In a town like Kenilworth, NJ, where the dining scene is dotted with pizzerias, delis, and neighborhood taverns, it’s always refreshing to find a place that offers something a little different. Tucked away on Boulevard, Star of India has quietly built a name for itself as a reliable spot for North Indian food — the kind of place locals recommend when friends ask, “Where can I get good Indian food around here?”
A Place That Feels Familiar
Star of India isn’t one of those restaurants chasing the latest trends. There are no flashy neon signs or elaborate Instagrammable backdrops. Instead, what you’ll find is a small, comfortable dining room and a team of people who seem more interested in serving good food than putting on a show. That approach has earned them something far more valuable than buzz: loyalty.
For many locals, this is their go-to spot when they’re craving Indian food. It’s why you’ll see the restaurant’s name pop up in lists for the best North Indian restaurant in Kenilworth NJ or the top 10 North Indian restaurants near Kenilworth NJ.
The Food That Defines North India
The menu at Star of India leans heavily on the dishes that make North Indian cuisine so widely loved. Curries simmered until they’re rich and complex, breads baked in the tandoor, rice dishes fragrant with spice — it’s the kind of food that satisfies both adventurous eaters and those just dipping their toes into Indian cooking.
Some standouts include:
-
Chicken Tikka Masala – Possibly the most famous of all, with tender chicken in a creamy tomato sauce.
-
Butter Chicken – Smooth, comforting, and endlessly popular.
-
Saag Paneer – Spinach blended with mild Indian cheese, a favorite for vegetarians.
-
Lamb Rogan Josh – Slow-cooked until the meat practically falls apart.
-
Biryani – A celebratory rice dish, spiced and layered with vegetables or meat.
And then, of course, there’s the fresh naan. Few things compare to tearing off a piece of warm bread and scooping up sauce from your favorite curry.
Eating In or Ordering Out
One of the interesting trade-offs for restaurants like Star of India is how to divide their focus between dine-in service and the growing demand for takeout and delivery.
If you eat in, you get the full experience: the sizzling sound of a tandoori platter arriving at the table, the aromas that hit you as soon as you walk through the door, and the chance to linger over a meal with family or friends.
But if convenience is what you need, their online ordering system makes it simple to bring that same food home. It’s straightforward and user-friendly, which is important because so many customers today expect ordering to be as easy as a few clicks.
The fact that both options hold up — neither feeling like an afterthought — is part of what makes this Kenilworth NJ North Indian restaurant stand out.
Why Star of India Stays on the Shortlist
Ask ten people in town where to find the best North Indian restaurant near Kenilworth NJ, and chances are Star of India will be on the list more often than not. That’s not just about taste. It’s about the complete package.
-
Consistency: The food tastes the same from one visit to the next — always a good sign.
-
Variety: There’s something for everyone, from mild to spicy, meat to vegetarian.
-
Affordability: Prices are reasonable, making it easy to order regularly without breaking the bank.
-
Hospitality: The staff is approachable and happy to make recommendations for first-timers.
For a restaurant in a small town, those qualities matter more than hype. They build trust. And once a place has earned trust, customers stick around.
The Balance Behind the Menu
Behind the scenes, restaurants like this are always juggling trade-offs. How much should they adapt traditional recipes for local palates? How large should the menu be before it becomes overwhelming? How spicy is too spicy for a community that may not have grown up with chilies as a staple ingredient?
At Star of India, the balance seems well struck. Dishes stay true to their origins, but there’s room for customization. Want extra heat? Just ask. Prefer something milder? The kitchen can tone it down. The menu has breadth, but it’s not a phone book. Every dish feels like it belongs.
The Practical Details
For anyone who wants to check it out:
📍 Address: 496 Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ 07033
📞 Phone: (908) 272-6633
🌐 Website: starofindiakenilworthnj.com
🛒 Order Online: Click here
More Than Just a Place to Eat
What makes Star of India worth highlighting isn’t only the food, though that’s certainly the star of the show. It’s the way the restaurant has become part of the fabric of Kenilworth. It’s where coworkers pick up a quick lunch special, where families celebrate a mid-week dinner, and where curious first-timers take their first bite of authentic Indian food.
That kind of presence in a community doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from showing up day after day, serving meals that satisfy, and treating customers like neighbors rather than transactions.
Final Word
If you’re putting together a list of the top 10 best North Indian restaurants near Kenilworth NJ, Star of India deserves its spot. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t need to be. What it offers is something much harder to come by: food that feels both comforting and exciting, served in a place that feels approachable and genuine.
Whether you’re craving butter chicken, a plate of lamb biryani, or simply want to order naan and curry to enjoy at home, this Kenilworth NJ North Indian restaurant delivers every time. And in a dining world full of fleeting trends, that kind of reliability is worth celebrating.