We originally went there at the behest of our friend Owen, who is a food and coffee connoisseur, and had made a special trip to eat there. We were very glad we went, and have already been there a second time! Their emphasis is to have dishes from different regions of India, and someone with expertise in all these regions could comment on this much better than I. But having said that, wow, wow, wow, we were dazzled by every single dish!

Two particular dishes stood out, both fish dishes: Fish in Banana Leaf: marinated fish of the day wrapped in banana leaves with South Indian Spices, and Meen Molee: coconut crusted fish of the day cooked with curry leaves, mustard, tomato and spices. We also had mouth-watering appetizers both times. Despite mentioning two fish dishes, the menu is quite varied, and includes items that you won’t find in every Indian eatery. Even an impressive selection of vegan and vegetarian items, something that Indian cuisine does better than almost anyone. I don’t order Tandoori items as often, but the ones they have here are extremely tempting.

The restaurant is located in a small shopping strip mall, yet it has very nice decor and a very pleasant atmosphere. We made reservations for Saturday night, and this did matter, because the place was pretty well mobbed. This allowed us to waltz in ahead of a pretty long line. Service was skilled and friendly without being intrusive. The lively clientele was professional and fairly upscale, including many Indians. Having said that, Indian food, even at this level, is an excellent value.

Over the years I’ve asked my Indian acquaintances about many good Indian restaurants, and almost without exception, their answer is, my mother makes far better food than this. I don’t know if it’s simply that the first thing you experience becomes the standard, or if Indian mothers are truly the best cooks on the planet, but it’s something that’s in the back of my mind when I eat Indian cuisine. Eating at Karavalli marks the first time that I’ve ever been impressed enough to consider that it may actually be better than mom’s, or at least as good. I’ve never had better, and I say that after having eaten great Indian food at fine restaurants in Toronto, New York, and Boston. No doubt others will have found incredible places, and I hope they’ll fill us in.

When you’re in the capitol district, I urge you to try Karavalli if you love Indian food, as we do! If you can find food better than this, I want to meet your mom!!!

Karavalli
9B Johnson Road
Latham, NY 12110
Telephone: 518-785-7600

PS: I hear they’ve just opened in Saratoga as well!