GoodTaste
When Minar Palace closed two years ago, Center City takeout aficionados went into a momentary tandoori tailspin. The void was partially filled by the arrival of some new Indian stars, but excitement over Minar's recent reemergence in a snazzy new Walnut Street space cannot be denied.
When Minar Palace closed two years ago, Center City takeout aficionados went into a momentary tandoori tailspin. The void was partially filled by the arrival of some new Indian stars, but excitement over Minar's recent reemergence in a snazzy new Walnut Street space cannot be denied.
To my taste buds, the cooking here isn't as vivid as at the slightly more expensive Tiffin. But Minar's incredibly cheap prices (like this chicken tikka masala, $8.95 with rice, salad and raita) are still such stellar values, I'm reminded why it became a staple to begin with. The ever-popular delivery service is still weeks away, but first-time visitors to the handsomely designed new space will be shocked at how much nicer it is than the gritty old hole in the wall they remember. This Minar may be a far cry from the total dive its Sansom Street predecessor was, but the "Palace" of bargain ethnic eats is back.
Chicken tikka masala costs $8.95 at Minar Palace, 1304 Walnut St., 215-546-9443.
- Craig LaBan