New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Paradise Indian Food

by Nick
15th May 2013

Best biryani and curries in New Zealand…I just keep on coming back! Great ambience, friendly waiting staff.

You don’t need to look anywhere else for the best Indian food around. As I’m from the Philippines, I highly recommend Paradise to my fellow countrymen who love Indian food.

by Huang.X
13th May 2013

My friend recommended me this restaurant, we went here last week, we really liked their food. The customer service was great, I feel it is the best Indian food in Auckland, I will go back with my friend again.

by Mary Y.
7th May 2013

We eat out regularly and I am very impressed with this restaurant. Great customer service, polite and helpful. Delicious foods. Most of all is the price, cheap cheap for quality foods. We definitely will go back again.

by Vyshnavi S.
30th April 2013

There is no doubt that their food is amazing but their customer service needs to improve. It really wouldn’t hurt to smile a bit more and me more friendly. One of them always acts like he’s doing us all a huge favour by serving us. Food is great though. Esp. their Chicken 65 and my new favourite Paneer Butter Masala! So good!

by Matt S.
1st April 2013

Awesome. I would eat here every day if my wife would let me!

We are regulars at Paradise Takeaways and we have tried a few of their dishes which all seem great but it is hard to go past our favorites – Chicken 65 and Manchurian Chicken. Fantastic flavours and great value.

We recommend this place to all our friends and some of them even drive from across town to get their Indian takeaways from here now.

If you love good solid Indian flavours then this place is for you!

by Jawad
14th March 2013

Hi guys, I highly recommend this place for all events I placed an order here for my 21st birthday Party and people could not stop complimenting the food it added so much value to my Party! I would definitely recommend everyone to get good for any occasion it’s simply so tasty and amazing.

by Sumit S.
1st March 2013

Paradise has the best Indian food I have tasted outside India. And, having lived a foodie’s life in the UK, Australia and NZ, I believe that is a very high achievement.

The hustle and bustle, sights and smells, cricket and Bollywood on the TVs, the chefs working away in the kitchen…. Its like a small representation of the subcontinent. Grab a chair, enjoy people-watching and soak in the atmosphere… but not for too long as the service is fairly prompt. Do not expect the staff to fall over backwards – they are insanely busy. But do expect them to be very serious about what they do. The owner Salah, in particular, has the hands-on approach needed to be on the top of the game down to a fine art. From getting stuck in at work to constantly experimenting with his excellent chefs to bring innovative dishes, he does it all.

My biggest regret in moving to Wellington was not being able to eat at Paradise as often as I would like. Nevertheless, I make it a point to go there every time I am in Auckland.

by Anita
28th February 2013

I lead the Sandringham Food & Spice Tour through the village restaurants and Paradise is definitely one of the best that we go to. We have now come visit four times and each time owner Salah is very attentive and describes each of the foods we try. We have tried afghani kebabs, chicken tikka (both made in tandoori) chicken lollypops (weekend special) and of course the delicious desserts such as carrot halwa and kheer. They do not take reservations and they can become very busy most evenings, even on a Tuesday! Be patient, it is worth the wait. Or come try them out for lunchtime in their new Takeaway restaurant next door…

by Amanda P.
22nd February 2013

My absolute favorite place to eat anywhere in the Auckland area is Paradise. I discovered it through a friend while living in Auckland in 2012 and quickly became a regular. If you like great Indian food then this is certainly the place to go! Also, because it specializes in a specific region of Indian cuisine, you will more than likely find something totally new to try! If you are new to Indian cuisine, it’s a great place to start as they are very helpful in explaining the dishes and letting you know the spice intensity.

I think the most important thing to note about Paradise is that it is consistently great every single time. You will never be disappointed. The only thing I miss more than the amazing friends I made in Auckland is eating with them every week at Paradise.

by Natasha F.
18th February 2013

Sandringham road is full of Indian restaurants, none of which, in my opinion surpasses Paradise for its flavour, variety, variety and exceedingly good service.
Its a gastronomic delight!

The menu is a happy blend of the reassuring and the experimental; with enchanting dishes from all over the sub continent.
The chicken lollypops and Afgani kebab will leave your taste buds watering. The pepper paneer and Lamb Pasanda are mindbogglingly delicious, not to mention the Biryani which is the best I’ve ever tasted.
I’ve even been pleasantly surprised by their sweets- Indian cooking isn’t exactly famous for its deserts, yet I somehow manage to always find a space for the scrumptious bread pudding. I simply can’t leave without having some.

I could write all day, but my mouth is watering… It’s simply the best Indian food in Auckland!
Try it for yourself.

by Ron W.
15th February 2013

Paradise has the best tasting food I’ve found so far. Their service is very fast and the food is delicious (especially the Biryani and the Chicken Tandoori) The food is very well prepared, very authentic Indian and very tasty and Great authentic atmosphere,wonderful place to dine-in or birthday parties. This restaurant is a very good value for the money, highly recommended.

by Neil W.
14th February 2013

Not your standard Indian restaurant. Entirely different menu that is amazing. Need to try everything on it. I’m not a vegetarian but the paneer special masala is incredible. Also, give the chicken lollipops a go, you’ll never stop eating them. Very comfortable place and fast service too! 5 stars

by Hadley P.
13th February 2013

Its very simple, the biryani at this place is without doubt, the best thing I have ever eaten in an indian restaurant and takeaway. Add some of the mint sauce that comes with every order and you wont be able to see anymore because all your senses have focused to taste and smell. This is one of my favorite meals ever and therefore my favorite indian without question.

Thank you for showing me how food can be served. Salah, you sir are a legend.

by Anna-Marie S.
13th February 2013

Paradise is quite simply a gastronomical delight.
It been a favourite of our family since we discovered it through word-of-mouth, several months ago.
It’s bustling, energetic and suitable for both large groups, couples or families. You are made to feel welcome by the team as soon as you walk through the door and the service is excellent.
The food is the best mogul style Indian food I have ever had the pleasure of satiating myself with. Lollipop Chicken, Afghani Kebab and Paneer Masala are just are few of the delectable dishes I love.
Finally the price…….. For less than $20 a head we walk out of this restaurant with our food bellies bulging, feeling utterly overindulged.
GO THERE!

by Alice H.
13th February 2013

Paradise has become a favourite for me and my friends. The staff are friendly and accommodating. The food is incredible and so well priced. I don’t feel like I need to recommend any dish in particular as everything I’ve had from vegetarian dishes to biryani, bhagi to naan have been excellent.
I’d also recommend the new takeaway section of the restaurant. I can’t get enough and regularly travel from the North Shore to pick up a meal.

by Albert H.
30th January 2013

Best Indian restaurant in Auckland and indeed New Zealand!
For one, it’s priced cheaply with all mains under $20. Given the quLity of the food, this makes it excellent value for money.
The highlights to try include Chilli Chicken (chicken fried with onion and green chilli in a brown sauce), Manchurian Chicken (chicken with soy sauce and coriander) and Ginger Chicken (a curry with red ginger and spice gravy that goes great with rot).
The Biryani is also very tasty. Cool your mouth with Kheer (Indian milk and rice pudding), a great finish to the meal.
Add to that friendly and helpful staff and you get the true star restaurant of Sandringham and Auckland. Wish the business the best for a fruitful and prosperous future.

by Steph H.
12th January 2013

This is by far my favourite Indian restaurant! I don’t live in Auckland but every time I come up here I make a habit of going to Paradise. Their food is just delicious, every time! I find the staff to be very lovely, and they are very willing to accommodate to any special dietary requests. Every time I have been there it has been absolutely packed and people come in and out every literally all the time, and they are mostly Indian (a great sign). I can’t speak highly enough of this place, I just wish we had something like this in Tauranga!

by Hailey T.
22nd December 2012

I was amazed to see how this place was crowded with Indians and the people lined up outside the restaurant. The service was not so great, wouldn’t harm if the staff could put a smile on the face. We had lamb and special chef chicken curry which were ok, the chef special chicken curry was below average. Later we found out this place is famous for their Biryany and kebabs. Will def come back to try the Biryani There are a couple of Spices Shops on the same street, you must go there and see, those spices shops are amazing.

by Jana
17th December 2012

Wow! This is one of my fav cheat meal places in Auckland. Best biryani in town – simply delish. Also tried the chicken 65 and lamb balti recently and they were both spectacular.
Have heard rave reviews of the weekend specials – can’t wait to try it! Keep it up team Paradise

by Rustom K.
10th December 2012

We visited Paradise for a Sunday Indian style food dinner with a group of friends. The place was full to the brim, people enjoying their evening meal so happily. The staff were the most courteous I have experienced in a long time. Their service was very prompt. They were able to deliver our order correctly & served us impeccably. Full marks to all your extremely well mannered staff members. To me that was a truly excellent experience. Their food selection is authentic Hyderabadi Indian cuisine, the flavors were uniquely exquisite, the meats absolutely tender & beautifully prepared. Not too hot for the Kiwi palate but not too mild either. Kiwis rave about such authentic Indian cuisine. The Biryani is superb & highly recommended. Their portion was hearty. Overall it is a beautiful symphony of Indian food in a lovely atmosphere. Great staff, attending to your requests promptly; a true mark of a great dining experience. Feel free to use your fingers if need be, as the food is truly finger licking great. The demand must be high for such lovely food, as they have opened their takeaways next door. You can watch the Chefs through the ‘window’ preparing those magnificent tender kebabs & the fluffiest Rotis. Indeed a great taste of Indian cooking right in the heart of Sandringham. A real delight. Very highly recommended after a superb dining experience by yours truly & friends.

by Tim
27th October 2012

The best Indian food me and my wife have tasted ever.
Been there twice in a few weeks now and will not go anywhere else from now on.also, excellent value with large very tasty servings. Nice and spicy curries,perfect naan and biriyani
Easy parking on the street down side road to,unlike other places in Auckland where parking is near impossible.
I see even the Indian cricket team has dined there.
A brilliant find.

by Ashwin
15th October 2012

This is by far the most authentic and high quality Indian restaurant in Auckland. I don’t go anywhere else for my Indian food now. Afghani Kebab + Chicken Biriyani + Lamb Masala = Happiest man on earth. Fantastic service with a comfortable atmosphere. Keep up the great work and I will continue to come in every week!

by Amber-rose S.
1st October 2012

No doubt that this is the best Indian restaurant in Auckland!! The food is delicious and my fiance and I are frequent diners. Our favourites are the chilli chicken and their naan bread! So incredibly buttery and fluffy. We’ve never walked out of Paradise unhappy with our meals!

by Deahne L.
23rd September 2012

This is got to the best Indian food place to eat. The Best. Food is awesome. Love this place.

by Serene C.
20th August 2012

Absolutely love the food at Paradise. I’ve tried almost all the dishes on the menu and I absolutely adore the Chili Chicken and Chicken 65. I live in the city center and I would go all the way out there just to get my Paradise fix. The portions are value for money and it is by far the best Indian food I’ve tasted here in NZ.

by Shiva K.
24th July 2012

Very poor customer service and the biryani served to me was very disgusting, and I’m not gonna go back there and I don’t recommend my friends and family to visit there.

As I went on Friday I understand it was a busy night for then but I still expect a quality product as I am paying for it, the biryani was served to me was just a boiled rice and meat pieces tossed in it.
The taste was terribly bad as I took a takeaway I was trying to call them but nobody answered. As I was about to order a biryani for 50 people the next day for a family gathering lucky I tried it before I ordered it.

by James
12th May 2012

Been searching for the perfect Indian restaurant from kaitaia to bluff in invercargill. I’ve tried few of them but I can’t find the real indian taste like the ones I’ve patronaged when I was still living in Dubai. My friend/colleague from Kerala told me about Paradise. Men, I thought I found kerala and Dubai in Sandringham. The dishes are not made for the kiwi tongue (as most indian resto in NZ, sweet and nothing but sweet briyani…yuck!), but Paradise has that natural indian taste, reasonable price and excellent staff and patrons. It’s superb, totally highly recommended. I don’t mind travelling several kilometers to come to Sandringham…it’s worth it with Paradise resto.

by Adeline
15th April 2012

This place may just overtake Top in Town’s reputation as the best and cheapest Indian food ever. Loved the briyani rice, the curry was flavourful, the onion bhaji tasty and mango lassi heavenly. You can also eat there (apart from takeaway) – and the friendly service is just unexpected! Thumbs up!

by Cam W.
10th April 2012

Best Indian in Auckland! I have eaten at more than a few and this place is by far the tastiest. Excellent prices too.
The Lamb Biryani is unbelievably delicious, ultra tender and moist and if you are into your Vindaloo’s their beef Vindaloo is perfect. We have eaten here once a week for the last 2 month’s and have yet to experience any thing worth complaining about. Fast friendly service.

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