Passage to India - Bethesda

Name: Passage to India - Bethesda
Address: 4931 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, MD, United States, 20814
Telephone: (301) 656-3373
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

771 Reviews

$30 and under

Indian

Top Tags:

Passage to India serves a great selection of Indian food in an elegant decor, reminiscent of the dining rooms of the Maharajahs. Chef Sudhir Seth introduced the concept of Regional Cuisines of the Indian subcontinent and showcases food from all over India with local ingredients and home blended spices. The restaurant is located Bethesda's restaurant row, just 3 blocks from the Bethesda metro (Red Line).

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 27, 2023

11:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Indian, Vegan
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon, Wed–Sun 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:15 pm
Phone number
(301) 656-3373
Website
http://passagetoindia.info/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
4931 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
Neighborhood
Bethesda / Chevy Chase
Cross street
Old Georgetown Road (Route 187)
Parking details
None
Additional
Beer, Full Bar, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Tandoori Scallops$14.95
Charbroiled giant sea scallops
Calamari$11.95
Stir-fried calamari and onions, flavored with lemon and coconut
Chicken Tikka$8.95
Chicken morsels marinated in Garlic-yogurt
Seekh Kabab$9.95
Charbroiled succulent minced lamb rolls
Hariyali Tikka$8.95
Chicken morsels marinated in Garlic-yogurt or Cilantro chutney
Beans Tikki$8.95
Spiced black-eye peas, chicpeas & red kidney beans patties
Aloo Tuk$6.95
Crisped baby-bliss potatoes drizzled with cilantro-yogurt & craisin chutney
Kand-Sev Salad$6.95
Baked yams & crunchy apples with fresh herbs and lime
Samosa$6.95
A savory pastry stuffed with lightly spiced potatoes and peas
Veg Fritter$6.95
Pakoras made with onion, spinach, corn, potato and cauliflower
Sev-Murmura Chaat$6.95
An exotic combination of puffed rice, cilantro, vermicelli, dates and tamarind
Mulligatwany Soup$5.95
The inimitable lentil soup with a lemony tang

Entree

Chef's Samplers - The following Khazanas (treasures) are a selection of our best sellers presented to you on a silver platter. You will be served an assortment of appetizers, followed by an array of entrees accompanied with saffron rice, lentils, raita, naan and a rich Rice pudding as a finale

Badshahi Khazana$27.95
With lamb and chicken
Begumi Khazana$26.95
Vegetarian specials

Biryani

Biryani$18.00
Your choice of Chicken, Lamb, Shrimp or Vegetable

Regional Indian Cuisines

North

Achari Chicken$17.95
Chicken with pickle spices-fenugreek, nigella, fennel & mustard
Lamb Avadh Korma*$19.95
Lamb cooked in a rich, creamy almond gravy
Paneer Malai Kofta$17.95
Farmer's cheese dumplings with figs, in a velvety sauce
Dhingri Makhana Matar$16.95
Puffed Lotus seeds, Mushrooms and Peas

South

Fish Vendiam Curry$19.95
A spicy, tamarind-tangy fish curry with fresh herbs
Lamb Coco Fry$19.95
Lamb with curry leaf and roasted coconut
Baingan Mirchi Ka Salan*$17.95
Baby eggplants & jalapenos simmered in sesame-peanut gravy
Podimas Urlakelangu$16.95
Potatoes smothered with sweet onions and curry leaf

East

Malai Chingri$20.95
Shrimp in a light coconut sauce with cloves, ginger and cinnamon
Kosha Mangsho$19.95
Lamb cooked with ground coriander, ginger & garlic
Aloo Phoolkopir Dalna$16.95
Cauliflower and potatoes with freshly ground cumin and ginger
Kaanch-Kolar Kofta$17.95
Savory Plantain dumplings in a tomato-onion masala

West

Salli Boti Jardaloo$19.95
Parsi style lamb stew with apricots and straw potatoes
Bohri Murgi$17.95
Chicken cooked with mint, cilantro in the style of Bohras of Yemeni origin
Bhopli Mirchi-Aloo Peethi$16.95
Bell peppers and potatoes with caramelized gram flour
Palkachi Takatli Bhaji*$16.95
Spinach cooked with buttermilk and black salt

The All Time Favorites

Chicken Tikka - Masala or Makhni$18.95
Charbroiled chicken in an onion-fenugreek masala or creamy tomato sauce
Goat Curry$21.95
Goat meat on the bone stewed with garlic, onion and herbs
Coorgi Murg$17.95
Chicken with cracked peppercorn, coconut milk and curry leaf
Tamatari Jheenga$20.95
Shrimp cooked in a creamy tomato gravy
Lamb Vindaloo$19.95
Spicy Lamb cooked with ground coriander, cayenne and vinegar
Fish Konkan Curry$19.95
Fish fillet in a sauce flavored with curry leaf and coconut milk
Methi Murgh$17.95
Chicken cooked with fenugreek leaves
Saag Gosht$19.95
Lamb dices stewed with curried spinach
Paneer Makhani$17.95
Homemade farmer's cheese dices in creamy tomato sauce
Palak Makai$16.95
Golden Corn kernels in curried spinach
Bhindi Do Piaza$16.95
Okra and onions tempered with cumin and raw mango powder
Baingan Bharta$16.95
Char grilled eggplants stewed with onions and tomatoes
Amma's Pacha Kari$16.95
Mélange of seasonal vegetables in a coconut, curry sauce
Saag Paneer$17.95
Paneer with creamed spinach
Aloo Chorchori$16.95
Potatoes tempered with East Indian Five-spice
Gobhi Kashmiri$16.95
Cauliflower & bell peppers with raisins

Tandoor

The Tandoor is a clay oven shaped like balloon skirt and is fired with charcoal reaching temperatures more than 600° F. The different strata of heat within are used for various cuts of meat, which are marinated, in yogurt, garlic and other spices before being skewered and grilled. The inner walls of tandoor are used to bake bread

Salmon$22.95
Mixed Grill$23.95
Prawns$24.95
Chicken Malai$19.95
Tandoori Chicken$18.95
Lamb Chops$24.95
Stuffed Bell Peppers$17.95
Cheese Brochette$17.95
Tandoori Florets$17.95

Breads

Our bread are freshly baked to order. The selection includes and array of leavened white flour bread and unleavened whole wheat breads, which are ideal accompaniments to the Tandoori Kababs or the curries

Nan$3.25
white flour bread
Roti$3.25
whole wheat bread
Garlic Nan$3.75
garlic and cilantro flavored nan
Stuffed Kulcha$3.95
onion/cheese/lamb/vegetable/dry fruits
Warqi Pudina Paratha$3.75
layered whole wheat mint bread
Aloo Paratha$3.75
whole wheat bread stuffed with potatoes
Poori$3.95

Accompaniments

Saffron Pulao$5.00
Pilaf rice with green peas
Sada Chawal$4.00
Steamed long grain basmati rice
Mah Ki Dal$13.95
Black gram cooked overnight
Dal Kalonji$12.95
Yellow lentils tempered with Nigella seeds
Chana Masala$12.95
Chicpeas flavored with powdered pomegranate seeds
Raita$5.95
Yogurt with roasted cumin and cucumber
Mango Chutney*$5.95
A British contributed condiment
Spice Plate$4.95
Our chef's spicy condiments plate
Onion Salad$3.95
Bermuda red onions with hot peppers
House Salad$6.95
Served with our Chef's special dressing
Papad$3.50
Roasted lentil crispies

What 771 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.3Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Maryland - DC Suburbs
Healthy

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s
schenniesq
Washington DC
27 reviews
vip
2.0
27 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall2food4service1ambience3
Service was cold and they literally pushed us out the door, advising that they were closing the restaurant at 9 pm, this piece of information coming about 8:50 pm. We were informed by Open Table at the time of our reservation that we could be there for 2 hours. We were there for one and a half hours. Perhaps this is due to Covid and we should be forgiving, but no explanation was offered at the time. For shame. I don't think we will be rushing to return.
k
keno
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The whole Team is Excellent! Mhggjhvjhfvjgfhhfhvnjhfyhjj
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place that I have gone to for years is a delight! The food is great and the service alert but not intrusive. The menu is extensive. And the prices are quite reasonable. I had Mulligatawny soup, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Masala tea, which were all excellent, for less than $20. I highly recommend it! Carole of Chevy Chase
B
Bill
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
We live in DC and getting there was a hassle. But it was worth it.
M
Mclean
Washington DC
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed the brunch—food was delicious and staff allowed us to have a nice, leisurely Sunday visit with little interruption.
S
Savortheflavor
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed the ambience and atmosphere as soon as we walked into the door. The Passage to India had a historic presence from the decor to the menu presentation. After looking over the numerous selections we decided the get both chef specials, chicken and lamb plus vegetarian. In addition we also had the octopus appetizer which was delicious and not fried. The main course was awesome especially with the naan bread.
UM
UberMiaoMiao
Washington DC
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I went there for Valentine’s Day dinner. We loved the table at the window and the decor of the restaurant. The owner lady greeted us and thanked us for calling ahead to notify her about our arriving late. We enjoyed the food and the service. The only regret we had was for ordering two lamb dishes. We will definitely come back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
The service was poor as most servers did not speak English. The food lacked flavor. The experience was considerably lower than our last visit a year or so ago.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful ambience. Conversed with owner who appreciates customer satisfaction. Food was excellent. Will return. Have been looking for such an India restaurant serving various regions for long time
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2023
overall3food2service1ambience5
I have been a patron for last 15 years or more It was my fav place to invite friends and family Food used to be delish Service fantastic But yesterday lunch I was very very disappointed w food prep The goat w spinach meat tasted dry and fatty spinach was tasteless In he bread that I love w meat had hardly any meat on it .. what happened I want to know ??? Even rice was watery !!!! I feel they lost the touch and don’t care I complained so it perhaps could alert them that they need to be more concerned and got a cold and unpleasant response w a shrug of the shoulders They couldn’t do anything about anything and I felt it was most like not worth mentioning and just not to come back .. here There are new Indian places that opened up near by in bethesda downtown and near by That are great ! My next trip to Indian restaurant be there !! Sorry it’s going down the hill :( I m very Sad. As it was my fav spot
AI
AnandI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience at Passage to India. Food was amazing and authentic North Indian cuisine. Lots of choices for lunch. We were able to order a couple of items from the dinner menu too. Fantastic.
VH
VincentH
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, warm environment, friendly staff, timeless Indian food classic
RS
RandyS
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Restaurant closing hours were early (9:15 pm), especially for a Friday night.
EM
EstherM
Washington DC
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Food was exquisite. Service was very good although it was difficult to get wait staff attention. Highly recommend this place.
LP
LouiseP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have been to this restaurant for many years and will look forward to going, again.
D
Daveysmom
Washington DC
41 reviews
vip
4.0
41 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall4food4service2ambience3
We enjoyed the food very much. I personally love kulcha with dried fruit and I enjoyed it there but I never had it with a layer of strawberry jam in the middle! My husband said it reminded him of a Poptart !! (I love Poptarts). The server who took our order was never to be seen again. The food runners and the staff members who kept our water glasses full were great. After we finished dinner we waited a very long time and our initial server never returned. I flagged over another server who brought us to go containers and the check. Good food, mediocre service.
JL
JimL
Atlanta Metro
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was delicious and service was efficient & friendly!
s
smallplatesgirl
Washington DC
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Indian food in the region. Quiet, pretty room. Attentive staff. One quibble: our reservation was for 1pm lunch. We didn't realize the restaurant closes at 2:15, and they really meant it!
MC
MCfood
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful restaurant, delicious food. I recommend the Malai Chingri - shrimp in coconut sauce.
NT
NinaT
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
We ordered the sample/tasting menu. The three appetizers were underwhelming, but the three or four samples of main entrees were very good.
CE
CarlE
Washington DC
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience4
Food was excellent as always. Service was a little clunky, but no one can hire enough donuts the new normal.
J
Jackie
Richmond
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely restaurant with high-quality food and attentive service. Always good year after year
J
Jessica
Washington DC
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Traditional Indian food from a variety of regions, made with care and tasting great. The restaurant is decorated elegantly, and you may find yourself sharing the space with a large Indian family celebrating. Even under those circumstances, where in some places the big party gets all the attention, our service was good and the food came out without a long delay. I particularly recommend the goat curry and the fish curry with cocoanut. But everything else we had was good too. Aces all around, I think.
A
Alex
Washington DC
10 reviews
vip
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall3food2service5ambience5
The menu looked amazing due to the selection of regional dishes typicality nut found at other Indian restaurants. Unfortunately the food was very bland to say the least. We were asked if we liked spice and we said yes. The food served had NO spice.
SN
SoumyaN
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and lovely decor. Customer service was excellent and we enjoyed our visit.
S
Susannetta
Washington DC
73 reviews
vip
3.0
73 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience3
Although the restaurant, with numerous windows facing the street, was empty at 7 pm, Saturday, the waiter first showed us a nasty little table for two in a dark corner and then a squished table on the banquette. I refused, and chose a table for four although there were only two of us, and he did not object. What's the point of alienating a customer in hopes that a bigger party will show up? As it happened, the restaurant was far from full when we left at 8:30. The service was lackadaisical, but the food was good. Be assertive!
VS
VanessaS
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience1
This is a great space to go for authentic Indian cuisine! Passage to India has an extensive menu, even for plant-based customers. The space is charming and has ornate detail. Service was great, staff was attentive and friendly. Will definitely go back for dinner.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall3food3service1ambience2
Agree with other reviews that service is less than desired. We were seated fairly quickly but sat there for 20 minutes before anyone asked if we’ve been helped. Funny because the servers were taking care of the table literally next to us on a regular basis. After we ordered, in minutes, ALL the food came out a once. Food was decent, flavor was there, but nothing exciting to brag on. Tracking down someone for the check was another task. Maybe if service and attention were better, the experience would have been better.
RD
RosannaD
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Indian food ever!
E
Eatoutalot
San Diego
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great food
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food is delicious
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, great ambiance, and great service!
JD
JohnD
Washington DC
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Atmosphere quiet, comfortable and very tasteful. Food is just superb. Each of the four loved every dish. Can't wait to return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience3
Food was decent, not great. The wait staff rushed us way too much. Clearly wanted to flip the table. After only 1 hour they were making attempts to get us to pay up and leave.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, super service
t
tobes
Washington DC
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a wonderful time at this restaurant, a real neighborhood gem!
DS
DavidS
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Wonderful experience - great food and service.
DD
DebraD
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
As a professional chef, I do my research before I visit a place. There were nice reviews, but I mostly loved the menu. To offer food from various parts of India, not just one, was what appealed to me. Went for lunch, was very blown away by how spot on fabulous it was. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who gave us great suggestions,,,,and she was spot on. You must check out the beautifully designed interior, decorated with love from their heartland. You can tell the family puts their heart and soul into this business, and it shows in the preparation of the food!
AD
AmitD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was an awesome gem in Bethesda. From outside, it was not impressive but once we entered inside it was really artistic and lived up to its name "Passage to India" !!! The food was great too...
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time coming to Passage to India. First, the decor was outstanding, from the tracings of cities and locations in India, to the beautiful screens and brass panels on the doors. The food was delicious; we tried new dishes from regions in India and we were not disappointed. We had wine which was also very good. The servers were pleasant, and overall, it was a lovely dinner.

FAQs

Passage to India - Bethesda does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Uber Eats.

Passage to India - Bethesda is rated 4.5 stars by 771 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 27, 2023

11:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Google Map for Passage to India - Bethesda

4931 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814

Additional information

Cross street
Old Georgetown Road (Route 187)
Neighborhood
Bethesda / Chevy Chase
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon, Wed–Sun 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:15 pm
Cuisines
Indian, Vegan
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Full Bar, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://passagetoindia.info/
Phone number
(301) 656-3373

Passage to India - Bethesda

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Additional information

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Malai

Murgh Tikka Masala

Shuruaat - Appetizers

Tandoori Scallops$14.95

Calamari$11.95

Chicken Tikka$8.95

Seekh Kabab$9.95

Hariyali Tikka$8.95

Beans Tikki$8.95

Aloo Tuk$6.95

Kand-Sev Salad$6.95

Samosa$6.95

Veg Fritter$6.95

Sev-Murmura Chaat$6.95

Mulligatwany Soup$5.95

Entree

Badshahi Khazana$27.95

Begumi Khazana$26.95

Biryani

Biryani$18.00

Regional Indian Cuisines

North

Achari Chicken$17.95

Lamb Avadh Korma*$19.95

Paneer Malai Kofta$17.95

Dhingri Makhana Matar$16.95

South

Fish Vendiam Curry$19.95

Lamb Coco Fry$19.95

Baingan Mirchi Ka Salan*$17.95

Podimas Urlakelangu$16.95

East

Malai Chingri$20.95

Kosha Mangsho$19.95

Aloo Phoolkopir Dalna$16.95

Kaanch-Kolar Kofta$17.95

West

Salli Boti Jardaloo$19.95

Bohri Murgi$17.95

Bhopli Mirchi-Aloo Peethi$16.95

Palkachi Takatli Bhaji*$16.95

The All Time Favorites

Chicken Tikka - Masala or Makhni$18.95

Goat Curry$21.95

Coorgi Murg$17.95

Tamatari Jheenga$20.95

Lamb Vindaloo$19.95

Fish Konkan Curry$19.95

Methi Murgh$17.95

Saag Gosht$19.95

Paneer Makhani$17.95

Palak Makai$16.95

Bhindi Do Piaza$16.95

Baingan Bharta$16.95

Amma's Pacha Kari$16.95

Saag Paneer$17.95

Aloo Chorchori$16.95

Gobhi Kashmiri$16.95

Tandoor

Salmon$22.95

Mixed Grill$23.95

Prawns$24.95

Chicken Malai$19.95

Tandoori Chicken$18.95

Lamb Chops$24.95

Stuffed Bell Peppers$17.95

Cheese Brochette$17.95

Tandoori Florets$17.95

Breads

Nan$3.25

Roti$3.25

Garlic Nan$3.75

Stuffed Kulcha$3.95

Warqi Pudina Paratha$3.75