three of the conditions for a university student to become a regular. There is a wide range of different food options, including items on the cheaper side. Convenience is also key. It is only a 20-minute bus ride away from campus. The owner of Namaste India is also the chef, which showcases how much care is put into the food. The staff who work there are also very friendly. When they recognize regulars they surprise them with free dessert every so often.
The restaurant provides a variety of options to choose from, ranging from classic East Indian dishes to Indo-Chinese fusion choices. The newest inclusion is the buffet, which is one of the cheaper options. Not only is it affordable, but you get to try as many dishes as you like. The lunch buffet is $18.99 and the dinner buffet is $23.99. This gives customers a chance to try out a range of items from their menu.
Some of my favourites are the vegetable biriyani, with a lamb or chicken butter masala, and a vindaloo with a side of naan. It’s the perfect combination and it works great when sharing amongst a big group of friends. Recently, my friends and I have been enjoying the Indo-Chinese dishes that they serve. Our go-to is the chilli chicken and the chicken or vegetable fried rice. The portion sizes are quite big so this works perfectly to share amongst friends and family. There are also vegetarian options ranging from paneer to chaat, which also go very well with naan or other options of interest.
Namaste India is an affordable option, with delicious food, large portion sizes, and it isn’t too far from campus, which makes it a great option for students. If you and your friends or family are ever looking for a warm and hearty meal, this is the place for you. The friendly staff, cozy vibes, and delicious food make Namaste India the best place to go when you’re in the mood for some comfort food!