Karma has a reputation for serving up some of the best Indian food in Philadelphia. Having sampled its seductive culinary charms, we’d wholeheartedly agree.
The vibe of the space is sleek and relaxed, pulling diners away from the frantic pace of the bustling section of Market Street at its door. The menu is expansive. It would take many visits to explore every corner of it, which is something we wouldn’t mind doing soon.
Karma isn’t afraid to give diners a healthy dose of spice, which gives an exciting and welcome boost to the Kolkata Golda Chingree ($9.95). The battered shrimp are fried to light and crispy excellence, with the bright-red hue of the crust beckoning and warning at the same time of the explosive flavors waiting inside.
Another fried dish that delivers is the fish pakora ($7.95), which isn’t nearly as spicy but perfectly crisp and juicy, a nice respite from the more aggressive shrimp.
The samosa chaat ($6.50) has a nice blend of starchy creaminess that takes the edge off the simmering kick and gives the dish an alluring texture.
When it comes to entrées, you can ask for different levels of spice ranging from mild to Karma spicy. We opted for Indian spicy, which is a step below Karma spicy. It wasn’t nearly as aggressive as we’d hoped, but who needs aggressive spice when the rest of the dish is so spot-on in the flavor department?
The Hara Bara Kebab ($16.95), chicken in a chili, garlic and ginger sauce, had hints of sweetness tempering the spices. The seekh kebab ($15.95) was a nicely roasted mixture of ground lamb, onions and herbs that married well with a side of cool raita ($3), a cucumber- and herb-infused yogurt sauce, and a large helping of buttery, garlicky lasooni naan bread ($3.75).
Because of popular demand, Karma has broadened the lunch buffet on weekdays, giving diners a chance to sample a decent-sized portion of the menu.
Whether you visit midday or in the evening, you’ll find that Philly’s Karma is always nothing but good.
If you go
Karma
246 Market St.
215-925-1444
www.karmaphiladelphia.com
Sun.-Thurs.: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri.-Sat.: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.