Yummy halal Indian food in Orlando

We decided to venture into Orlando and find some good food this evening, on the way back to Crystal River. With the guidance of a couple of those coupon books you find at rest stops and tourist draws, we located an Indian restaurant – Punjab - that advertised itself as halal, on International Drive with a ton of other restaurants. It wasn’t far off the main highway, but the traffic was tight and it took a while to drive far enough down the road to find the restaurant. (Next time, take Interstate 4 to Sand Lake Road, then turn left onto International Drive. ‘Punjab’ on the right. This route saves much time and frustration over exiting on International Drive directly from 528.)

The menu said “halal meat available” so I took that to mean I had to ask for it. The food was rather good (but a bit expensive). Dan’s mild chicken curry was, indeed, mild and a bit creamy. My lamb saag (cooked with spinach) was medium spicy, and yummy but not as yummy as my Star of India lamb pathak in Athens. Dinner for two was about $45. I recommend it to anyone staying in or passing through Orlando.

On the way out, we passed two other Indian restaurants which both advertised halal meat. Both looked promising; they’re a little farther north on International than Punjab is. One was on the left (going north), the other I don’t remember clearly, but was located near the others.

To get back on the highway, take Sand Lake Road to Interstate 4 East (toward Orlando). You can pick up the main Florida toll road from there. Or go west on 4 to get on 528 (the Bee Line Expressway).