Reviewing Kiran’s: Join Chef Kiran Verma in Houston for upscale Indian cuisine.
Kiran’s is a privately-owned Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas with only one location that has its roots from sometime back in the 2000s. It was at a different location in the city until they decided to move at the beginning of 2017. This establishment was founded by Chef Kiran Verma aka “Godmother of Indian Fine Dining.” She prides herself and her business on selling the best Indian cuisine with the use of the freshest ingredients as well as a fusion of other cultures and cooking styles. All the meats sold at the restaurant contain no hormones. The chicken and lamb options are all halal.
The restaurant has received several accolades, such as being named “Best New Restaurant” by Zagat in 2006, receiving the “Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator from 2006 to 2020, and being named a nominee for “Chef of the Year” by My Table Magazine in 2010 and 2013. Kiran Verma has some YouTube videos from her restaurant where she talks to reporters about some of her famous recipes and orders.
Kiran’s is open Monday through Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and on weekends from 1 to 10 p.m. There is a complimentary valet and a garage just feet away. Kiran’ for anniversaries, family gatherings, romantic dates, business lunches, or cravings for tasty Indian cuisine. Guests here are forbidden to wear caps, sleeveless shirts, sandals, and clothing that would not pass for business casual. They also do not accept Discover cards.
The outside of Kiran’s is interesting, with a unique sign. The inside cannot be seen well, but the exterior hints at a fancy interior. Customers walking in will immediately be greeted by a host. The interior is majestic with an artistic, high-class vibe. The atmosphere of the restaurant is the essence of fine dining. The mood is calm and cozy with a feeling of efficiency from the staff and all the employees. The guests here are a mix of professional businesspeople and folks looking for a great meal in a classy setting. The inside of Kiran’s is modern and preppy without being nonchalant or casual in the way that most people think of modern.
This past Wednesday, I ordered chicken tikka masala as well as mango mousse for dessert. This was my second time ever dining here, but it was my first time dining at their new location. I have gotten curbside takeout several times during the peak of the pandemic. My curry order was delicious with a zesty, savory, and aromatic tomato gravy. The sauce was creamy and contained an abundance of very tender chicken pieces that were cooked to perfection. This dish comes with complimentary white rice topped with some dried fruit. This dish is one of my favorites here along with the butter chicken and vindaloo curries.
My dessert was creamy and cool. It was also extremely sweet and fruity with fantastic mango flavor. It’s a quality pudding with a biscuit cookie on the bottom and some fresh berries on top. This mousse made a wonderful contrast after a hot meal. Along with the gulab jamun and bread pudding, this is one of my favorite desserts here.
The service at Kiran’s was excellent and matched the immaculate interior and amazing menu items. The hostess was hospitable, while my server was friendly without being pushy or too intrusive. The bussers were attentive in cleaning my table whenever I finished eating a dish. One of the main bartenders near my seating section brought me my dessert in a warm and polite manner. Everything from start to finish was outstanding and pure class.