FINALLY. New Maharaja has received rave online reviews since its grand opening in November, and it's clear why.

For the better part of a decade, voters in Volume One’s  annual reader poll have declared that an Indian restaurant is one of the top types of eateries we need in the Chippewa Valley. These hopes have been heard. Tucked away in the Avalon Hotel, just off of U.S. 53 in Chippewa Falls, in the old Bridgewater restaurant, you’ll find New Maharaja.

The atmosphere at New Maharaja is immediately warm and welcoming. The general manager, Francis, makes a point to meet with every guest, and help them learn about the menu if they’re newer to Indian cuisine. He introduced me to Ohm Parkash, New Maharaja’s owner and head chef. “He’s our backbone,” Francis said.

Ohm started cooking in New Delhi, India, and has been cooking for professionally for 40 years. He opened his first restaurant in 1995, and since then has opened locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. “South Indian style food is usually what people know. It’s very spicy. We’re 100% North Indian style. It’s not as spicy, and full of rich flavors like coconut, coriander, and cinnamon,” Ohm said.

The buffet is open daily for lunch from 11am-3pm.

At New Maharaja, Ohm is making a point to emphasize fresh and clean ingredients. At least once a week, he grinds whole spices on-site. “The flavors are so much more crisp and bold,” Ohm says. “It takes time, but it’s worth it.”

The menu is particularly flexible, with ways to try your preferred level of spice with the meats and vegetables you’re looking for. With all the combinations of meats, vegetables, and sauces to consider, Ohm says there’s nearly 100 items to try. He also gave us a behind-the-scenes look at their tandoori clay oven and their preparation of naan, an iconic Indian flatbread.

Their beverage options are also notable. They service a creamy mango lassi, and an aromatic masala chai. The on-site bar also offers a variety of the area’s favorite beers, as well as imported Indian beers such as Flying Horse (a sweet, malty lager) and Kingfisher (a Pilsner-style lager), among others.

Preparing naan...

... and baking it to its post-kiln crispy perfection.

New Maharaja is already developing a dedicated fanbase. While there, we met with a few patrons, including one who had been there four times in the previous two days (lunch and dinner each day), and another who had been there every day for the past five days. The latter, Art, had never had Indian food before coming. “I take everyone here every chance I get. I highly recommend it, and you can quote me on that!” (So noted, Art).

From 11am to 3pm, New Maharaja is open for its lunch buffet. They re-open at 4:30pm for plated dinner service. They’re open daily, 365 days a year.

Francis, general manager, pictured at left chatting with customers. Art, pictured at right, had eaten both lunch and dinner at New Maharaja – two days in a row.

Keep up with New Maharaja (1009 W. Park Ave., Chippewa Falls) on Facebook • New Maharaja is open daily from 11am-3pm for lunch, 4:30-10pm for dinner (bar is open later) • Call with inquiries at (715) 861-3144