Mother India

3572 Leavenworth Street
Omaha, NE 68105-1908
(402) 763-2880
Open most days for lunch and dinner (closed in between), Sundays just for dinner, Mondays closed
http://www.motherindiarestaurantomaha.com/

I love Indian food. I think I could eat it everyday. I think I did eat it everyday at one point. And so I've noticed the lack of Indian cuisine in Omaha. Only a handful of places, and they seem overpriced and kinda out of your way.  Located in a chic little shack way too close to the street, I guess Mother India did remind me a little of a curry house in London, but minus the charm. We went on your average Tuesday and it took 40 minutes from the time we sat down to the time we got our food. So as the clock ticked along we got more skeptical of the food, thinking it would obviously be crap. Well, it wasn't. The Vegetable Samosas were expertly fried, and the mint chutney was delicious. The Vegetable Curry had just the right amount of heat and spice, and the rice was soft and flavorful, and not dry like some Indian-style basmati can be. So this place gets a D in ambiance and service and an A in flavor... though I do wish they'd beef up their choice of vegetarian dishes and chill out on the beef. Guess we are in Nebraska huh.

Vegetable Samosas Filled with Potato, Mint Chutney on the Side

Samosa Interior View

Vegetable Curry

Rice

Casablanca Moroccan Cafe

3025 Farnam Street

Omaha, NE 68131

(402) 884-3362

Closed Mondays and between lunch and dinner

Lots of raving about this place, including the recent feature in the Reader, allowed our expectations to soar. Unfortunately, I'm still a little confused about the hype. Gratis hummus and salad were served immediately, both in large bowls with no side plates or serving spoons, so let's hope your dining mates don't have cooties or Hep C. The chef then came out and dissuaded us from ordering off the menu, promising to "take good care of us" if we just let him make us something. We didn't really have much of a choice. 

Half hour later out came the big ole bowl of rice, rice, and more rice, topped with grilled meats, potatoes and veg. Another twenty minutes later and the falafel arrived--three patties cut in half on a plate, dry and overcooked as could be, which was a shame because though the spices were flavorful, it was difficult to swallow, seriously. Sliced strawberries and grapes at the end helped to quench our thirst from all the dry food. All this for only $11 per person, but we left kinda scratching our heads, vowing to maybe try the sandwiches some day, if the chef will let us. 

Chef's Special with Rice, Grilled Peppers, Sweet and Russet Potatoes, Beef, Chicken and Shrimp

Falafel