It's been over a year since the Kumar family brought their native cuisine to Rehoboth Beach, and they have been consistently busy ever since. So it seemed like an update was in order. Indigo is the sister restaurant to the new Indigo restaurant in Columbia, Maryland. The mothership used to be the popular India restaurant in Annapolis (presently closed). The Rehoboth Indigo offers all the traditional favorites we've been craving here at the beach.
Suraj Kumar came to Washington, D.C. from Punjab, India, first working in restaurants in New York, Austin, and Denver. Mr. Kumar and his wife Sudesh have been in the restaurant business for over 20 years, 12 of the most recent in Maryland. The Kumar family came to the Annapolis area in 1992 taking over the Indian restaurant on Main Street. Mr. Kumar's son, Raghu, is the prime mover Indigo to ensure that the food and service is up to their stellar Annapolis reputation. However, DO engage Suraj Kumar if he is not too busy. He is an absolutely delightful person who will have you smiling instantly.
Listen to the podcast of Suraj and Raghu's appearance on the Sip & Bite Show!
Indigo Indian Cuisine1/12 
Indigo Indian Cuisine2/12 
Indigo Indian Cuisine3/12 
Indigo Indian Cuisine4/12 
Indigo Indian Cuisine5/12 
the lamb vindaloo6/12 
garlic on the left, onion on the right.7/12 
Chicken biryani entree8/12 
chicken jalfrazie entree9/12 
fish tikka salmon10/12 
Coconut shrimp!11/12 
Indigo Indian Cuisine12/12
We've been to Indigo several times, and each and every time the food and service has been spot on. Mr. Kumar's son, Raghu is supervising the kitchen and Mr. Kumar glides quietly from table to table, adjusting plates, asking if all is OK and being generally charming. In fact, if you engage him you will discover that he's a pretty funny guy!
They have an authentic tandoori oven where they bake the naan (stuck to the sides of the oven – see the gallery). They have a large selection of naan – I suggest the onion kulcha and the garlic naan (see the gallery) – they are delicious. We started with a colorful combination appetizer with lamb, tandoori chicken and veggies. Then we did a family style combo of plates with a tikka masala-style preparation of chicken, beef and lamb. All served with savory basmati rice, of course. And don't miss the warm and soothing dessert!
Last night I tried the Lamb Vindaloo (an Indian restaurant go-to for me). The flavors were deep and rich. I asked for it extra spicy, and though it didn't take my head off, it did certainly get my attention. The lamb pieces were lean and tender without a trace of fat or silver. We also got another go-to, the Chicken Tikka Masala (it's amusing to watch Mr. Kumar frown when you order that… it's sort of like ordering a burger at Ruth's Chris – he wants you to order something more exotic). And there are a number of more exotic items on the menu there for the ordering. I do really like the basmati rice that comes with most of the dishes.
After several visits, we now leave the ordering up to Mr. Kumar. I think if we try to order chicken tikka masala one more time he's going to smack us. (Yes, the tikka is absolutely delicious, but you need to branch out!) This decision has turned out to be an excellent one. A few nights ago Suraj introduced us to chicken jalfrazie. This complex, spiced dish consists of tandoor-broiled boneless chicken cooked in garlic, tomatoes, onions and green peppers. The sides of basmati rice and garbanzos are cooked baked-bean style (with an Indian accent, of course) and match perfectly with this chunky, satisfying dish.
The second course marched out of the kitchen standing tall and proud on the plate. The chicken biryani is built around rice and formed in to a rectangular shape with fresh lemon and a bit of cilantro. Yet again, the spices are perfectly balanced. Rice lovers will go crazy for this one. We even departed from our onion kulcha/garlic naan rut when Mr. Kumar introduced us to Paneer Kulcha. Basically their signature fresh naan with homemade cheese inside. The cheese is not the gooey style – it is more like a grated halloumi-type cheese that stays chunky and unmelted. We will definitely order it again.
DO NOT MISS the carrot salad dessert. Yes, it might sound scary. But it is delicious, with pistachios and golden raisins.
As you might expect, they have an authentic tandoori oven on the premises. Ask Rhagu to show it to you (unless they are really busy, then curb your enthusiasm). It also doubles as a 747 jet engine.
Keep an eye on RehobothFoodie.com for more details. Follow Indigo on Facebook HERE.
You can call them at 302-212-5220
I would like to take a look at the Tandoori oven.
My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful meal at Indigo for father’s day. Service was excellent. We had the assorted snacks for an appetizer, very tasty. We ordered the Aloo Gobi Masala. It was fantastic, highly recommend. We also had the Chicken Jalfrazie. If you want a quality Indian restaurant experience go to Indigo.
Have been waiting for a fine Indian restaurant in RB for a very long time, and Indigo has that potential. We’ve visited often since they opened and the dishes have been delicious, seasoning right on target. The only thing lacking is a more extensive menu with more choices. The buffet on the Sunday we visited recently included only vegetarian and chicken dishes; need to extend those choices as well.
Excellent Indian food! Had all my favorites just to compare and I give it top ratings. The service was also excellent, all the staff was very attentive to us. A wonderful addition in Rehoboth!
Comparable to other curry shops, but just more expensive, likely due to the location. Would probably serve them and their customers best if they moved out to the highway, especially during the “off season”.
Glad to finally see Indian food locally. Our little town almost provides all the categories these days……Just waiting for the poke shop now.
Our first visit was ok. Flavors on our dishes were muted. Lamb was a little tough. We’ll try it again. Kumar IS a funny guy.
We have eaten here several times. Food is delicious, good portion sizes, great value for money and attentive service. Really liked Khara Pasanda and Chicken Shahi Korma, but that list might change as we eat our way through the rest of the menu! As is, the flavors are spicy, but not too hot for novice Indian food diner. If you like more spicy, the chef is happy to accommodate.
Yes, they accept reservations, wonderful to know during the tourist season. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the food selections and impeccable service. All of the dishes ordered by our group were delicious and the portions were very generous. HIghly recommended.
My wife and I ate at indigo on Sunday, June 25, 2017. She had the chicken Tika masala, I had the lamb vindaloo and we shared a saag paneer….The food was fabulous the staff was attentive and very memorable experience we hope to enjoy more of Indigo in the future !
Ronny g
So glad to have an Indian restaurant, boohoo! Do you know if they will take reservations?
Do you have a phone number for them? I cannot find one on line
The phone number is at RehobothFoodie.com, at the bottom of the restaurant review article and also in Indigo’s listing on the Cheap Eats/Specials list. Enjoy!
Yes! Now I’m happy!! Exactly what I’ve been waiting for!
I’ve eaten at their restaurant in Annapolis several times- very delicious and very nice people. Their Chicken Tikki Masala is amazing.
Any idea on when Indigo might open??
My guess is in about 3 weeks. Keep an eye on this website. We will break the news the minute they turn the key.
Thanks! I know you are on it. I did see on their Annapolis website that there was a number to call. Can you tell I am anxious? Thanks again!
Always good to see a new cuisine added to the mix.
We are very excited about this. Looking forward to finally having a good Indian restaurant here in Rehoboth.
Warms the cockles of my vegetarian heart! Not used to having CHOICES when I go out to eat around here. We have a group in our community who would take trips north specifically for Indian food. Much excitement here!
And yes, Trader Joe’s next!
Yes! Trader Joe’s next!! Then Rehoboth can claim to truly be a Foodie destination with diversity in food choices.
In the meantime, there is a fabulous Indian buffet in Dover, at Flavor of India, across from Kohl’s on Rt. 13. Worth a trip up from the beach!
At last, as Brit I grew up on Curry and Chapatis.
Now I don’t have to make my own
Long overdue! Now Toronto isn’t my only go to place for authentic Indian dishes! Slowly but surely Rehoboth Beach is realizing there is other options besides seafood and hamburgers.
Finally! We have been hoping someday we would have an Indian restaurant here. Lamb Vindaloo, please!
Oh, and a side of onion naan, please.
Wonderful news! Can’t wait to try it.
AWESOME….So excited but lots of pressure….People have literally been waiting years for a good Indian place to open in or around RB!!! Best of luck and can’t wait to try it 🙂
Yeah !!! We were missing Indian food here ! Now we just need a Trader Joe’s and I’m good !
FINALLY
Dear Mr. K
We are so excited that you are coming. No … that should be thrilled !!!
What can I do to help you and your family get ready???
Ellen
As a New Jersey native I love Indian food. I have been in withdrawal for 12 years!!!!
When are you opening???
can’t wait…when is the opening?
Our prayers have finally been answered! We’ve been craving a local good Indian restaurant ever since moving down to Lewes just over a year ago and leaving behind all the fine Indian places we came to enjoy in the Princeton, N.J. area. Let’s hope the community gives its full support to this new endeavor. It should be a welcome addition to local restaurants offering a unique cuisine.
We have been wait for this for long time! So happy to hear this!!