A Passage to India - Best Indian Food in Richmond, Virginia

A Passage to India is one of Richmond's best kept little secrets. This place is owned and operated by a very nice Indian family that speaks little English. They speak plenty enough to know what you want and cook it very well though. But I'm getting ahead of myself..

This gem is located badly, which is why you never have to wait to be seated. They are in a small little strip mall, back in the corner. They are pretty much hidden by Chippenham Parkway which runs almost overhead. The sign is unassuming and does not draw attention. We were lucky to have seen it when we moved to this neighborhood 8 years ago.

When you enter A Passage To India, it is one open room with a small errr thingy... you know, like the director stands behind.. wooden pedestal kina fing (what? You never read Discworld??).. the menus are kept there and the little tray of after-dinner spices: anise and such.

There are velvet paintings and tapestries on the walls, and one huge gorgeous batik. The tables are spaced out quite nicely so you are not on top of any other diners. I love that! There is also a bar in the back left corner of the room, but it is for the staff to get your drinks, not to go sit at and drink.

Because of their bad location, you will get seated immediately. There have been times we have been the only people there. This scares me. I do not want them to go out of business. The gentleman who seats you is also the waiter...I believe he is the son. He always remembers us and what our favorite foods are no matter how long it is between visits. He has, in fact, had a big glass of iced Darjeeling tea waiting for me which he had poured when he saw us pulling into the lot. That's service!

The tables are covered in a nice table cloth with cloth napkins and the utensils are made in India. A nice touch, don't you think? You are immediately served Papardam with a delicious onion chutney. This is the best of both anywhere in Richmond. A Passage To India has never charged us extra when we've asked for more of both delicious items.

Unlike Chinese restaurants, Indian restaurants vary their menus from place to place. Part of why I like A Passage To India so much is they have Shrimp Malai (13.95).. a dish made with a coconut milk base. This is my all time favorite. Sweet, but not too sweet. I get mine mild, but you can order it anyway you like. My friend usually gets Lamb Vindaloo (10.95) extra hot. These are accompanied by a huge bowl of Basmati rice. What we order for our bread varies, but I think my favorite is the Poori (3.95).

Not only is the food made fresh to order, it is absolutely delicious! And abundant.. I mean our bowls come to us practically over-flowing with food. There is so much I can never finish mine, I bring it home and it fills me up reheated for dinner the next day.

They also have appetizers, vegetarian items, all the traditional Tandoori items and the like, and a wide selection of breads and desserts. We've always been way too stuffed after the main course to even think about dessert though.

They have a variety of drinks here too. From soft drinks to imported Indian beers to traditional teas. My friend has tried several of the Indian beers and really liked them, although they seemed a bit high to me at about 6 bucks a pop. I apologize to you beer drinkers, I cannot recall the exact names of any of the beers...

The drawback here is that you cannot come here if you are super hungry. I mean, you will without exception get plenty to eat... but you will starve to death by the time it arrives. We've waited anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for our food. Thank heavens he lets us have more papardam while we're waiting! This isn't bad service, I don't want to give that impression at all. The deal is that A Passage To India really does not make anything up in advance. Every single dish is made when it is ordered. That takes time. It is worth the wait.

The other drawback for us is that there is no smoking area here. This is the only restaurant I will go to that does not allow smoking. Any others I turn around and walk out if there is not a smoking section. But... the food, atmosphere and friendliness is worth that irritant.

If you are ever in Richmond, do give this place a shot. Children are welcomed. You will not be disappointed. For around $20 per person, A Passage To India is a bargain.

Phone 804-745-5291
6856 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA 23225