Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

Indian food is one of these cuisines that we often crave and with the closure of Soul Curry in Hoboken, we did not have much in the city, Karma Cafe not being a favorite. So, when Empyrean Indian Kitchen and Bar opened, we immediately ordered food for delivery and were impressed by the food there. So, it was time for us, many months later, to dine in there and, similar to our deliveries, we did it more than once…The dishes at Empyrean Indian Kitchen and Bar are a festival of flavors whether you want it spicy or mild, vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Every meal starts with the papadum, these crackers served with mint chutney and tamarind sauce. They are great as an aperitif with one of their cocktails. They have a full bar so you can get either a house cocktail like the Gujju Misunderstood Smash that is made with Misunderstood Whisky, cucumber, lime, mint and ginger, or a classic like a whisky sour. Of course, I tried their mango lassi that is usually my go to drink, using it to counteract any spiciness (also because I like it).

Our go to appetizer there has always been the samosa that have a nice kick.

For curry, I love their butter chicken and chicken tikka masala (the paneer tikka masala is superb): it is creamy and comforting, the sauce itself being kind of addictive and I could not stop dipping the lachha paratha or butter naan we ordered. But one of my favorites is the lamb korma, that is phenomenal: that cashew sauce is so good! You can decide to have goat instead of lamb, but I admit that in the past, when I tried goat (not there), I found it tough.

We also often ordered their dal makhni that was delightfully creamy. This is a dish I re-discovered while traveling to India few years ago and always order, but more as a side.

For dessert, our go to is always the gulab jamun that are these deep fried milk balls dipped in a sugar syrup.

So, yes, Empyrean Indian Kitchen and Bar is my favorite Indian restaurant in Hoboken, not that there are many, but still: the food there is delicious, comforting and flavorful, with generous portions, so we always have some dishes packed for another meal…

Enjoy (I did)!

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Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar - 20 Hudson Place, Hoboken, NJ 07030

I Just Want To Eat!