Campustown’s collection of restaurants now includes Taste of India, a branch of owner Parbhat (Peter) Ahluwalia’s Des Moines restaurant, New Delhi Palace.

It features authentic Indian appetizers, breads, soups, beverages and vegetarian and meat entrees.

The restaurant is located at 2416 Lincoln Way (formerly the Cyclone Buffet and Joe to Go). The Ahluwalia’s have brought Taste of India to Ames after receiving numerous compliments from Iowa State University students and professors who visited the Des Moines establishment. “Ames is a very good town with nice people,” Ahluwalia said.

Ahluwalia said he is excited to begin serving the ISU Indian community along with all the other students and Ames residents. He said he wants to provide “fast, cheap Indian food” to his customers.

“People have a full stomach, and they are happy … I have cooking experience in my blood,” he said.

Ahluwalia said several students have already stopped by, hoping to find Taste of India open for business.

After coming from India to the United States in 1981, Ahluwalia opened up his first restaurant, Mother India Restaurant, in Boston. He has continued moving west with more grand openings. New Delhi Palace has been in Des Moines for five years.

Dinner entrees at the Taste of India will range from about $6 to $10. Breads, desserts and beverages will cost less than $5.

Meals will be served daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and nightly from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. starting Friday, Oct. 20. Ahluwalia said that in the future, he plans to serve breakfast from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.