Essence Of Kesar | Modern Indian Dining | BYOB

We didn’t even take pics of our small plates but they were delicious! We had the lamb birria tacos and chicken bao buns which were amazing! The dinner was delicious as well. From the chicken vindaloo to the sea bass in coconut cream sauce, everything was well seasoned and authentic! I will definitely be back the next time we are in North Jersey. The owners came and checked on us after dinner which we appreciated. Service and ambience was welcoming.Top notch!

We didn’t even take pics of our small plates but they were delicious! We had the lamb birria tacos and chicken bao buns which were amazing! The dinner was delicious as well. From the chicken vindaloo to the sea bass in coconut cream sauce, everything was well seasoned and authentic! I will definitely be back the next time we are in North Jersey. The owners came and checked on us after dinner which we appreciated. Service and ambience was welcoming.Top notch!

Walk in and a giant pop-art bride in full red bridal regalia is staring at you from a teal wall. That’s the vibe check. Essence of Kesar passes it immediately. The food does not mess around. Dahi puri chaat that’s basically edible architecture, yogurt, pomegranate, bundi, chaat masala all stacked into something too pretty to eat. (Ate it anyway.) Dosa balls that disappeared embarrassingly fast. Paneer tikka masala so silky and deep it makes you question every other version you’ve had. Garlic naan that I’m still thinking about. Kulfi trio scattered with rose petals that belonged in a museum. Now: Pawan. Our server was the real deal. Warm without being performative, attentive without hovering, and his menu recommendations were genuinely perfect. But here’s the moment that sealed it: we’d had a long morning and asked, somewhat sheepishly, if they could make us chai, which isn’t even on the menu. Without missing a beat, they made it. Hot, proper chai, just because we needed it. That’s not service. That’s hospitality. He made a full, buzzing restaurant feel intimate and that’s rare. Essence of Kesar is the kind of place Englewood should be very proud of. Go. Ask for Pawan.

Walk in and a giant pop-art bride in full red bridal regalia is staring at you from a teal wall. That’s the vibe check. Essence of Kesar passes it immediately. The food does not mess around. Dahi puri chaat that’s basically edible architecture, yogurt, pomegranate, bundi, chaat masala all stacked into something too pretty to eat. (Ate it anyway.) Dosa balls that disappeared embarrassingly fast. Paneer tikka masala so silky and deep it makes you question every other version you’ve had. Garlic naan that I’m still thinking about. Kulfi trio scattered with rose petals that belonged in a museum. Now: Pawan. Our server was the real deal. Warm without being performative, attentive without hovering, and his menu recommendations were genuinely perfect. But here’s the moment that sealed it: we’d had a long morning and asked, somewhat sheepishly, if they could make us chai, which isn’t even on the menu. Without missing a beat, they made it. Hot, proper chai, just because we needed it. That’s not service. That’s hospitality. He made a full, buzzing restaurant feel intimate and that’s rare. Essence of Kesar is the kind of place Englewood should be very proud of. Go. Ask for Pawan.

Honestly the best modern indian food I’ve had! The spinach & kale chaat was such a wonderful experience & a must get; texture was such a delicious blend. The biryani is cooked/prepped in Bamboo, and was wonderful as it gave it some crustiness/crunch from cooking alongside the wood. Paneer Tikka Masala was another a favorite on the table. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and delicious. Not only was the food great, but service here is also top notch. Our party walked in on a Saturday afternoon, and was kindly seated with no problem or wait. They communicated that there would be a reservation in 2 hours, and the transparency of our expected time was so appreciated. The staff always checked in on our table, asking how everything was & if anything was needed. They do not neglect their service in any manner. I’m already thinking about my next meal back!