Inchin’s Bamboo Garden

Inchin’s Bamboo Garden
5106 Great Northern Mall
North Olmsted, OH 44070
(440) 734-0500
http://www.bamboo-gardens.com/

Inchin. “What the heck is that” was the first thought that entered my mind. I was told it’s a play on words for Indian Chinese cuisine. This doesn’t mean Indian food with a Chinese flair. It’s an Indian take on Chinese cooking, and quite tasty is an understatement.

My first experience in Indian Chinese fare was in Calcutta while eating at Arsalan. While I didn’t partake in their famous biryani, I did enjoy a vegetable jhalpiazi dish that was infused with red and green chilies and other subtle spices that had more of an Asian flare. Maybe once India takes over China in population the cuisine will only be known as a variation of Indian food.

We decided to try Bamboo Garden because several friends from India said it reminded them of Chinese food back at home. How could I turn down that stamp of approval? The food is also considered halal which means it is permissible for Muslims to eat.

The restaurant is located on the western half of the Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted. The interior of the restaurant is very spacious, comfortable, with mellow lighting and red and yellow painted walls. A friendly host sat us promptly and then we were off to the buffet.

I’ll admit that when I first laid eyes on the variety of food available, I was very impressed. Following is a list of the great assortment of food found on this buffet: darsan with ice cream, chicken red curry, lamb yellow curry, chicken fried rice, chicken hakka noodle, shrimp creamy chili, General Tsao’s chicken, chicken lai, thai mixed vegetable, okra black bean, T’sing hoi potato, vegetable hakka noodle, vegetable fried rice, crispy chili baby corn, cauliflower dry and chili, and hot and sour soup. Nearly all of the dishes were spiced very well, though the shrimp dish was a little bland and overcooked. After mixing them with yellow curry, the taste greatly improved. I also didn’t care for the baby corn that much, it was too mild and soft. However, overall the rest of the buffet is a spice heaven.

The meal ends with a quite tasty dessert. Darzan are thin, fried crispy noodles coated in sugar and honey. When mixed with the ice cream, the combination is pure nirvana (had to get one of those jokes in). For those living on the west side or who have an interest in trying a spin on Asian cuisine, definitely check this restaurant out. There are also locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Raleigh, and Seattle.

Scale of 0 to 5
0: "What you do not wish upon yourself, extend not to others." - Confucius

5: “With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow – I have still joy in the midst of these things. Riches and honors acquired by unrighteousness are to me as a floating cloud.” - Confucius

Food & Drink: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4 (Buffet service, but friendly)
Bang for the buck: 4 (The buffet was $9.95, but for the variety it is well worth it)
TOTAL: 17/20

-Dr. Tarbox

Dr. Chang’s two cents:
Food & Drink: 4.5 (Good for an uncommon genre)
Atmosphere: 4 (Quiet and clean)
Service: 4 (Quick to refill water, otherwise buffet self-serve style)
Bang for the buck: 4 (All-you-can-eat for lunchtime for a decent price)
TOTAL: 16.5/20

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas for restaurants to visit, please e-mail us at tarboxj@ccf.org and changl@ccf.org or visit our blog at starboxmd.blogspot.com. Thank you.