There are many Indian restaurants to choose from in South Jersey. There are more now than ever. While that’s a good thing, as it means more exploration and discovery, it may be hard to choose which ones to try. If you’re adventurous like me, you’ll probably want to try them all.
Among the newer Indian restaurants in South Jersey is Palnadu Indian Cuisine in Springdale Plaza at 1900 Greetree Road in Cherry Hill.
It’s only been open for two years, but it feels like it’s been there longer. And I mean that as a compliment. It’s a humble restaurant that doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles to execute hearty, flavorful Indian food. It doesn’t need to resort to gimmicks to woo and wow customers.
Palnadu invites you on a flavorful adventure, showcasing the cuisines of two specific Indian regions while delivering the unforgettable tastes of the entire Indian subcontinent right on your plate. It’s exciting, yet familiar and reliable.
While the restaurant may not dazzle with flashy decor, Palnadu makes up for it with deep, adventurous flavors that turn every meal into a journey, letting you explore this region of the world from your seat.
The restaurant feels warm and welcoming, with cozy booths, comfortable tables, and a bright, friendly atmosphere. Service is cordial and casual. You are allowed to linger and savor the experience.
While the menu offers a wide variety, it’s quite easy to navigate as its categorized by the type of dish with the specific dishes listed underneath. If you’re unsure of what a dish is, just ask, but each dish is described including the ingredients in each, making it easy to choose based on your preference.
Popular dishes such as curries, kababs, biryanis, pulaos, hakka (noodles), chaat (street food), desserts, and more are featured. Each category is separated by vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, making it easy for you to select whether you want meat or no meat. There are vegan options as well, which are clearly labeled next to the dish.
Among the dishes I tried upon a recent visit are: Drums of Heaven, Spinach Chaat, Paneer Biryani, Aloo Gobi Mutter, Hakka Noodles with Egg, and Qurbani with Ice Cream (dessert).
A quick note: they can adjust any dish to your preferred spice level. I requested milder flavors, but in one instance I tried a dish as it’s typically served to have the authentic cultural experience. I don’t like to Americanize the food too much, but I also have to consider how my body handles certain spices. They are more than accommodating in that regard, so don’t let that stop you from trying the food.
The drums of Heaven at Palnadu are among the best I have tasted. With a playful name and a nod to American comfort food, these Indo-Chinese chicken lollipops are tossed in a sweet-and-spicy sauce that elevates them far beyond ordinary wings. I ordered mine mild, and they arrived perfectly cooked: crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and drenched in a sauce that explodes with flavor. They are delightfully messy, staining your fingers as you dig in, but that is part of the fun. The best meals are immersive; the ones you experience with all your senses, savoring every bite and every bit of the mess.
It’s hard to describe just how much I adore Indian chaat, or Indian street food. According to Wikipedia, “chaat” comes from the Hindi word for “to lick,” describing food so delicious you’ll want to lick your fingers and plate. These dishes are a craveable mashup of textures and flavors—simultaneously sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy. Chaat are typically built on a base of fried dough or puffed rice, generously layered with chutneys, vegetables, and spices.
It’s the textures and flavors that really sing to me in this dish. It’s one reason why I am nearly obsessed with Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines. Palnadu’s chaat truly does not disappoint. This is the second chaat I have tried here and they are flawless as far as I’m concerned. I nearly did lick this plate clean!
As the unforgettable Food Network star Anne Burrell once declared, “brown food tastes good!” She could not have been more right, especially when it comes to hearty, comforting dishes. While many Indian curries dazzle with their fiery red colors, some, like Aloo Gobi Mutter, lean into rich, earthy browns. This curry was a new adventure for me. I have sampled my share of aloo (potato) and vegetable curries, but this was my first encounter with this particular combination.
Aloo Gobi Mutter is a classic North Indian curry that brings together potatoes (aloo), cauliflower (gobi), and green peas (mutter) in one flavorful dish. Simmered in a spiced onion-tomato gravy, it results in a unique brownish-green color. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free, this dish welcomes just about everyone to the table. The spice level was pleasantly medium, and this rich, curried vegetable stew arrived alongside a fluffy mound of white rice. Utterly satisfying!
I’ve enjoyed more than my fair share of biryani over the years. Once, during my food judging days, I even had the honor of judging a biryani contest. Biryani is pure comfort for the soul, far more than just rice and spices tossed together. It’s the kind of Indian comfort food that hugs you and leaves you feeling whole. This dish is never just a sidekick; it’s a main dish. While biryani is often paired with chicken or lamb, I went for the paneer (cheese) version and boldly asked for the “full spice level.” No holding back on the heat! The spice was definitely a notch above my usual, but the generous rice helped tame the fire. Every bite was bursting with flavor, and my taste buds were throwing a party in my mouth.
Hakka noodles were a delightful discovery for me, an Indo-Chinese creation I stumbled upon just a couple of years ago at a local Indian restaurant. This fusion dish weaves together the bold flavors and cooking styles of Indian and Chinese (Schezwan) cuisine, creating something truly unique. Each bite feels like classic Chinese food, yet a gentle but unmistakable Indian twist lingers. I love seeing more of these inventive dishes pop up at local Indian spots. The combination of these two culinary worlds is simply inspired and deeply satisfying. While you can order it with chicken or shrimp, I went for the egg version. Every bite was a treat.
Of course, I ended my meal on a sweet note! I usually get kheer (rice pudding) or gulab jamun (fried dough balls in rose water syrup) but I wanted to try something different. I haven’t ever tried Qurbani before. It’s an apricot pudding served with ice cream. The pudding was luscious and so apricot-y. It paired well with the cool, creamy ice cream.
Overall, the dishes are delicious and the prices are very fair at this South Jersey Indian restaurant.
We are SO LUCKY to have many amazing Indian restaurants in South Jersey. I hope you are able to discover them all. I have been slowly getting around to trying them all myself. I am not one to compare them or “rank” them, because I truly feel they all bring something special to the table. They’re all passionate about showcasing the flavors of India and we are better for that. The varieties, regions, and techniques may vary, but one thing is for certain, the restaurants here are doing the subcontinent justice.
If you haven’t yet been to Palnadu Indian Cuisine yet, you should add it to your list. Cherry Hill has many great Indian restaurants, and I’m glad they are here. If you’re a fan of Indian food, check them out and let me know what you think!
BTW – they are in the Frequent Diner program. Show them your card and you’ll get 15% off your check. Once you try them, I’m sure you’ll go back frequently.
If you missed the Restaurant Week deal (20% off) a couple of weeks ago, they’re going to do it again in September. In the meantime, stay tuned for a gift card giveaway which will be hosted on Instagram. I really want you to try this Indian restaurant!
SJFS is dedicated to food, dining, restaurants, and drinking in South Jersey. Got a news tip? Email southjerseyfoodscene@gmail.com.