You’ve probably seen the signs. If you drive down Main Street in Salt Lake City, there’s a spot that looks like just another storefront in a strip mall, tucked in near a bakery and a gluten-free kitchen. But for people who have lived in this valley for more than thirty years, Star of India Salt Lake City isn't just a restaurant. It’s a survivor.
Honestly, most people walking in for the first time don't realize they are stepping into a legacy that started back in 1990. They see the modern decor and the "New Location" signs and assume it’s a fresh face on the SLC food scene. They couldn't be more wrong. This place has been moved, pushed, and nearly pushed out, yet it remains one of the most authentic Northern Indian spots in the state.
The Moving Target of 1000 South Main
If you’re looking for the Star of India Salt Lake City today, you’ll find it at 1000 S Main St #102. But don't feel bad if you got lost.
For years, they were a fixture downtown. Then they were on West North Temple near the airport. Then, in a move that broke a lot of hearts, they had to vacate because a certain billionaire bought up the entire block. They even had a rough patch where thieves stripped the copper wiring out of their old building, ruining thousands of dollars in inventory.
Most businesses would have called it quits.
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Paramjit Kaur, who basically grew up in the kitchen after her father Avtar Singh opened the original shop, didn't. She calls the restaurant her "baby." When you walk into the current location, you aren't just a customer; the staff treats you like a cousin they haven't seen in six months. It's weirdly endearing. They’ll remember your spice level preference even if you haven't been in since the move.
Why the Food Actually Tastes Different
Most Indian joints in Utah have a "safe" menu. You know the one—everything is a variation of the same orange sauce.
Star of India does things a bit more traditionally, focusing on Punjabi and North Indian styles. They use a genuine tandoor (clay oven) fueled by charcoal, which is why the Tandoori Chicken has that specific smoky char you can't fake with a gas grill.
If you're tired of the standard Butter Chicken—though theirs is genuinely good and quite creamy—you need to look at the more specific regional dishes.
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The Real Standouts on the Menu
- Muglai Biryani: This isn't just "Indian fried rice." It’s a slow-cooked lamb and basmati rice dish that uses Garam Masala in a way that’s fragrant without being "burn your throat" hot.
- Goat Curry: This is the litmus test for a real Indian restaurant. If they serve goat on the bone, they aren't catering to the "unadventurous" crowd. It’s rich, tender, and the marrow adds a depth you won’t get from a boneless chicken breast.
- Lamb Vindaloo: Warning—if you ask for "Very Hot" here, they actually believe you. Their vindaloo uses a sharp vinegar and garlic base that cuts through the heat.
- Cheese Pakoras: They’re basically Indian-style mozzarella sticks but better because of the chickpea flour batter.
One thing people often overlook is their bread. Most places pre-make naan. Here, you can actually hear the dough being slapped against the side of the tandoor. The Onion Kulcha is packed with enough fresh onion that you'll definitely need a mint afterward, but it’s worth the social hazard.
Dealing with the "Old School" Reputation
There is a weird vibe online where people compare Star of India Salt Lake City to the "flashier" places like Saffron Valley or Mumbai House.
Look, those places are great. They have huge marketing budgets. But Star of India is the place where the owners are actually on the floor. It’s "lifestyle" dining in the sense that it feels like a home.
One common complaint you’ll see in older reviews is that the service can be "relaxed." Translation: it’s not fast food. Paramjit has been quoted saying they aren't trying to be fast; they’re trying to be consistent. If you’re in a rush to catch a flight, maybe hit a drive-thru. If you want a meal that tastes like someone’s grandmother spent the morning grinding spices, this is your spot.
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The "Secret" Gluten-Free and Vegan Scene
Surprisingly, for a place that loves its cream and butter, they are incredibly accommodating to dietary restrictions.
A huge chunk of the menu is naturally gluten-free because they use chickpea flour (besan) for frying. They also have a dedicated vegan section. The Aloo Gobi (cauliflower and potatoes) and Yellow Dal are staples for the local vegan community. They don't just "remove the dairy"—they actually understand the flavor profiles.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Don't show up on a Sunday. They are closed. It’s one of those old-school family rules that they’ve stuck to despite being in a busy part of town.
Also, the lunch buffet is a thing of the past. Since the move to Main Street, they’ve transitioned away from the "all you can eat" model to focus on quality-controlled, made-to-order entrees. It’s a bit more expensive than the old $10 buffet days, but the food quality has jumped significantly because it’s not sitting in a steam tray for three hours.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Parking Strategy: The new lot is a bit tight. If the front spots are full, check the street parking on 1000 South.
- The Spice Scale: Their "Medium" is often another restaurant's "Hot." If it’s your first time, start at "Mild-Medium."
- Order the Lassi: They make their Mango Lassi with fresh fruit, which gives it a tangier, less artificial taste than the canned-pulp versions found elsewhere.
- Check for the Food Truck: Occasionally, they still run a mobile unit for events. If you see it at a festival, the menu is limited but the Garlic Naan is just as fresh.
By supporting a place like this, you're keeping a piece of Salt Lake history alive. It’s easy for these "legacy" spots to get drowned out by corporate chains moving into the downtown core. But as long as Param and her family are in the kitchen, the heart of Punjabi cooking in Utah is safe.
Next time you’re near 10th South, skip the trendy burger joint and grab a table here. Just make sure to tell them it's your first time—you might just walk out with a free dessert and a new favorite spot.