Monsoon: Upscale suburban Indian cuisine
Monsoon is an upscale Indian food experience located in Mt. Laurel, NJ. Though the cuisine matches what you’d find at a more expensive Indian restaurant, Monsoon excels in offering packaged pricing and specials.
Located just off of Route 38, the New Jersey Turnpike and I-295, Monsoon offers a refreshing break from the monotonous chain bookstores, cafes and clothiers located nearby. Monsoon occupies a spot in the middle of the shipping center located at Route 38 and Briggs Road. You can find it easily by looking for the columns outside of the restaurant and the cool blue sign above it.
The interior of Monsoon is incredibly relaxing (despite the restaurant’s name). The modern Indian décor is familiar enough to make a Western diner feel comfortable but exotic enough to reflect the food and the culture of the venue. Tables are spaced far enough apart for a dining party to enjoy a private conversation. The wait staff is informative but not intrusive and always attentive to refills. Servers ask before clearing plates.
This smart casual BYOB succeeds in popularity in part due to its meal pricing. In addition to offering a la carte items, Monsoon boasts a filling lunch buffet for under $12 and a four-course dinner at $30 per person. About half of Monsoon’s menu suits a vegetarian diet and the menu is divided accordingly, making this a smart date or dining site for vegetarians and omnivores to dine together.
The lunch buffet is frequently-tended by wait staff. You won’t find empty containers or spills here. The staff are also available to describe the various available dishes to you if you are new to Indian cuisine.
Though most of the dishes do contain spices such as curry, there are more familiar and less spicy options available such as the sweetly-marinated Tandoori Chicken. You may select any topping for the basmati rice, such as dishes including cheese to temper the spice or an earthy curry dish. The lunch buffet also comes with a bread basket and an assortment of soups. The dessert selection includes both a fruity, mango-infused dish and a more sugary dessert tasting more like rice pudding.
HelloPhiladelphia Tip: Rather flexible for patrons, Monsoon offers take out service and catering. Monsoon offers a relaxing mood and an escape from a hectic work week for nearby commuters—it’s also an upscale dining experience ideal for those wishing to stick to a budget without compromising quality.
Posted by Tara M. Clapper
