India Palace in Columbia: South Indian Cuisine and Lunch Buffet

What India Palace offers

India Palace is a South Indian restaurant in Columbia that serves dosas, idlis, curries, and biryanis in a casual dining setting. The restaurant is known for its lunch buffet, which runs daily and includes a rotating selection of curries, breads, rice dishes, and vegetarian options. Dinner is à la carte, with prices typically ranging from the mid-range for vegetarian plates to higher for meat dishes.

The space is modest and straightforward—not a destination for elaborate décor, but a place where the food is the focus. You'll find both South Indian specialties (the dosas are thin and crispy, the idlis steamed and fluffy) and North Indian standards like tandoori chicken and paneer tikka masala. The restaurant also serves Indian breads, rice dishes, and a selection of chutneys and raitas on the side.

Key Takeaways

• India Palace serves South Indian specialties like dosas and idlis alongside North Indian curries and tandoori dishes.
• The lunch buffet runs daily and includes multiple curries, breads, rice, and vegetarian options at a fixed price.
• Dinner is ordered à la carte, with vegetarian plates generally less expensive than meat-based dishes.
• The restaurant is located in Columbia and operates as a casual, no-frills dining space focused on food quality.

The lunch buffet and what's included

The lunch buffet is the most economical way to sample multiple dishes. On any given day, you'll find two or three curries (often a mix of vegetarian and meat options), at least one rice dish like biryani or pulao, breads such as naan or roti, and sides like raita and pickle. The exact contents change daily, so regulars often come back to see what's being offered.

The buffet is self-serve, and you can return to the line as many times as you want during your meal. It's a good option if you're new to South Indian food or want to try several dishes without committing to full à la carte orders. Lunch hours are typically busier than dinner, especially on weekends.

Dosas and South Indian specialties

Dosas—thin, crispy crepes made from fermented rice and lentil batter—are India Palace's signature item. They come filled with spiced potatoes and onions (masala dosa) or with other fillings depending on the day's menu. Each dosa arrives with sambar (a tangy lentil soup) and coconut chutney for dipping. The crepes are cooked to order, so they arrive hot and with the right texture.

Idlis (steamed rice and lentil cakes) are another South Indian staple on the menu, served with the same sambar and chutney. Both dishes are vegetarian and are often ordered as a breakfast or light lunch option, though India Palace serves them throughout the day. If you're unfamiliar with these items, the lunch buffet is a low-risk way to try them.

North Indian curries and meat dishes

Beyond South Indian specialties, India Palace offers the North Indian curries many diners expect: chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, and paneer-based dishes. These are ordered à la carte at dinner and come with your choice of rice or bread. The spice level varies by dish—vindaloo is significantly hotter than tikka masala—and the kitchen can adjust heat on request.

Tandoori preparations (chicken, fish, or paneer cooked in a clay oven) are available and arrive as a plate with rice, salad, and bread. Prices for meat dishes are higher than vegetarian options, and combination platters that include multiple items are sometimes offered.

Vegetarian options and dietary considerations

Vegetarian diners have substantial choices: paneer dishes (paneer tikka masala, paneer butter masala), chana masala (chickpea curry), aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower), vegetable biryani, and dosas and idlis. Many of these appear on the lunch buffet, making it easy to build a full meal without meat.

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, ask your server about ingredients—particularly regarding nuts, dairy, and oil types. The kitchen can often modify dishes, though not all requests may be possible depending on how items are prepared.

Location, hours, and what to expect when you arrive

India Palace is located in Columbia. Hours typically run from late morning through dinner service, with the lunch buffet available during midday hours. The restaurant is casual and walk-in friendly, though calling ahead during peak times (lunch on weekdays, dinner on weekends) can help you avoid a wait.

Parking is usually available in the lot or nearby street parking. The dining room is simple—tables are close together, and the atmosphere is focused on food rather than ambiance. Service is generally friendly and attentive, and staff can answer questions about dishes if you're uncertain what to order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a dosa and an idli?

A dosa is a thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with spiced potatoes and onions. An idli is a steamed cake made from the same batter, with a softer, fluffier texture. Both are South Indian staples and come with sambar and coconut chutney.

Is the lunch buffet a good value?

Yes, if you want to try multiple dishes. You pay one price and can return to the line as many times as you want. It's especially useful if you're new to Indian food or want to sample both vegetarian and meat options without ordering several à la carte plates.

How spicy is the food?

Spice levels vary by dish. Tikka masala and butter chicken are mild to moderate; vindaloo is significantly hotter. Ask your server about the heat level of a specific dish, and let them know your preference—the kitchen can usually adjust.

Can I order dosas for dinner?

Yes, dosas and idlis are available throughout the day on the à la carte menu, not just at lunch. They're ordered the same way as at lunch and arrive with sambar and chutney.

Do I need to make a reservation?

India Palace is walk-in friendly, but calling ahead during busy times (lunch weekdays, dinner weekends) can help you avoid a wait, especially if you're bringing a large group.