Delhi Palace in Columbia: North Indian Cuisine and Dining Experience

What Delhi Palace Offers

Delhi Palace is a North Indian restaurant in Columbia that serves traditional dishes from India's northern regions, including curries, tandoori preparations, breads, and rice dishes. The restaurant focuses on recipes and cooking methods rooted in Delhi and surrounding areas, where tandoor ovens, cream-based sauces, and aromatic spice blends define the cuisine.

The menu includes familiar North Indian standards alongside less common preparations. You'll find tandoori chicken, butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, and various naan breads. The kitchen also prepares dals (lentil dishes), vegetable curries, and biryani—a layered rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables. Many dishes can be ordered at different spice levels, and the restaurant accommodates vegetarian and vegan requests.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi Palace specializes in North Indian cooking, which relies on tandoor ovens, cream sauces, and aromatic spices rather than the coconut-based curries of South India.
• The menu includes both classic dishes and regional specialties, with options to adjust spice levels and accommodate dietary preferences.
• The restaurant operates in Columbia and serves both dine-in and takeout orders, with online ordering available through their website or third-party platforms.
• Lunch and dinner service hours vary by day, so checking ahead before visiting prevents disappointment.

Location and Hours

Delhi Palace operates in Columbia, South Carolina. The exact address and current hours are best confirmed by calling the restaurant directly or visiting their website, as hours shift seasonally and may change without notice.

The restaurant typically offers lunch service in the early afternoon and dinner service in the evening, with extended hours on weekends. Many Indian restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, so arriving during the transition period may mean a wait or finding the kitchen closed. Planning your visit around standard meal times—noon to 2 p.m. for lunch, 5:30 p.m. onward for dinner—ensures the kitchen is fully operational.

Menu Highlights and Ordering

North Indian cuisine relies on the tandoor—a clay oven that reaches high heat and cooks meat and bread quickly. Tandoori chicken, a signature dish, is marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in the tandoor until charred outside and tender inside. Paneer tikka masala, made with cubes of fresh cheese in a tomato cream sauce, is another popular choice for those who prefer milder flavors. These dishes showcase the smoky, complex flavors that define North Indian cooking.

Breads are central to North Indian meals. Naan, a leavened flatbread, comes plain or topped with garlic, herbs, or cheese. Roti and paratha are unleavened alternatives that pair well with curries. Rice dishes like biryani—where basmati rice, meat or vegetables, and spices cook together—offer a complete meal in one bowl. Lamb biryani and chicken biryani are particularly popular, though vegetable versions work equally well for those avoiding meat.

Vegetarian options include chana masala (chickpeas in tomato sauce), aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower), and paneer dishes in various preparations. Dal makhani, a creamed lentil preparation, is rich and warming. Most dishes come with rice or bread, and you can order additional sides to round out your meal.

Spice Levels and Dietary Adjustments

North Indian curries range from mild to very hot. When ordering, specify your spice tolerance—mild, medium, or hot—and the kitchen will adjust accordingly. Cream-based dishes like butter chicken and paneer tikka masala tend toward the milder end even at medium heat, while vindaloo and other chile-forward preparations are significantly spicier. Don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations based on your heat preference.

The restaurant can prepare dishes without dairy for vegan diets and offers vegetarian versions of most curries. If you have allergies or strong preferences, calling ahead to discuss your needs with the kitchen gives them time to prepare properly and ensures your meal meets your requirements.

Ordering and Payment Options

Delhi Palace accepts orders for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You can order by phone, through the restaurant's website, or via third-party delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. Prices vary slightly depending on the platform, and delivery fees and service charges apply when using third-party apps, so direct phone orders often cost less.

Payment methods typically include cash, credit cards, and digital payment options. Calling ahead during busy times—Friday and Saturday evenings—can reduce wait times for takeout orders and gives the kitchen a heads-up about your arrival.

What to Expect When Dining In

The dining room atmosphere is casual and family-friendly. Service is typically prompt, and staff can answer questions about dishes and spice levels. Portions are generous, and many diners take leftovers home, making Delhi Palace a good value for the amount of food you receive.

The restaurant fills quickly during lunch and dinner rushes, particularly on weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, arriving early in the lunch window (around 11:30 a.m.) or later in the evening (after 8 p.m.) usually means shorter waits and more attentive service. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded than weekend dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between North Indian and South Indian food?

North Indian cuisine uses tandoor ovens, cream-based sauces, and wheat breads like naan. South Indian cooking relies more on coconut milk, rice, and fermented preparations like dosa and idli. Delhi Palace focuses on North Indian traditions.

Can I get my food less spicy than the menu describes?

Yes. Tell your server or the person taking your order that you want mild heat, and the kitchen will reduce the chiles and spices. Cream-based dishes are naturally milder than vindaloo or other chile-forward preparations.

How long does takeout usually take?

Takeout orders typically take 20 to 30 minutes during normal service, longer during peak hours like Friday and Saturday evenings. Calling ahead to place your order can reduce wait time.

Is there parking at Delhi Palace?

Parking depends on the restaurant's location in Columbia. Call ahead or check their website for details about parking availability and accessibility.

Do they offer lunch specials or prix fixe menus?

Many Indian restaurants offer lunch specials at lower prices than dinner. Contact Delhi Palace directly to ask about current lunch deals, as these change seasonally.