This weekend we tried the (now) 98 RMB dinner buffet. The selection wasn't extensive (especially for vegetarians), but you can definitely get your money's worth if you like lamb and fish. Service was great, and the masala tea was more affordable than most other restaurants in the city. The menu also has southern Indian food, such as dosas. Would recommend this restaurant for the buffet, so long as you eat meat.

I ordered from here for the first time last week. The guy on the phone was very nice and helpful. The food took longer to get to us than they said it would. It was definately worth the wait. the food was delicious, and very fairly priced.

**Note to TBJ: Sorry, Had no option to reply w/o specifying a rating. Don't mean to self-rate**

Dear CapitalVisions,

My name is Gireesh from Punjabi Restaurant. Quite unfortunate that you had a bad experience regarding your time @ Punjabi.

We do have a surcharge of 10% on the in-dining menu, but this is not a "service charge" (even though the old menu does say it), but in order to compensate for the Indian spices being bought in (all Indian restaurants charge this @ 10-20%). Technically, China and India doesn't have a food trade agreement so all the Indian spices being bought into China everyday are illegal. Its a "don't-speak-it-means-it-doesn't-happen" situation.

But this charge is discretionary and if someone doesn't feel like paying it, we are more than happy to remove it from the bill.

I do agree for the pricing on the alcohol, but this menu is decided in Shanghai main office, and the same pricing system is used throughout all Punjabi Restaurants in China (all 8).

But since I have taken over the Beijing branch completely I am working on a new menu, and we shall have a new menu with new pricing and many new items soon; along with proper cocktails and no-mixers being charged separately.

Please bear with us for the time being. I hope to bring forward the above changes soon. We shall constantly try to improve the food and service standards here. Hope to continue having your patronage.

And Always, Welcome to Punjabi.

- Gireesh.

A real INDIAN food in Beijing. The first time I came here was a year back and I had some " Parathas " with some home made Indian pickles. I tell you the food reminded me about my school days back home. The whole atmosphere is so easy and relaxing to really chill out. I also remember the other day I had some " Kathi Roll " filled with cottage cheese, in India we call it " Paneer " ...... The other restaurant in Beijing are just here to make money out of their business and that's it. NO FEELING .... but Punjabi Rocks !! I m heading back to Beijing after one month of traveling and I can't wait to get back to Punjabi for some real food. I am sure by now Gireesh ( the owner ) will have some new things on his menu. Punjabi is a " Little India " of Beijing - MUST VISIT RESTAURANT !!

Had lunch there over the weekend for two. Both of us had their combo special and one of us had the mango lassi.

The food and service were above average, decor pleasant, and not expensive (our meal cost just under 130 RMB which was OK and better than most other Indian food restaurants in town, but what was unexpected of a restaurant like this was that we were charged a service charge of 10%). The silverware that came was nice, except that it acted as a large heatsink for our food that in Beijing's winter, became cold very quickly. Looks like large silverware is more suited to Indian summers than Chinese winters.

An added bonus was that the place had wifi, which allowed me to check my email and news while I was there.

I would return to this place, but because of the service surcharge and the speed that our food became cold, I'm only rating it a 3 star.

I stick to basics with Indian food so I can only vouch for curries and tandoori meats, and they're all excellent. In the back of the menu you'll also find "Chinese" -- including Chop Suey! -- dishes that are reminiscent of American-style Chinese food. Speedy delivery service, too.

I've been to The Punjabi 3 times before but on each occasion it was during the day. I was almost always the only one there so there wasn't much atmosphere. Also, I ordered ala carte (nice enough food) so I'm not sure how good the lunch buffet is (I think it's 48RMB).

Dinner is a completely different experience!

Tried the dinner buffet (88RMB) for the first time tonight and loved it. Lots of people there (full house). Very comfortable sofas, great decor (they've done it up a bit recently).

The food tasted simply great- not sure if it changes daily but tonight they had mutton curry (rogan josh), a fantastic creamy chicken curry, a tandori chicken dish, fried fish, pakora(sp?), vegetable curries, nice nan bread (eat it quickly though, when it's cold it's like cardboard), salads, sauces/soups...

Also, custard. I don't think I've eaten custard in five years or so...........

All-you-can-drink beer or coke is included.

I should point out that the service is probably the friendliest I've experienced in Beijing. The owner(?) was chatty/friendly, as were the staff (Indian & Chinese). The Chinese staff speak okay/good English if you're into that...

This place is far from where I live but I'll be back whenever I'm in the neighbourhood...