Madras Pavilion

Madras Pavilion is the best place in Austin not only for veg options but for Indian food in general. They serve the most authentic food that is far above your typical curries and breads you find at most places. Definitely check out their buffet and watch out for specials. For an Austin Vegan Drinks night they prepared a special VEGAN malai kafta and galub jamun--two things you never find vegan!

The North Indian special at the back of the menu gives you a bunch of little curries and rice and puffy bread. We also had paneer mutter, the fried rice, and channa masala

I've been there 10 times. I enjoyed it 8. the problem is, those were the first 8 times I went. I'm hoping it's just a coincidence. I'm hoping something hasn't changed in their process. I'm hoping the next time I go it will be as good as the first 8, and not as bad as the last 2.

Over the time, the quality of food has come down but still favorite of many for its dosa, vada and sambhar.

This place can be OK, but it can be tough to get an accurate answer on what's vegan or not. Like much of Indian cuisine, ghee (clarified butter) pretty much seeps into everything, making Indian food perhaps the least vegan-friendly vegetarian out there. It seems like anytime my friends and I go in there, we get a different answer. If you want to be more certain, Clay Pit knows what vegan means, labels items on the menu, and is perhaps the best Indian place in town.

For the best veg indian buffet experience, this is the place and Austin is fortunate. Weekday buffet has, like, 10+ items on the buffet, and the main problem is how to balance curiousity and healthy eating! The Sunday buffet is a few dollars more, and well worth it... an extravaganza with more entrees and 'mini' (only a foot long) masala dosas delivered to your table. Sundays are like a festival, with many tables full of large parties, an incredible brunch experience. The Madras Pavilion management of this production is amazing... Evenings are often mellow there, and if you're on a budget, you can always enjoy a bowl of savoury soup with pappadums.