Thanal Indian Tavern

"We came here for dinner during restaurant week and enjoyed our meal. Everything was flavorful and we liked that they had a lot of different options for apps and entrees. Their garlic naan and butter chicken are very good."

"Good enough indian spot in city. The place used to have buffet which was better for lunch. Now I think it’s bit on higher priced than worth. But still good if you are looking for a quick option in the locality."

"Delicious food and very accommodating staff! Tandoori wings, Apollo fish, chana chaat, bullet naan, thanal special goat curry, anjeer kofta...so good and flavorful. The Madras mule was different with curry leaves in it. The staff was very nice and accommodating to our requests as we were a big group! It was a little loud though upstairs where we were sitting otherwise everything was great!"

"Stepping into Thanal Indian Tavern in Philly, the first impression is undeniably modern and youthful. The vibrant ambiance and the presence of a full bar set the stage for what seemed like a promising culinary adventure. The journey commenced on a high note with the appetizers. The Chicken 65 was an absolute standout, reaching new heights in flavor and texture. Each bite revealed a perfect blend of spices, with a crispy exterior that complemented the succulent chicken inside. It wasn't just good; it was among the best I've ever had. The flavors were a harmonious dance of aromatic spices, delivering a tantalizing kick that left a lasting impression. The Apollo Fish was very good, but didn't quite reach the same culinary zenith. The fish, though flavorful, suffered from a slight sogginess that detracted from the overall experience. Imagining it fried, akin to the superb Chicken 65, would undoubtedly have elevated this dish to new heights, allowing the spices to meld with a satisfying crunch. Unfortunately, the high hopes took a nosedive with the entrees. The Butter Chicken in particular was a letdown. Overpowered by an excessive amount of cardamom, it failed to showcase any other flavors. The Malabar Fish Curry, while not bad, lacked the depth of taste and suffered from the same soggy texture as the Apollo Fish. Perhaps a different cooking method, like frying, could have brought out the best in both dishes. The Mango Lassi was a refreshing interlude, it slightly redeemed the dining experience. Its freshness and well-balanced sweetness provided a delightful respite, serving as the perfect accompaniment to the array of flavors on the table. The dessert continued the trend of letdowns. The Rasmalai, usually a favorite, fell short of expectations. Soggy and excessively sweet, it failed to capture the delicate textures and nuanced sweetness that define this traditional Indian treat. In the end, Thanal Indian Restaurant offered a mixed bag of culinary experiences. While the starters showcased the kitchen's prowess in delivering bold and flavorful dishes, the main courses stumbled in execution. With a bit of refinement, especially in the case of the Butter Chicken and Malabar Fish Curry, this establishment has the potential to rise to greater heights. For those willing to navigate the menu strategically, a visit to Thanal promises glimpses of Indian culinary brilliance."

"We made a reservation for 2 a few days in advance with no trouble finding a good time slot. It was restaurant week and they offered a 3 course meal with an appetizer, main course, and dessert for $20. For the appetizers, we got the Samosa and Kodi Vepudu. The Kodi Vepudu was phenomenal (and a little spicy) and you get a whole plate of it! The Samosa was delicious, but you only get one piece. For the main course we got the Chicken Tikka Masala, Fish Curry, Garlic Naan, and Roti. I was a little confused because from the menu it looks like you're also supposed to get Basmati Rice. The Tikka Masala was super creamy and tasted amazing. They were also very generous with the amount of chicken and fish. I also really enjoyed the Garlic Naan. It was delicious on its own and tasted great with the leftover sauce from our entrees. For dessert we got the Gulab Jamun and the Rice Kheer. The Gulab Jamun was super sweet as expected. The Rice Kheer was good but a little plain tasting. It had a great texture because the rice was perfectly undercooked, but I wish they added a little more flavor. For $20 this was an amazing experience. I cannot emphasize how good the value is. I highly recommend the Kodi Vepudu, Chicken Tikka Masala, and the Garlic Naan."