Shiney's Sweets & Restaurant
★★★★☆ 3.5 (128) • $$
"To preface this review, this is largely a comparison to reference locations for take out, so especially in the COVID Era, please keep this in mind.Shiney, Shiney, Shiney...whether intentional or not, your name reflects how you outshine the competition.Long ago, on a hunt for Gulab Juman, I stumbled across the humble Shiney's, and it quickly became my go to whenever the urge arose. Little did I know until today, that it's not only their sweets that shine!Having cravings for Butter Chicken in recent days, I first looked to order from my local go to, IndaRoma. Nothing against IndaRoma as they are a quality place, but their prices have gone sky high...some of which even exceed the uber upscale Rasika in DC. I then looked around for other sources in the Annandale/Falls Church/Springfield area and while better priced, they were unknowns and few had an "edible" star rating. So, mixed in to my search results on Yelp is that oh so familiar name, Shiney's Sweets. Running through my list while reviewing the menu:Number of options available? Check!Pricing reasonable? Check!Star rating of 4 stars or above? Check!Butter Chicken available? Check!Gulab Juman available? Check!After reviewing, it was a no brainer, Shiney would get a chance to shine again.I placed my order including Vegetable Samosas, Butter Chicken, Gulab Juman and some drinks. All totalling less than the price of one order of Butter Chicken alone from my first choice. This accomplishment alone was a win...until I opened my to go bag.When I opened the bag to prepare my dinner, the rich and aromatic scent of the Butter Chicken filled the room. Oh, how I have missed that wonderful smell during the long lockdowns! --- I know that probably sounds crazy, but it had been a long time! --- I lifted out the satisfying slightly oily bag of samosas, and underneath, wrapped in aluminum foil are not one, but two naan (bread)...hot and fresh. At the previously mentioned place, naan is not even included with Butter Chicken and it is never hot and fresh...it is reheated when ordered. Alongside the naan is a standard container filled with fresh basmati rice to accompany the Butter Chicken dish. Then, at the bottom, the piece de resistance: a hefty and hot container filled to the rim with Butter Chicken.Of note, unlike some other places, there was no puddle of juices or oils in the bag...this was done right. No drippy mess or potential for stained clothes.Carefully popping the lid off of the high quality plastic container, the glorious aroma was fully released. In contrast with the aforementioned place, this is a healthy serving...enough for two. Mixed in with the amber/crimson color sauce, there is an abundance of large (but not too large) chunks of thoroughly cooked chicken. Not under or overcooked, not too big or small, not too hot or cold, just right...like Goldilocks would like it!Sprinkling the rice onto a plate, pouring Butter Chicken on top, then pulling pieces of naan to accompany each bite...each mouthful was like hearing angels sing! Sweet, hot, buttery perfection!Now, admittedly, my cravings made this meal go far too quickly, but I'm not exaggerating on the quality of this dish. There is still enough left over for a second meal...and I didn't go broke paying for it.The samosas are set aside for tomorrow, but, they have always been on par with other Indian establishments that prepare their own. The same with the Gulab Juman...which I'm now reminded at this point that I have sitting next to me ready to eat!*** cue Cookie Monster gorging on cookies meme here ***I hope you appreciated the review, and perspective. No, I'm not really going to eat Gulab Juman like the Cookie Monster, but I will have that same, satisfying smile on my face afterwards...crumbs all over the place or not!"
"It's been years since I came here, since I no longer live in that area anymore, but we had the opportunity to come here and boy am I glad I did. While a little more on the pricey side, the food was delicious and portions were generous. In general, I've noticed lots of places charge regular price, but noticeably smaller portions than before COVID. I didn't get that feeling here. I ordered the Thali platter ($28). My son wasn't convinced the Thali ($10) on the kids menu was going to be enough, so we ordered the regular version of Butter Chicken ($20) which was much too much for him. Overall, I was very happy with the experience. Will try to come back next opportunity I have."
"From the outside, one would think Bombay Club would be a typical modestly adorned DC lunch spot - a place for serviceable Indian food to go. But step inside and you're introduced to a more luxurious experience, complete matching white glove service (and an unusual age restriction that prevents young children attending). I recently dined with two colleagues, one an Indian food aficionado who hails from Delhi. You will notice a multicultural clientele. Get over the "eat only where the locals eat" mentality and dig into some seriously genuine cuisine. First timers, or simply those looking for great variety, should consider a Thali - a classic assortment of different Indian foods. I got the Classic Thali on a recent visit, which features chicken and lamb. It did not disappoint. This might be my bloated American dietary bias, but I felt that portions were on the modest side. Otherwise, this was a great meal."
