Downtown Provo is filled with independently-owned ethnic restaurants, each of them bringing a unique cultural experience to the heart of Utah Valley. Yesterday, we decided to venture over to one of these restaurants, India Palace, which has been a staple in Downtown Provo for over eight years.
India Palace is owned by Amrik Singh and managed by his son Bhinda Singh. The Singh family was so friendly and welcoming from the minute we walked in to their restaurant, and they were happy to sit down with us and tell us about the history of India Palace.
In addition to being the owner of India Palace, Amrik is also the head chef. Amrik told us that he gained his cooking skills from his mother while growing up in India, and he prides himself on creating the most delicious, authentic Indian dishes in the state of Utah. But don't take our word for it—India Palace recently won "Best of State" for the 2015 Best Indian Restaurant for the state of Utah. Aside from this award, India Palace has won numerous "Best of Utah County" awards as well as "Best of Provo" awards.
Amrik first decided to open an Indian restaurant in Provo back in 2007, when he noticed a void in the Provo restaurant selection. There was only one other Indian restaurant in Provo at that time, and it was only open for dinner. So Amrik decided to open India Palace on Center Street in Provo, open from 11 AM-10 PM, including a lunch buffet from 11 AM-2:30 PM. And thus a Utah Valley star was born.
As far as the food goes, Amrik and Bhinda have a few favorite dishes that they recommend trying: Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Coconut Korma, Pineapple Chicken, Butter Chicken, the Mango Lassi drink, and rice pudding dessert. Of course, every meal is served with fresh, homemade Naan breads. If you're finding it difficult to settle on just one dish, stop by for the lunch buffet so that you can sample a little of each!
In addition to great food, India Palace offers a uniquely Indian atmosphere, complete with original paintings throughout the restaurant that were painted in India. The atmosphere is truly warm, inviting, and carries the authentic Indian feeling. The atmosphere has drawn in thousands of Utah Valley patrons over the years, but it has also drawn in an impressive list of celebrities as well. Bhinda told us that India Palace has hosted Danny Glover, Flavor Flav, and Randy Jackson, to name a few.
Another great thing about India Palace is that if you, the customer, don't see your favorite Indian dish on the menu, you can request it on the India Palace Facebook page, and India Palace will make your special dish just for you!
India Palace is a must-visit for anyone who ever visits Provo's Center Street. Amrik and Bhinda will most definitely make you feel right at home!
If you go:
- India Palace is located at 98 W. Center Street, Provo UT 84601. (801) 373-7200
- Monday-Saturday 11 AM-10 PM
- Buffet: Monday-Friday 11:00 AM-2:30 PM
