Utsav Indian Cuisine

Utsav ("Festival" in Sanscrit) is the latest Indian house at this location on Philmont Avenue near the border between Huntington Valley and Northeast Philadelphia. It serves Kerala style cuisine, and does a particularly good job with vegetarian dishes. The room is bright yellow, matching that shade of curry. We dined alone this Sunday evening, which hopefully is not a sign of their opportunity for success, because we were quite impressed with the quality of the food overall. We ordered the Calamari Cochin appetizer, Chicken Amwalla, Vegetable Salan and Chili Garlin Naan. Pappadam was offered as a table nosh. Enjoyment scaled from decent for the squid, to excellent for the Veggie Salan, with the Amwalla falling in between. An explanation is required.The calamari was the weakest link, and not the best way to start our exploration. It was dusted with a grainy flour similar to corn meal, which didn't really work texturally nor flavorably with the crustacean's own qualities. The onion, green pepper and garlic were sauteed in a heavy oil, which actually became the dominate taste. Just not pleasant when the squid should have been allowed to shine. Yet, the chunky, tender Amwalla was very pleasant with its mango mild curry mix. It was an indication of the playful possibilities in the kitchen. Likewise, the veggie salan was a surprising dish based in freshly cracked and poured coconut milk and yogurt sauce. The highlight of our dinner. The chili garlic naan was well baked and very tasty in its own right and as a handy scoop to capture the great sauces. Service was friendly and informative. Prices reasonable and in a range that encouraged some experimentation. Utsav takes it place among the very good Indian restaurants in the area. Be festive!

A really nice addition to the neighborhood.I arrived and the restaurant was empty. I was advised they they were setting up for a large party but allowed me to sit despite the large group coming in. It appeared to be private but they graciously allowed me to sit before the party arrived.Service was great, and the food came out very quickly, hot and fresh.I appreciated the array of dip/chutneys and the thin crunchy wafer (not sure what this is called) that they provided complimentary at the start of the meal.I ordered chili garlic naan, as well as palak paneer and paneer tikka masala.All delicious. The tikka masala was not what I am accustomed to, but the flavor was there. It was very buttery and packed the heat as I had requested. These were great portions and I also appreciated the water decanter that was left on the table so I didnt have to ask for water refills.Can't wait to return!

This guys r a super scam they will take ur order 2 hours a head of time, time right now is 9:18 pm. This is the 4th time they have done this, they take ur money later on call u when ur grub hub or ur Uber eats driver is there to pick up and tell u sorry we can't take ur order please call ur provider and get ur money back. Why not just tell me you can't get it ready for my driver. 2 times I got fooled never called back grub hub for my money back so this guys basically took the money.

I have been going to Guru in Newtown and I am so glad to have discovered this gem! The food was OMG delicious! There wasn't a single disappointing dish. There were 5 of us and we shared multiple appetizers and entrees and all of them were sooooo good! From the outside, it's not much to look at, but don't let that discourage you. As far as Indian food goes, this is the best Indian food I've had in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Guru is good, but the food here is on a different level.

I was very surprised by this place. I had never heard of it and don't live in the area, but I wanted Indian food and was struggling to find a spot that was open during the covid quarantine. I had called all my normal go to spots without any luck. I hopped on yelp, did a quick search and started calling around. This place was the first to pick up and I'm glad they did. I don't have any pics to contribute because I got take out. The place doesn't look like much from the outside, but the food is excellent. The lamb korma is one of the best I have had. You really get the nut flavor and texture which is often missing from most places. The garlic naan was also great. Something about it was different than what I am used to, but I really enjoyed it. Only complaint is I would've liked it cooked a bit more as I like mine well done. I'll definitely be back to check them out

The Only reason I took off a star is because the order didn't do well while being delivered, so liquids were everywhere (breaking the paper bag they were in while the poor delivery driver was trying to hand it to me).The food is excellent. We ordered from someplace else as well and they're delivery didn't fare well either.

Perhaps the Best Indian Food we've ever had! Our friends who live nearby this restaurant took us for Indian Food. The place is new to the area, 3 months, but I know they'll be around for a long time! Simply put, the food was amazing! Great flavors, spiced perfectly, and generous portions. The owner is very hands on and attentive. You could tell he took pride in his restaurant, and rightly so. Everything was great from the appetizers to the dessert. We will definitely make this our regular Indian spot!

I came back a week later after my first review because I was craving delicious South Indian brunch but didn't want to spend hours or half the day cooking. It was packed, full of large Indian families, always a good sign but I sure didn't need to be convinced! It's a half hour away from where I live and worth the drive! South Indian classics, home style and soooo delish. They also had more vegetarian options than last week so that was a huge plus as well. Since my other favorite South Indian place in Fraser PA apparently closed - though once I moved too far north it was difficult to get there- it wasn't consistent in the thali offerings- and this place likely would have topped it regardless. Yum! Go! You will be happy you did.

I walked with my family during Saturday lunch time. Oh boy, let me tell u, their food is amazing. 10/10 would recommend. $14 only for gala buffet. BYOB friendly :)

I have been to lot of Indian restaurants in California/NJ/NY/Philly area. But hands down this is the best. Their Cochin calamari is just superb. Prices are right & good portion sizes. Both Chef and Owner worked in 5 star Hotels in India and you can see the results in their creations. Everyone should try their food.