MasalaCraft - Santa Ana - Santa Ana, California

TheSnapReel (Prashanth)

Based on my previous visits to this chain of restaurants, I had high hopes for this location. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing.

I ordered the reshmi kebab, shahi paneer, and garlic naan. The reshmi kebab, which is supposed to be an appetizer, was unrecognizable. When I questioned it, the staff was dismissive, as if it was my fault for not knowing what I had been served.

Although the restaurant carries an Indian name, the cook and staff didn’t seem to have the expertise expected. While the staff's background isn’t inherently an issue, it becomes one when customers are served incorrectly and disrespected for questioning it. The shahi paneer, which was supposed to be a rich and flavorful dish, turned out to be more like butter paneer with an overwhelming amount of cream and turmeric.
I found it lacking in quality and authenticity. The excessive use of food coloring in every dish was also off-putting and unnecessary.

I had also noticed something mentioned in previous reviews: the staff, particularly someone named Edward, pushing for reviews and tips while paying. This kind of pressure isn’t fair to customers,
Overall, the experience was underwhelming!!!

Brinda Tailor

Good food, quick service, okayish atmosphere. It seemed most people ordered to-go or delivery since the food was nice. I liked their garlic naan and paneer butter masala. Baingan bhartha was okay.

Vipul Singh

Party of 4 went for dinner around 930pm on a Friday evening in December. Only couple other people were there. Ordered at the counter, then they brought the food out around 10 minutes later. Liked that they added peppered salad with lemon Indian style to the meal. We had couple of naan, veg biryani, hara paneer curry, and dum aloo curry. Everything was great, very delicious. Enough good for 4 people. Also had 3 tea, and it was served piping hot, freshly made. Total including tips and taxes came to around 90$.

Kristy M

Great atmosphere with a fun Bollywood themed corner, and videos playing. Our host Shiv told us great food options, including lunch specials, and was very attentive and friendly. The food was fantastic! I ordered samosas, saag paneer (my new favourite!), chicken madras, garlic naan, and a mango lassi. Friends ordered delicious butter chicken, onion bahji, and a couple other things I didn’t get the name of but were completely drool worthy. I hope we get to visit again. Thanks for the service!

Aaron Tam

Staff was rude for a pickup order, ignored me for another customer who was further back and got there after me. Got the biryani and it had seasonings whole like the nuts that weren’t even smashed into a seasoning powder. Small portions too, there are better indian options else where.

Chandni Mathur

It’s a good food joint. They have good value combo options for the amount. We ordered 2 combos in which we had vegetarian dishes like chana masala, paneer saag, dal makhni and navratan korma. Each combo was around $10 and had 1 curry, rice and a bread. If you would add one more curry, it would cost a $1 extra. The portion size was really good for 1 person. Dal makhni tasted really good and the rest all dishes were also okay. Naan was freshly prepared at that time. We also ordered mango lassi and samosas. Samosas also tasted good.
They do have outdoor seating as well.

Daphne Caina

Best experience ever! Edward is the best, his customer service was on point, always checking on us, offering the products and explaining the menu to understand better. Very welcoming restaurant and the food was fresh and good amount! We choose the lunch time and was perfect! Thanks Edward for all your help and making us have such a good time. 100% recommended ?

Kamal Singla

This is my second visit here
Last time everything was great
But this time I ordered Paneer Tikka, Daal Makhani and garlic naan
Paneer Tikka has NO FLAVOR at all
Naan was like they warmed up frozen naan
Ridiculous
Can’t try again