Khyber Restaurant

The WORST dining experience in my entire life.\r \r I went to lunch here with 2 coworkers, and we had a LIVE COCKROACH in our bread basket! I have never felt so sick in my life. \r \r We had just finished eating most of our food, and we demanded to speak with the manager (I believe his name is Mickey Kapoor). Being very respectful, we said, ""This is unacceptable,"" to which he replied, ""It happens."" \r \r This made us very angry. I've had a hair in my food before, and I received a sincere apology from the manager. Mickey REFUSED TO APOLOGIZE, CALLED THE POLICE ON US, and THREATENED TO SUE ME FOR DEFAMATION. I am not making this up, and my coworkers were all with me (their reviews will be on here too).\r \r Can you believe it? I have never witnessed such incompetence, stupidity, and lack of care for a customer in my entire life. This man does not deserve to operate a restaurant, and I am going to great lengths to make sure he doesn't. \r \r DO NOT EAT HERE. PERIOD. more

Having just read Smita and Sanjeev Chandra's book,\r Cuisines of India: The Art and Tradition of Regional Indian Cooking, I realize that many diners who reviewed their visit to Khyber on the basis of one set of assumptions or another about how Indian food SHOULD taste don't recognize the many completely different types of Indian food that can be legitimately offered. The food at Khyber, a North Indian Grill, reflects the selections of meats and spices of the North, not the lip-burning, ghee-immersed food of parts of the South. But even ""north"" and ""south"" WAY over simplify the situation. Centuries of invaders and colonizers from the Mughals to the Portuguese and British have left their marks on dining in different parts of the country, according to the Chandras. When I go to Khyber with my Indian friends, they find the dishes excellent, and saag paneer they consistently admire as superior. My own favorites are the Baingan Bharta (eggplant) and the Daal. I find the quirky humor of the staff (and the signs that taunt the competition) droll and amusing, and admit it––some customers are outrageous and worth a tongue-in-cheek reply. As for the claim that the owner ""doesn't like Indians,"" consider the ambiguity and irony of an owner from India making that statement as well as the way that we Houstonians make fun of other Texans (does Dallas come to mind?). The biggest mistake when going to Khyber is being too serious about anything but the FOOD, which is always made with the best ingredients and served in a spotlessly clean setting. more

Despite what you read elsewhere, this is solid North Indian cooking with a track record. Mickey Kapoor was among the group that introduced the curried arts to Houston starting at the Taj Mahal Restaurant back in the early 70s. He opened Khyber over 20 years ago, specializing in North Indian and Pakistani influenced foods, and has been delivering consistent quality at the same location for all these years. more

I think the food is pretty good although a little dry for curry in my opinion. However, the guys who work here are odd balls. I went with a friend and the waiter was asking me and my friend where we live, work, and for our phone numbers!!!!!! WHAT!?! CHECK PLEASE!!!!! & NO TIP 4 YOU! more

The quality ingredients that Mickey uses are worth the lunch buffet. I eat lunch here four or five times a month because of the high quality of ingredients used to prepare the meals and over the years have inquired as to why his lemons are actually juicy and the chicken is really tasty not stringy. Mickey refuses to lower the quality of the ingredients to produce a cheap $7-8.50 buffet. His price is $15 and worth every penny. My husband likes the clear taste of the ice tea as well. The service is great and attentive even though its a buffet. Also, and this is very important, its one of the cleanest kitchens in Houston. I often get there late and I eat slow so I see the effort they go thru every day to clean up. In Houston restaurants this is a major factor for me. Pros: Quality ingredients, attentive wait staff and clean kitchen Cons: Wish they were open until three for lunch,closes at 2 more

Was on a business trip in Houston, and as we enjoy indian food, we stopped at this restaurant for lunch buffet as it was close to work. Decorations were good, and that's all about this restaurant had to offer. Cons: taste of food nonexistant; high price for the quality of food you get. more

still crappy food for exorbitant prices and awful service. A friend of mine knows the owner and says he hates Indians coming to his restaurant because they complain and don't tip. How sad that he feels that way about his own people. I will tell all my Indian friends about this. Pros: inside the loop Cons: everything: food, service, price more

I have had mixed experiences with this restaurant but today was the last straw. Basically let us just say that if you are a friend of Mickey Kapoor you are treated like royalty, but if you are just an ordinary diner the service is GHASTLY!!! We came into this establishment within the time period stated on the hours for lunch. However, it was rather obvious that we were going to be rushed through our lunch so that the waiters could start clearing up the luncheon buffet. No sooner had i eaten my meager portions of food than the waiter was all over us trying to railroad us out of there. I would have liked to perhaps get a few more items but there was no chance of that. I find this buffet to be rather boring , the menu NEVER CHANGES and the selection is not a good representation of Indian food compared to what I have had elsewhere. The vegetable selection particularly is rather lacking in imagination and variety. This restaurant basically is remaining in business primarily due to its convenient inner loop location rather than the dining experience. I have always found the waitstaff to be unfriendly verging on downright rude. The prices are outrageous for what is provided and I am tired of being overcharged simply because a business owner thinks he can get away with it based on the neighborhood. I think I will entertain myself with the owner's amusing comments on his billboard from now on and save my money for a better meal elsewhere!! Very disappointing indeed! Pros: Amusing comments by owner on his billboard directed at neighboring restaurant Cons: Rude attitude of owner and staff, poor selection of food both in quantity and quality more

Uck. Horrendous service, nasty manager, blah food. more

Weak-flavored food served off temperature by surly, rude and inattentive wait staff for prices that are not at all reasonable. Table and paper menus were dirty. Waiter was largely absent and when present was rude. Attitude only improved when check was presented and it was obvious that tip-tallying was soon to begin. There are many far better Indian restaurants in Houston. This one does not deserve any business and should be put out of its misery so a new place with more competent management and employees can move into the space. Cons: see review, too many to list here more

We have been going here for about 10 years. Delicious chicken masala. Wonderful vindaloo. Tasty lentils and potatoes. The naan is to die for (but don't--you'll miss the INCREDIBLE rice pudding!). And then, there is Mickey, the owner. Funny, serious, politically savvy and always interesting to talk to. He, along with the other professional staff who have been with him for years make this a fabulous example of northern Indian cuisine and a great place to enjoy a meal. Touche! Pros: Great food, great wait staff, Mickey! Cons: Cons? Well, I'll tell you once I have visited Huntsville! more

Everytime I come here these guys are total jerks. If your wondering why I come here at all, well its because its closer than most Indian places on Hillcroft. These people cater to unsuspecting bland non-Indians willing to pay outrageous amounts of money. As far as some of the good reviews on this page go, I wouldn't put it past the manager and staff to have written most of those glowing reviews. Pros: nearby /inside the loop Cons: everything else, especially service more

Had lunch there last week, first time in 10 years. What happened? Pros: It was open Cons: Expensive, bland buffet more

I have eaten at Khyber many, many times, and though it's too expensive for what you get, and the food is not as good as many other Indian restaurants, it's still decent-tasting, and the location is convenient. Pros: Location. Cons: WORST service ever! more

My husband and I have been here a few times, and we have been pleased with it overall. Sometimes the service is a bit slow when it's crowded (Friday and Saturday nights), but that's to be expected, I guess. The portions for the vegetarian dishes are very generous - we always have a ton leftover. The saag paneer is solid, and the bengan bhartha is awesome. The shrimp dishes are also good. more

I love Khyber Grill. They have great food and a great atmosphere, but they are classified on this website as good for 'group dining'. So, I planned to take a group of people there for my birthday, and was excited to share this spot with my friends. Unfortunately, they only do 'group dining' up to 10 people. Even 15 people is apparently too much for this restaurant to handle. I guess the 'group dining' classification needs to be taken with a grain of salt so that you are not disappointed as well. Pros: food, ambience Cons: good only for small group dining more

My husband and I have been coming to the Kyber Grill since it first opened. Pros: The food is excellent! The service is attentive. Cons: I can't think fo any. more

One of the best places in Houston to dine. I don't know what the problem is with some others who have posted, however Mickie-the owner/manager is one of the best people I have ever met and I have known him for 8 years. He is funny and yes he does have a humor that can bite a little however he is not mean, nasty or vicious and it can be thought provoking as well. His food is great and when you take the time to get to know him you will receive a great treat. When it is not super busy Mickie walks about talking to all customers making sure all is well and spends a little more time with those he knows. when it is mega busy and he sees you walk through the door, if he does not have time to meet and greet you personally, after you are seated and drinks are orders there is this whish... and what has landed on your table is hot fresh naan with either minced onion and spices or finely chopped pistachios and honey baked in the middle........ OH I LOVE THIS! If and when he has time Mickie will come back and chat later. in the mean time enjoy a fab meal...... Khyber has the only cooked spinach I will eat! Pros: a great place to take those new to indian food, the service and atmosphere are fab Cons: need bigger bowls for the kheer more

We have been going here for a couple of years and always enjoy it. The Chicken Tikka Masala is the best - it has large chunks of chicken smothered in a creamy tomato sauce. It is served with a cucumber salad and a yogurt dip called raita which all complement each other nicely. Their Naan Bread is great - fluffy and warm with a hint of butter. Yum! We have also enjoyed the Chicken Vindaloo Curry (which can be pretty hot so watch out) and the regular Chicken Tikka. The latter will please even the pickiest of eaters. Pros: great food, excellent naan bread, Cons: sarcastic and rude manager more

Okay. I was raised in an Indian household--my stepfather was from New Delhi and a fair bit of my family live in India--and I've consumed vindaloo curries from many parts of England. If you want spicy food, this is not the place for you; try Pavani instead. But if your palate doesn't tolerate a lot of heat, this place is great. My friends and I have been coming to Khyber for brunch for several years and love the food and the service. When they see us walk in, they almost always bring us our particular drinks without having to ask, and they always bring us fresh samosas! My favorite buffet dish is the saag paneer. Regarding the folks that gave Khyber one or two stars and complained about the bland food--surprise, but not all Indian food is spicy, folks. Yes, I prefer my aloo mattar and cholas with kick and eat achar with my meals, but not all Indians do; my Indian siblings can't take the spice. BTW: Khyber does great gulab jamans and samosas. Pros: Great service, good *basic* Indian food Cons: Not much kick to the food more