Cafe Maharani

My husband and I recently tried Indian food for the first time at Cafe Maharani.

We arrived approximately 10 minutes after opening, and we lucked out and got the last stall in their tiny parking lot in the back.

We also lucked out with the seating - there were only four open tables left in this hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Those who arrived about 5:30 had at least a 30 minute wait.

Once we were given our menus (we had a long wait for a menu because they ran out), my husband and I decided to order the Maharani Dinner for Two, which consists of an appetizer (Samosa or Pakora), Rice, Naan, and any veggie or chicken entree (lamb entrees are $2 extra) for $40.99).

We also ordered dessert.

Since neither of us knew anything about Indian food, we asked our server for suggestions, and here is what we ordered:

Tamarind and Mint Sauces

Vegetarian Samosa - A crispy pastry filled with veggies

Buttered Naan

Jasmine Rice

Chicken Tikka Masala - Tandoori chicken in a tomato and cream sauce

Lamb Malai Korma - lamb in an almond-cashew sauce.

Kheer - Sweet Rice Pudding

I enjoyed the Samosas, Rice, and Naan.  The Kheer was good, but a little too sweet for my taste.  The Chicken Tikka Masala was absolutely delicious.  It was spicy and flavorful.  The dish was filled with A LOT of chicken.  It looked like I barely made a dent in it when I stopped eating.

My husband enjoyed the Lamb Malai Korma, even though the garnishes were left off (cashews, raisins).

Despite quite slow service (the little restaurant was PACKED), it was evident that it wasn't intentional.  All of the employees were trying their best to service the customers as best as they could.  The chef was dishing out as much as he could as quickly as he could from the tiny little kitchen, and the servers were rushing back and forth to customers all night.

We still enjoyed the our visit and would definitely dine there again.

Cafe Maharani

2509 S King St  Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 951-7447
Open daily 5pm-10pm