Aroma Indian Bar & Grill: Not Recommended for Vegans
Unfortunately, I would not recommend Aroma Indian Bar & Grill in Auburndale for vegans based on my experience.
The restaurant does have a vegetarian section on its menu, and some dishes are specifically labeled vegan, which I initially appreciated. However, I noticed some concerning inconsistencies.
For example, their dal is labeled vegan, but the description reads:
“Hearty rustic Indian lentils cooked with traditional spices, butter, and smoky flavors.”
Butter is not vegan, so this raises questions about whether the restaurant fully understands what vegan means or whether the menu descriptions are accurate. At $18 for a bowl of lentils, I would also expect more attention to detail.
Another issue is the restaurant’s use of AI-generated food images on its online menus. I don’t have a problem with restaurants using AI images, but I do think those images should reasonably represent what customers will actually receive.
Take a look at the comparison photos below of the Kachumber salad. What I received looked nothing like the image advertised online.
I also ordered the Pani Puri, and the experience was disappointing. On the website, the potatoes appear to be seasoned with spices, possibly turmeric. In reality, the potatoes I received were completely bland, with no noticeable seasoning or flavor. Also please not the tiny serving size in the photo. It was perhaps a third to half cup of potatoes.
The fried puris tasted stale, and the accompanying flavored waters were another disappointment. The website images show what appear to be rich, thick sauces, but what I received was watery and very mildly flavored.
Between the misleading food photography, disappointing dishes, and questionable vegan labeling, I left feeling that this restaurant has some significant room for improvement.
Polk Vegan Verdict: While I appreciate seeing vegan labels on a menu, those labels need to be trustworthy. When a dish is described as containing butter but is also labeled vegan, that’s a red flag. Until the restaurant clarifies its ingredients and improves its menu accuracy, I wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending it to the vegan community.
