Royal India Indian Cuisine

Vegetarian Appetizer

Chana Bhatura

Fried dough with garbanzo bean curry.
$12.50
Chana Kulcha

Stuffed flatbread made from all-purpose flour in a clay oven with garbanzo bean curry.
$12.50
Samosa Chaat

Triangular pastry pockets with yogurt, potatoes, spices and chutney.
$8.50
Samosa

Triangular pastry pockets filled with spiced potato and vegetables.
$4.00
Chilli Paneer

Indian cottage cheese pieces in spicy sauce.
$13.50
Papri Aloo Chaat

Fried dough with potatoes, spices and chutney.
$8.50
Aloo - Tikki

Potato fritters with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, spices and chutney.
$4.00
Aloo - Tikki Chana

Potato fritters with garbanzo bean curry.
$8.50
Gobi Manchurian

Sweet and tangy made with vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, onions, flavored with spices with thick gravy.
$12.00
Paneer Pakora Pieces

Deep-fried Indian cottage cheese marinated and coated in garbanzo bean flour and spices. Served with mint chutney.
$8.00
Mix Veggie Pakora

Deep-fried vegetables chunks pieces marinated and coated in garbanzo bean flour and spices. Served with mint chutney.
$7.50
Gol-Gappe

Fried dough with yogurt, potatoes, spices and chutney.
$7.50
Gol-Gappe Chaat

Fried dough with yogurt, potatoes, spices and chutney.
$7.50

Non-Vegetarian Appetizer

Chilly Chicken

Boneless chicken pieces in spicy sauce.
$14.00
Fish Pakora

Deep-fried fish pieces marinated and coated in garbanzo bean flour and spices. Served with mint chutney.
$9.00
12 Piece Chicken Pakora

Deep-fried chicken pieces marinated and coated in bean flour and spices. Served with mint chutney.
$11.00
Chilly Shrimp

Succulent shrimp in spicy sauce.
$16.00

Vegetarian Dry Tandoori Delights

Afghani Paneer Tikka

Indian cottage cheese cubes marinated in a creamy sauce, nuts, melon seeds flavored with Indian herbs.
$15.50
Afgani Soya Chaap

Indian soya chaap marinated in creamy sauce, nuts, melon seeds flavored with Indian herbs.
$16.00
Amritsari Paneer Tikka

Indian cottage cheese cubes marinated in a spiced gram flour mixture and made in a clay oven.
$15.00

Non-Vegetarian Dry Tandoori Delights

Tandoori Chicken

Chicken marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic, lemon and freshly ground spices, slowly roasted in a clay oven.
$11.00
Chicken Tikka

Skewers of boneless chicken breast marinated in yogurt and spices, barbecued in tandoor oven.
$15.50
Fish Tandoori Tikka

Tandoor grilled succulent fish cubes marinated with special herbs and mild spices.
$18.00
Chicken Malai Tikka

Skewers of Boneless chicken breast marinated in cream, nuts and spices, barbecued in a clay oven until tender and juicy.
$16.00
3 Piece Lamb Chops Masala

Coated with a variety of spices to give a classic twist on Indian flavors then cooked low and slow for a tender lamb chop. These masala lamb chops are warming, aromatic, succulent and flavorful.
$22.00
Salmon Tandoori Tikka with Broccoli

Salmon marinated in cream, nuts and spices, barbecued in a clay oven until tender and Indian juicy.
$27.00
Chicken Kalmi Kebab

Chicken thigh with bone marinated in cream, egg white and mild spices, then slowly roasted in a clay oven.
$16.00
Lamb Seekh Kebab

Ground lamb marinated with special spices, then slowly roasted in a clay oven.
$17.00
Chicken Seekh Kebab

Ground chicken marinated with spices, then slowly roasted in a clay oven.
$16.00

Vegetarian Delicious

Channa Masala

Chickpeas cooked in a spicy tangy onion and tomato gravy to perfection. Vegan.
$12.50
Paneer Tikka Masala

Cottage cheese cubes cooked in tomato, cream and mild spices.
$14.00
Mattar Paneer

Cottage cheese cubes cooked with peas, tomatoes and mild spices.
$14.00
Baingan Bharta

Minced eggplant baked in clay oven and cooked with spices, onions, tomatoes and peas. Vegan.
$13.00
Dal Tadka

Yellow dal cooked with aromatic and mild spices, then finished with a spiced tempering called 'tadka'. Vegan.
$12.50
Mix Vegetables

Fresh garden vegetables cooked with Indian herbs and aromatic special spices. Vegan.
$12.50
Palak Paneer

Indian cheese cubes cooked with spinach, fresh herbs and spices.
$14.00
Veggie Korma

Seasonal vegetables cooked with Indian spices in coconut milk.
$14.00
Soya Masala Chaap

Also known as meal maker korma, its a mouthwatering shahi dish of curried soya chunks in a spicy flavorful korma gravy and cream. Vegan.
$16.50
Malai Kofta

Cottage cheese balls cooked with aromatic spices in a creamy sauce.
$14.00
Shahi Paneer

Homemade Indian cheese cooked with nuts and Indian spices.
$14.00
Dal Makhani

Whole black lentils cooked with butter and cream and simmered on low heat for that unique flavor. Can be made vegan also.
$12.50
Channa Palak Coconut Milk

Indian cheese cubes cooked with spinach, coconut milk, garbanzo beans, fresh herbs and spices. Vegan.
$14.00
Tofu Palak Coconut Milk

Indian cheese cubes cooked with spinach, coconut milk, soya bean curd, fresh herbs and spices. Vegan.
$14.00
Aloo Gobi

Fresh cauliflower florets and potato stir-fried with ground spices and fresh herbs. Vegan.
$12.50
Mushroom Mattar Coconut Masala Curry

A comforting and aromatic green peas, mushroom dish made with coconut milk and spices. Vegan.
$14.00
Tofu Tikka Masala

Soya bean curd cubes and peas cooked in tomato, cream and mild spices. Can substitute to vegan.
$14.00
Aloo Jeera

Par boiled potato pieces stir fried in traditional Indian spices along with garam masala, coriander seeds, green chilies. Vegan.
$10.00
Aloo Palak Coconut Milk

Indian cheese cubes cooked with spinach, coconut milk, potatoes, fresh herbs and spices. Vegan.
$14.00

Non Vegetarian Delicious

Butter Chicken

Boneless chicken tenders cooked in a touch of butter and creamy tomato sauce.
$15.00
Chicken Tikka Masala

Tandoor roasted chicken pieces cooked in a rich creamy sauce.
$15.00
Chicken Madras

Coconut-flavored succulent chicken cooked with dairy-free coconut milk and herbs.
$15.50
Lamb Tikka Masala

Tandoor roasted lamb pieces cooked in a rich creamy sauce.
$17.00
Lamb Curry

Tender pieces of lamb cooked in tomatoes, onions, fresh herbs and spices.
$16.50
Chicken Karahi Masala

Chicken cooked in dry thick gravy with bell peppers, garlic, onion, ginger and spices.
$14.00
Punjabi Chicken Curry

Boneless chicken pieces cooked in tomatoes, onions gravy, fresh herbs and spices make this curry a must try.
$13.50
Goat Curry

Tender pieces of goat cooked in tomatoes, onions, fresh herbs and spices.
$18.00
Palak Lamb

Indian curry at its finest, made with spinach, with chunks of lamb and Indian spices and the perfect seasoning blend simmered in a creamy sauce.
$16.50
Lamb Karahi

Lamb cooked in dry thick gravy with bell peppers, garlic, onion, ginger and spices.
$16.50
Chicken Korma

Chicken pieces cooked with Indian spices and creamy sauce.
$15.00
Chicken Aloo Curry

Chicken vindaloo. A perfect meld of spices, succulent chicken, onion, tomatoes gravy and potatoes make this curry a must try.
$14.50
Palak Chicken

Indian curry at its finest, made with spinach, with chunks of chicken and Indian spices and the perfect seasoning blend simmered in a creamy sauce.
$15.50
Palak Goat

Indian curry at its finest, made with spinach, with chunks of goat and Indian spices. Flavored with the perfect seasoning blend simmered in a creamy sauce.
$19.00
Lamb Aloo Curry

A perfect meld of spices, lamb, onions, tomatoes gravy and potatoes make this curry a must try.
$16.50
Lamb Coconut Milk Curry

Coconut-flavored succulent lamb cooked with dairy-free coconut milk and herbs.
$17.00
Lamb Korma

Creamy and coconut flavored succulent lamb cooked in Indian herbs.
$17.00

Non Vegetarian Delicious - Sea Food

Shrimp Tikka Masala

Fresh marinated shrimp that come together in a creamy curry sauce that is mild enough to enjoy.
$17.50
Fish Tikka Masala

Fresh marinated fish that come together in a creamy curry sauce that is mild enough to enjoy.
$17.50
Shrimp Coconut Milk Masala

Coconut flavored fresh shrimp cooked with dairy free coconut milk and Indian herbs.
$17.50
Fish Coconut Milk Masala

Coconut flavored fresh fish cooked with dairy free coconut milk and Indian herbs.
$17.50
Shrimp Korma

Coconut flavored fresh shrimp cooked with dairy free coconut milk and Indian herbs.
$17.50
Fish Korma

Coconut flavored fresh fish cooked with dairy free coconut milk and Indian herbs.
$17.50

Rice and Biryani

Kolkata Chicken Dum Biryani

Fragrant basmati rice cooked with special herbs, yogurt, butter and tender boneless chicken with a Kolkata twist.
$16.50
Egg Dum Biryani

Boiled eggs, slow-cooked with fragrant basmati rice with aromatic spices.
$14.50
Kolkata Goat Dum Biryani

Fragrant basmati rice cooked with special herbs, yogurt, butter and tender goat with a Kolkata twist.
$19.50
Veggie Biryani

Aromatic basmati rice cooked with vegetables, yogurt, butter, and spices.
$14.00
Kolkata Lamb Dum Biryani

Fragrant basmati rice cooked with special herbs, yogurt, butter and tender lamb with a Kolkata twist.
$18.50
Jeera Rice

Aromatic basmati rice cooked with jeera (cumin) seeds and whole spices.
$3.50
Veggie Pulao

Aromatic basmati rice cooked with vegetables and jeera.
$10.00
Shrimp Biryani

Fragrant basmati rice cooked with special herbs, yogurt, butter and shrimp.
$18.00

Indian Bread

Garlic Naan

Bread topped with fresh garlic and herbs.
$4.50
Butter Naan

Traditional Punjabi white bread with desi butter.
$4.00
Indian Cheese Kulcha

Bread topped with fresh homemade cheese and herbs.
$7.00
Tawa Mix Paratha

Multi layered North Indian flat bread made with whole wheat flour, flavoured with onions and potatoes.
$5.00
Lahori Keema Naan

Bread stuffed with minced lamb, onions and spices.
$7.50
Plain Naan

No butter. Traditional Punjabi white bread.
$3.50
Tandoori Roti

Baked unleavened whole wheat bread.
$3.50
Gujarati Chili Naan

Chopped green chili added to soft and fluffy bread made from all-purpose flour in a clay oven.
$4.50
Tandoori Paratha

Baked multilayered flatbread flavored with onions and potatoes.
$5.00
Tawa Roti

Thawed unleavened whole wheat bread. Vegan.
$3.00
Bhatura
$2.50
Kashmiri Naan

Traditional Punjabi white bread, Kashmiri style stuffed with dry coconut, nuts and cherry.
$7.00
Mix Veggie Kulcha

Choose any 1 aloo or onion or gobi. Naan filled with mixed vegetables, homemade cheese and spices.
$6.00

Raita

Plain Raita

Refreshing, versatile yogurt condiment.
$4.00
Cucumber Raita

Refreshing, versatile yogurt condiment, made with grated cucumber and chaat masala.
$4.50
Boondi Raita

Refreshing, versatile yogurt condiment, mixed with crisps and chaat masala.
$4.50
Masala Raita

Refreshing, versatile yogurt condiment with chaat masala.
$4.50

Desserts

Ras Malai

Homemade cheese pieces dipped in sweetened milk, flavored with pistachios and rose water, served cold.
$6.00
Garam Gulab Jamun

Homemade soft milk balls dipped in honey syrup.
$4.50
Kheer

Indian rice pudding Flavored with cardamom, nuts and rose water, its the best way to finish off an Indian meal.
$5.00
Homemade Ice Cream

Indian homemade ice cream that is topped with special rose syrup and rabri.
$9.00

Drinks

Mango Lassi

A refreshing yogurt drink with mango and sugar.
$7.00
Soft Drinks
$5.00
Indian Drink

Chai or coffee. Black tea or coffee infused with cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and clove, made with milk.
$4.50
Punjabi Lassi

Sweet or salty. A cool yogurt drink, sweetened or salted with crushed cumin.
$5.50
Iced Tea
$5.00
Indian Black Coffee
$4.50
Royal Turmeric Masala Milk

Hot or cold. Popular Indian drink with steamed milk, turmeric, nuts, cardamom.
$7.00
Lemonade
$5.00

Dosa(vegan)

Masala Dosa
$12.00
Plain Dosa
$12.00
Egg Dosa
$15.00
Paneer Dosa
$15.00
Chocolate Dosa
$15.00
Butter(pure ghee) and chilli Dosa
$12.00
Onion Dosa
$12.00

Paul L.

★★★★★

Dec 26, 2024

Wait what...Royal...You've been here all this time? Everyone I knowJust think it's Tumeric, the now gone little India, and Masala express. Everyone. But then I saw you pop up in a Google search sometime back and realized you were hiding behind so buildings. Terrible location but I found you!But then when I searched for you on Google Maps you wouldn't appear! Took me a while to figure out how to find you. Only trusty Yelp reminded me of your name and ONLY when I spelled out your name did it appear on Google. Terrible on Google, terrible for your business. But Yelp got your back. I came. Buffet was the best deal ever and the quality was similar to the other guy. So when I am looking for lunch buffet... I think you are going to be my choice. Good service. Good food. A in my book

Jean-Paul L.

★★★★★

Oct 23, 2024

We're very pleased this place opened so near us!The buffet is amazing!! There's almost always about 10 dishes readily available and they rotate. I think I must have tried almost everything on offer. My favorite is the mattar paneer but I was astonished at the BURST of flavor in the saak paneer! Speaking of which, they always have multiple vegetarian and at least one vegan option, as well as homemade yogurt spiced with cumin seeds for dessert, unique and tasty!The price can't be beat. Definitely the most affordable buffet in Merced.We've been here for dinner only once but the food was also excellent!We've always been helped by friendly staff. They're even good about checking up on buffet customers.Definitely try to get here for early lunch! They fill up quick.

Heidi C.

★★★★★

Oct 20, 2024

We stopped by on our way back from Yosemite for a lunch pitstop. The reviews were positive, so we decided to try it out. What could go wrong for $11.99?It far exceeded our expectations! Lunch came with free chai and garlic naan. The veggie pakora and the butter chicken were so flavorful and perfectly done. The chana masala was delicious with good textured chickpeas.Our family goes to a lot of Indian buffets. We highly endorse this one due to value and flavor. If you're hesitating, don't! Just go.

Sarah G.

★★★★★

Jun 6, 2024

As another reviewer declared, the $11.99 buffet cannot be beat! The food and service were incredible. They brought us ice water, and provided self-serve chai and coffee at the buffet. I only had room in my stomach for one full plate but I wished I could have tried more dishes. They offer two types of naan and bring it to your table. The restaurant is kind of small and humble, without air conditioning, but the quality of this meal blew us away. I would return many times if I lived here but sadly, I'm only here on vacation. They have restrooms inside, too. I wish we had a place like this where I live.

Dennis X.

★★★★★

Mar 5, 2024

So excited to see this new Indian restaurant pop up in Merced! It also has the CHEAPEST lunch buffet price around! $12!?!? Literally cannot be beat!The restaurant is a small, cozy hole-in-the-wall with plenty of street parking. It's located right behind Save Mart and McDonalds.I came on a Monday at noon and they had a great selection for the lunch buffet. There was Butter Chicken, Chicken Curry, Lamb Tikka Masala, and Tandoori Chicken (among other vegetarian options). There's self-serve Basmati Rice and Chicken Biryani, and Naan or Garlic Naan available for request from the server/host. There's also self-serve Indian Chai available!The server was attentive and good about checking in on me. I had an awesome experience and would highly recommend! Just found my new go-to lunch buffet spot!

Faby V.

★★★★★

Mar 25, 2024

Absolutely delicious! The change in weather had me craving something warm and delicious, popped open the door dash app and this new place came up! Ordered my regulars - chicken tikka masala, butter naan, samosas and the sweet gulab treats.I'll be stopping by during the lunch buffet someday soon to try other items but all four things I ordered were fantastic! The Tikka sauce had a been of sweetness to it which struck me as different but as soon as the heat kicked in I was thankful for it! I'll be coming back - not even a question!

Daisy C.

★★★★★

Mar 11, 2024

We stopped for the lunch buffet and the food was delish! Everything was cooked to perfection and I was able to try new things. I can't wait to visit again. The staff was very very kind.

Joseph C.

★★★★★

Aug 7, 2024

Incredible buffet deal. Went in with the wife, kids, my Mom, and a family friend. Under $60 before tips. The chai is exceptional. The goat curry is rich. The garlic naan is addictive. Fresh fruit. Friendly wait staff. Quick service. And they leave a water pitcher at your table. Easiest 5 stars ever.

Sorelle D.

★★★★★

Oct 4, 2024

Update: I am absolutely addicted to this buffet! Have been going no less than 2 times a week. It has become a very comfortable place for me, and the food always tastes and feels like I'm in someone's home being served like family. The staff are truly amazing! They treat us with respect and we have conversations with substance, which is rare these days. We never have a shortage of naan or drinks, and the rotation of dishes is always amazing! So many vegan/ vegetarian options, fresh fruit, and dessert too! The hot drinks being unlimited is such a major plus and a great way to finish off your meal. They're also consistently cleaning the buffet, so there's never any spills anywhere. Food is always being freshened up too which is super important to keep to the quality.This has quickly become my go to spot for Indian food. I can't even go to other Indian restaurants without missing Royal India. It truly has become a home away from home. Absolutely recommend 100000/10!

Just A.

★★★★★

Oct 14, 2024

This review is for the lunch buffet which is served every day except Tuesday. Exceptionally delicious food and attentive staff who keep the restaurant quite clean. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Several vegetarian dishes and a wide array of meats. Free made to order free naan!!!!I have been a regular of Taste of Little India and Royal Masala Express in Merced. This is my new place to dine. The prices and quality of food plus amazing staff make this the place to go. Word must be getting around about what a great place this is, because in the last couple of weeks this place has been packed with customers. Even when they get busy, the food trays are continually refilled and the staff remains attentive.

Royal India Indian Cuisine

Menu

Vegetarian Appetizer

Chana Bhatura

Chana Kulcha

Samosa Chaat

Samosa

Chilli Paneer

Papri Aloo Chaat

Aloo - Tikki

Aloo - Tikki Chana

Gobi Manchurian

Paneer Pakora Pieces

Mix Veggie Pakora

Gol-Gappe

Gol-Gappe Chaat

Non-Vegetarian Appetizer

Chilly Chicken

Fish Pakora

12 Piece Chicken Pakora

Chilly Shrimp

Punjabi Salad

Punjabi Salad

Wrap

Paneer Wrap

Chicken Wrap

Vegetarian Dry Tandoori Delights

Afghani Paneer Tikka

Afgani Soya Chaap

Amritsari Paneer Tikka

Non-Vegetarian Dry Tandoori Delights

Tandoori Chicken

Chicken Tikka

Fish Tandoori Tikka

Chicken Malai Tikka

3 Piece Lamb Chops Masala

Salmon Tandoori Tikka with Broccoli

Chicken Kalmi Kebab

Lamb Seekh Kebab

Chicken Seekh Kebab

Vegetarian Delicious

Channa Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala

Mattar Paneer

Baingan Bharta

Dal Tadka

Mix Vegetables

Palak Paneer

Veggie Korma

Soya Masala Chaap

Malai Kofta

Shahi Paneer

Dal Makhani

Channa Palak Coconut Milk

Tofu Palak Coconut Milk

Aloo Gobi

Mushroom Mattar Coconut Masala Curry

Tofu Tikka Masala

Aloo Jeera

Aloo Palak Coconut Milk

Non Vegetarian Delicious

Butter Chicken

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Madras

Lamb Tikka Masala

Lamb Curry

Chicken Karahi Masala

Punjabi Chicken Curry

Goat Curry

Palak Lamb

Lamb Karahi

Chicken Korma

Chicken Aloo Curry

Palak Chicken

Palak Goat

Lamb Aloo Curry

Lamb Coconut Milk Curry

Lamb Korma

Non Vegetarian Delicious - Sea Food

Shrimp Tikka Masala