Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Visiting Indian Plate Restaurant Akin To Brief Journey To India
Calling themselves the Welcome Wagon, a group of Kimball Health Services employees regularly dines at the Indian Plate, formerly The Diner. From left are Indian Plate owner Amandeep Basra, KHS human resources director Stephanie Pederson, ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Bill Dickey, and executive assistant Erin Jefferis. They enjoy the restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Weekly, usually on Wednesday or Thursday evenings, a team of Kimball Health Services employees enjoys supper at the Indian Plate restaurant in Kimball. Amandeep Basra opened the Indian Plate restaurant in August 2023.
Stepping into the Indian Plate is akin to a brief journey to India, where you can immerse yourself in their culture, history and, of course, the delectable cuisine. Basra, with his warm hospitality, guides newcomers with food suggestions, making them feel like part of his family. The restaurant is a popular stop for I-80 truckers, adding to its diverse and welcoming atmosphere.
Some people order by the vibrant colors of the Indian food – green, orange, yellow and black. The main dishes include chicken, fish, vegetables and cheese, and most dishes are served family style. The dishes are gluten-free. Basra is part of the Sik religion, and its members do not eat pork or beef.
The favorite dishes of the KHS staffers are Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Galic Naan, and, of course, Chai tea. Indian Chai tea is not "coffee shop Chai tea;" it has less sugar and has kind of an earthy flavor that the group likes.
The menu has pictures of the dishes for first time visitors to look at. When they fix a meal for you, Stephanie Pederson said, "You feel like you are in their family, and they all want to talk to you." Erin Jefferis said it is a very welcoming environment.
For those new to Indian food, Pederson said, "The misconception is that the food is spicy; it is not, but it can be, although it is a flavorful spice."
Originally, Basra was from Punjab, in the northern part of India. After a 14-year wait for a visa to America, Basra and members of his family settled in Bakersfield, Calif. Arriving with Basra in America was his father, aunt and uncle. His brother and sister remained in California, but vacationed in Kimball over the July 4th holiday.
Recently, Basra was married. He and his wife reside in Kimball.
The restaurant story began while Basra was traveling on I-80; Basra noticed that there were no "good Indian" restaurants. While trucking from coast to coast, one night, he pulled over to sleep in the former Diner parking lot and saw that the property was for sale. Hence, in 2023 he purchased the restaurant and motel, settled here and made Kimball his home.
The I-80 truck business has been successful, with 200-300 trucks pulling in weekly to get their to-go orders or sit for a home-cooked Indian meal. Basra has signs for the restaurant on both interstate exits, and his major advertising is done online.
Basra would like to get people from Kimball to come and try his Indian food.
Pederson said, "I think if they would come try it, they are very nice people, and I have never had a bad dish here."
As they dine on a variety of dishes, the KHS employees talk about how they began six months ago to eat at the Indian Plate. They said every time it was a history lesson.
Jefferis said, "It was like National Geographic," as they met not only those of Indian descent but Russians, Ukrainians and others. The KHS staff call themselves the Welcome Wagon because anyone that comes in to the restaurant they visit with and get their story.
Basra said he plans on hiring an American chef to cook hamburgers, cheeseburgers and other American food.
In an effort to become part of the community, Basra and members of his family attended the Hospital Foundation Casino Night and regularly contribute to events in Kimball.
