The first thing you'll notice when entering the Akbar Palace Restaurant in Randallstown (3541 Brenbrook Rd) is the wonderful aromas wafting throughout.

The smell of curry will hasten you to your table. Those aromas are amazing but there is also a health benefit. Curry is said to be good for you. Actually they offer about 100 Indian spices. 

Akbar Palace is open six days per week (closed Monday), serving lunch and dinner. There is a lunch buffet every day.

The items include one appetizer, one soup, six veggies, four meats, two rice dishes, nan bread and two desserts. I'm told the most popular dish is the chicken tikka masala, basically boneless chicken cooked with spices in butter sauce.     

The restaurant seats 120, there's carry-out, a very active catering business, plenty of parking and it is locally owned. The owners are the Nigam family, C.K. and his wife Kalpana. Their children also help. C.K. opened the restaurant in August of 1998. He's happy to point out they use no peanut oil or MSG.

Once seated you'll notice a picture of the Taj Mahal and many photos of Indian palaces.  If you look real closely as you enter or leave you'll see my picture with C.K. Almost reason enough to stop by.

By the way, my favorites are the Tandoori chicken, begun bhartha (baked eggplant) and the lamb vindaloo.

If you're a vegan or vegetarian, this is your place. Many items are available to you. And if you're not sure what to order simply ask C.K., he loves to talk with customers. On any subject, but ask him about India.    

For more information call 410-655-1600 or visit akbarpalace.com.