Cheap Eats: Green Chili Indian Bistro

(Credit: Jacqui Anderson)

Photos:

There are hundreds of different restaurants out there and thousands of different cuisines. When you think about it though, most restaurants are really the same. They're a  bar and grill  concept or an Italian place. They serve Mexican food or Chinese. However, very few restaurants serve authentic Indian cuisine.

Indian cuisine is nothing short of revolutionary. The style of food and they way people enjoy it is very far from mainstream. However, if you have never had Indian food before I highly recommend you try it. The taste profile, presentation and overall flavor delivers a food experience that you can't receive from any other restaurant.

Deep in downtown St. Petersburg, not far from Bay Walk is a "fast casual" Indian restaurant by the name of Green Chili. It's owned by the same family that owns the more well known Raga Indian Restaurant. Green Chili Indian Bistro opened a few months ago as a more casual spin off from their sit down restaurant. I had the opportunity to give them a try last week and here's the breakdown of my experience:

The Atmosphere: The walk through downtown St. Pete to the restaurant adds to the overall experience. Downtown St. Petersburg is one of the best places to visit in Tampa Bay and Green Chili is perfectly located. Once you get inside the restaurant you'll be greeted by the fresh, spicy smells of homemade Indian Cuisine along with plenty of seating both inside and outside.

The Service: While the experience is "cafeteria style" service, the employees are passionate not only about their concept but also about their food. You can sense their pride in preparing each dish and serving you your meal. They believe in what they have created and have no problem hiding it. Not to mention they're friendly, accommodating and welcoming.

The Food: I got to try a couple different selections and was blown away.

Chicken Curry: Spicy! The flavors are bold and the chicken is moist. The chicken is shredded into thick portions and seasoned perfectly. This is one of their most popular dishes. I stopped by around 2pm and they were already running low.

Spicy Italian Meat Balls: It doesn't get better than homemade meat balls. Along with the chicken they are moist, tender and have an extra kick. They compliment the already spicy Chicken Curry perfectly.

The Price: This is the perfect place for lunch with most entrees priced between $7 - $9. Options are based on how many meat items you select. The choice of 2 meats with a side and pita bread was $6.95.

Green Chili offers up something you can't find anywhere else: a great location, friendly service, and authentic Indian Cuisine that doesn't break the bank. Next time you're in Downtown St. Pete it would be worth a walk over to Green Chili (the Chicken Curry alone is worth the trip).

Green Chili is only open Mon-Fri from 11am - 3pm and is located at:

310 Central Ave

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-894-3663

Add a comment