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This Carryout Indian Spot In Oak Park Is Hiding The Most Velvety Butter Chicken You’ll Ever Taste

Anticipation builds from the moment you step through Pink Garlic’s modest storefront doors, where the aromatic symphony of cumin, cardamom, and garam masala instantly transports you halfway around the world.

Since opening in October 2021, this carryout-only spot has become the talk of southern Oakland County’s food scene, drawing devoted fans who drive from neighboring cities just to get their hands on what many consider the area’s most exceptional Indian cuisine.

The restaurant represents owner Rayman’s culinary heritage, drawing from techniques learned in England where his grandparents first opened an Indian restaurant.

The massive menu offers something for so many diets, with organic spices and interesting seasonings that showcase authentic flavors from across India while incorporating some creative fusion elements that set Pink Garlic apart from typical Indian restaurants.

Menu Highlights

Butter Chicken: This signature dish has achieved legendary status among locals for good reason. The butter chicken is seasoned perfectly, creamy and rich, with tender chicken pieces swimming in a velvety tomato-cream sauce that strikes the perfect balance between indulgent richness and bright, aromatic spices. The sauce clings beautifully to each piece of perfectly cooked basmati rice.

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Pink Garlic Special Biryani: The unique Pink Garlic Biryani has become a customer favorite, featuring fragrant basmati rice layered with your choice of protein and cooked with the restaurant’s secret blend of spices. The portion size is 2 huge meals for me, maybe more to be honest, making it an exceptional value for the generous serving you receive.

Chicken Tikka Masala: Another standout that showcases the kitchen’s mastery of traditional techniques. The smoky, char-grilled chicken pieces are enveloped in a tomato-based sauce that’s neither too sweet nor overwhelmingly spicy, allowing the complex spice blend to shine through each bite.

Tandoori Specialties: The mix starter is a delicious combo of Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Samosa, and Onion Bhaji that provides an excellent introduction to the restaurant’s tandoori prowess. The meats emerge from the kitchen with beautiful char marks and that distinctive orange-red hue from the yogurt marinade.

Vegetarian Excellence: Many vegetarian options ensure plant-based diners have plenty to choose from. The Saag Paneer features house-made paneer in a creamy spinach sauce, while the Chana Masala delivers perfectly spiced chickpeas in a robust tomato-based curry.

Naga King Prawn: One of their more unique dishes that you don’t see a lot around Metro Detroit is naga king prawn, a spicy seafood entrée made with naga chili peppers, offering adventurous diners a fiery taste experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in the region.

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Naan Varieties: The super, super soft and charred naan ($1.99-$3.99) comes in multiple varieties, with the garlic and cheese naan being particularly popular for its perfect combination of aromatic garlic and melted cheese.

Atmosphere & Experience

Takeout-Only Format: They don’t have dine-in at all. No space at all for seating. It’s all carry out only here, which means the entire operation focuses on perfecting each dish for travel. This streamlined approach allows the kitchen to concentrate entirely on food quality rather than table service.

Efficient Operations: The compact space buzzes with activity as orders are prepared fresh throughout the day. They pump out orders on the regular, maintaining consistent quality even during busy periods when demand peaks.

Fresh Preparation: Food arrived piping hot and fresh is a common refrain among customers, indicating the kitchen’s commitment to preparing orders à la minute rather than letting dishes sit under heat lamps.

Packaging Quality: Each order arrives in practical containers that preserve both temperature and presentation, though some diners note that the vibrant colors and artistic plating of Indian cuisine can lose some visual appeal in takeout format.

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Other Considerations

Pricing Value: It’s a good value, too, with most entrées ranging from $11.99 to $21.99. Portions are generous, with many customers reporting that single orders provide multiple meals, making the restaurant an excellent choice for budget-conscious diners who don’t want to compromise on quality.

Wait Times: The order takes about 45 minutes to be ready, though busy weekends can extend this to an hour. The restaurant typically calls when orders are ready, allowing you to time your pickup perfectly rather than waiting in the small space.

Parking Situation: They have a small parking lot out front. About 4 spots out front. May need to park next door at 7-11 during peak hours, though the convenient location makes alternative parking easily accessible.

Spice Levels: The spices are good and the heat is well manageable, with the kitchen favoring complex flavor development over overwhelming heat. Most dishes can be customized to your preferred spice level, from mild to authentically fiery.

Dietary Accommodations: Most of the dishes are GF except for items with bread, of course, and the kitchen is knowledgeable about ingredients for those with dietary restrictions. When I called to order they checked and read ingredients to me for everything.

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Best Times to Visit: Weekday afternoons typically offer shorter wait times, while Friday and Saturday evenings see the highest demand. Calling ahead is strongly recommended, especially for larger orders or during peak dining hours.


Pink Garlic Indian Cuisine
📍 26661 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park, MI 48237

Writer: Kathy Bayton
Click to read bio

I have been writing since college, after college I moved to Michigan for good. Nothing beats the Great Lakes in the summer or a cider mill in the fall. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me browsing indie bookstores or hanging out with friends. Michigan has the best sunsets and I will die on that hill.