After a long awaited five years, local Indian restaurant Marigold Maison is reintroducing lunch and rolling out a new happy hour menu. When I was graciously invited for a preview of all the new additions, it was an immediate yes.
Marigold Maison is already on my list of favorite restaurants in the Valley. Not only does their Indian food shine as some of the best, but the atmosphere emits the most wonderful, welcoming vibe. I quickly asked one of my best friends, Arja, to be my plus-one. Being of Indian descent, Arja graciously and patiently continues to educate me on Indian food and culture, which I appreciate as a continually evolving foodie. She also names Marigold Maison as one of her favorite restaurants and jumped at the opportunity to go.
Upon arrival, we’re immediately greeted by the owners – husband-and-wife team Pushpa and Sunil Kumar. Their warm hospitality makes you feel like you’re walking into their home. And, in a way, you are, as Pushpa refers to Marigold as an extension of her own home. We’re told to pick any table we want and choose a cozy spot by the window. As we settle in, Pushpa explains that they stopped serving lunch during COVID but five years later, there’s finally a demand for it again and it’s time to get the word out!
As I glance at the happy hour menu, I spot something I knew I needed to try: the chai martini. The creamy drink makes its way to the table and I’m itching for the first sip. Vodka, cardamom, chai spices and coconut crème swirl together for a smooth, slightly sweet cocktail with the aromatic hint of spice you expect from an exceptional cup of chai. A ringing endorsement from Arja: “These flavors are transforming me straight to my mom’s kitchen.” Overall, a sensational sipping cocktail. All drinks on the happy hour menu – margaritas, a fiery Old Fashioned, beer, wine and more – are $6. Plenty of selections to fit any mood – and budget.
Looking over the rest of the menu, I get overwhelmed and honestly can’t narrow down any decisions, so I request Sunil take charge and start bringing out food, knowing he’d steer us in the right direction. Food starts to arrive and boy, were we in for a treat! First to arrive: chicken dumplings (aka momos) from the happy hour menu – fried but tender dough filled with minced chicken and vegetables served with a sweet chili sauce, an excellent shareable plate to go with our martinis.
Next up: chickpea ceviche, also from the happy hour menu. This fun spin on the traditional seafood dish features a vegetarian mixture of chickpeas, peanuts, a hint of mint and spiced seasonings for a zesty kick. Served cold, its refreshing, light quality is a complete contrast to the dumplings.
The beautifully classic chicken thali is laid out before us and, as usual, steals the show. Served on a single round platter, it features a rainbow assortment of small, vibrant dishes. Rice, naan, raita (yogurt-based sauce that helps cool the palate), chicken tikka masala (tender chicken in a complex sauce of aromatic herbs and spices), curry chicken, palak paneer (cubes of cheese in a spiced spinach sauce) and the sweet gulab jamun (fried dough soaked in syrup). Honestly, it’s hard to pick a favorite out of this heavenly selection. It’s the perfect grazing tray to share among friends and a must-order when visiting Marigold Maison.
I’m very excited to try pani puri for the first time, and I’m glad Arja is here to show me the proper way to assemble and eat it. This traditional street food is made up of three parts: crispy wheat puffs, a chickpea and potato mixture, and spicy water – both sweet and sour. Arja demonstrates how to crack open a small hole on the top of the puff, scoop the mixture into it and either dip or drip spicy water onto it for extra flavoring. You then pop the entire puff into your mouth in one bite. Each one was a savory little delight filled with a combination of complex textures and flavors all at once – strongly appealing acidic and umami flavors also give it an addictive essence leaving you wanting more.
Last but not least: the new Marigold chicken taco from the recently relaunched lunch menu. This is exactly what you’re thinking – an Indian twist of flavors in a traditional soft taco filled with lettuce, tomato, onion and cilantro. We devour it bite after mouthwatering bite.
We walk out of Marigold Maison with full hearts and bellies – as well as plenty of leftovers for later. Arja and I agree they’ve brought lunch back in a big way, as each dish is a smashing success. These happy hour options and pricing are also some of the best I’ve seen around town. Run don’t walk to this Valley gem and treat yourself to a marvelous afternoon or early evening of flavor from Marigold Maison’s new menus.
4720 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. D118, Phoenix, 602-795-0020, marigoldmaison.com
