Myrtle Beach’s newest Indian restaurant, Masala Zone, is faithful to the flavors of that country.
“The taste took me to India,” said Sarah Stimpson, my friend and former India resident who loved the eatery’s chicken tikki masala. “It was like I was standing in the streets of India. The taste is that authentic.”
Masala Zone, at 1711 N. Kings Highway, debuted in March of this year. The owner, Dinesh Rawat, from Rajasthan, said the food is indeed the real deal inspired by Northern India cuisine.
“We use the freshest ingredients and we ground our spices up in-house,” he said.
It’s true – Masala Zone knows how to deliver knockout flavors. I took advantage of the options presented on the lunch buffet, served daily. Thankfully, Rawat showcases popular Indian dishes many Americans love including tandoori chicken (spiced, marinated chicken cooked in a clay oven), navratan curry (mixed vegetables simmered in an onion cream sauce) and jeera rice (white rice with cumin seeds). I sampled a little bit of everything and became especially smitten with the goat curry and hot naan bread.
Actually, my gastronomic socks were blown off by everything my tongue touched. And the service was just as impressive as the food. Rawat or a member of his staff regularly checked on me and other diners. The eatery also has a winning ambience that showcases aspects of Indian culture, including elephant artwork and sari-type wrapped lanterns that hang from the ceiling.
Lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday, while dinner hours are 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The buffet is $7.95 Monday through Friday and $9.95 Saturday and Sunday. Most entrees are about $13. Call (843) 444-0325 or visit www.masalazonesc.com.
Reveiw submitted by Johanna Wilson.