Victoria - Bengal Lounge Curry Buffet

[Jetgirly]

I'll be home for Christmas! And my birthday!

Anyways, I've always wanted to eat at the Bengal Room (I think). That tiger pelt on the wall just whets my vegetarian palate. As a kid, I was obsessed. But we could never go, because my mom hated Indian food. We used to eat at Kiplings fairly regularly, which I liked as a kid.

I called home the other day to discuss where I'd like to go for my birthday dinner, and I said that I would actually prefer a brunch buffet. My mom said, "Brunch buffet? Does it have to be brunch? Because I've heard the Indian buffet at the Empress is really good." Apparently she's had a change of heart and is now willing to try Indian food.

So... how is the buffet in the Bengal Lounge? I'm happy with two or three vegetarian options, but I'm hoping the overall quality will be good enough to convert my mom to a curry lover!

Anyone been lately? Or not lately? How is it?

[Jetgirly]

It was good but not great. You're certainly paying for atmosphere. There was a lentil soup, lamb curry, butter chicken, vegetable curry, spinach bahjis, basmati rice, naan and pappadums, plus a few condiments. The buffet had rice pudding for dessert; there was an optional chocolate buffet for an extra $15, I believe. I had a great martini with pureed mango and fresh cilantro. We all agreed it was okay but not worth the price; coming from Calgary I would rather eat at Glory of India or Royal India, save 30% and have three or four times as much good food to choose from.

[fmed]

Yes...but you don't get a tiger pelt. :-P

I did swing by there a couple of days ago to have a look. It looks like standard buffet fare. I didn't consider eating there.

[Jetgirly]

Well, the reservation has been made. I'll let you know how it goes!

[cassie]

They have about 2-3 veggie options at the buffet (I was there about a month ago). A veggie curry, a lentil soup and one other, I believe. There's also tandoori chicken, pakoras and lamb curry (and other dishes plus naan). It's a nice way to try different Indian food for your mom - it's not too hot (but the condiments sure can be - be careful with them!). I felt they were constantly bringing out refilled dishes throughout lunch as well - which was great. If anyone in the party as an Entertainment book - there's a 2 for 1 for the buffet. And they just got new furniture in there - all still giant and leather, so no worries on losing that "lounge" feeling - the pelt is still safe on the wall too ;-)

[Office Broccoli]

I was there for the dinner buffet in October. I thought it was good. The desserts were distinctly non-Indian but they were really good as well.

[twinkienic]

I was there for drinks about 3 years ago... great signature mojitos! I do recall, however, taking a peek at the buffet and being surprised how few vegetarian dishes there were (no vegetarian curries). I may have been mistaken, but it's probably best to call and check.

[victoriafoodie]

I was last there about 4 years ago for the curry buffet and I really liked it. I would call ahead to find out what they've got on offer re vegetarian options.

I love the old-school colonialist vibe in there. The tiger pelt, the palm frond fans, the roaring fireplace...

[fmed]

Now that's a blast from the (very distant) past. I have not been to Bengal in a lifetime. It is pretty cool (and old-school) - like sitting in a museum.

[grayelf]

The Bengal Room for a cocktail on a summer afty is hard to beat for that "raj" feeling :-) -- and they serve complimentary pistachios. I'm no help re buffet though...