Alexandria, Virginia-Many people believe that Indian cuisine is mainly hot curry. However, it is not. Indians call all their meat and vegetables curry, but not all meat and vegetables contain curry powder. The dinner we had at Dishes of India (1510-A Belleview Blvd.) had a lot of curry and a lot of savory spices. Indian cuisine also varies from region to region, much like American cuisine. Indian cuisine features food from northern India, as well as some other regions. Remember, spices and calories are two different flavors of Indian food, and Indian cuisine performs well in both.
Don't be delayed by the walk downstairs to the restaurant. It is worth a visit. The father and chef of the Bhatt brothers, Ramanand Bhatt, is the founder and inspiration of the restaurant. He has devoted himself to the art of cooking for more than 60 years! You will taste this dedication in every bite of Dishes of India. Chef Bhatt is loved by everyone, and his memory lasts forever in the dishes served.
We found that the wine and beer list is enough-if you like beer, you must try Kingfisher. This is an excellent representation of the fusion of British and Indian cultures brewed in Bangalore. There are also good red, white and rose wines to choose from. Another wonderful drink is mango lassi, which is made from sweet yogurt mixed with mango pulp and served cold.
We started our meal with a selection of appetizers, which were all delicious. We shared various appetizers including pakoras-onions, broccoli and steamed potatoes, deep-fried in chickpea batter; samosas-deep-fried triangular pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes and green beans; chicken tikka-with yogurt , Herbs and spices marinated boneless chicken breast strips, baked in a special clay oven, tandoor; and seekh kebabs-minced lamb, mixed with ginger, garlic and delicious spices baked in a special clay oven, tandoor. We also had the amazing Palak Chaat, a plate of fresh, crunchy, fried spinach slices, fresh tomatoes and onions, all covered with a delicious mixture of yogurt and tamarind paste. Each bite is better than the next-a wonderful array. The samosa is big enough to have a meal on its own, with delicious spices added to the potato and peas mixture. Top it with a bit of tamarind sauce or mango chutney for a perfect bite. Pakoras are also enhanced with condiments. We really like the chicken tikka and kebabs-the charcoal grilled in the tandoor is very fragrant. The most amazing dish is Palak Chaat, which is famous in Rasika. The crunch of spinach, the freshness of tomatoes and onions, and the refreshing tingling sensation of yogurt and tamarind sauce are irresistible. We finished the whole plate!
We would have been very satisfied, but the main course is here. Hariyali Tikka Tandoori looks like roasted broccoli, but it is actually boneless chicken breast slices marinated in fresh cilantro and baby spinach sauce, baked in a clay oven. I have never eaten chicken prepared in this way and found it to be very good. Eat it with a little garlic naan, it's a delightful bite. Our other new dish is Lamb Karahi, a traditional northwest lamb dish cooked with fresh tomatoes, onions and green peppers in a delicious thick curry sauce with very low heat. I scooped a rich and luscious sauce on some basmati rice so that I can eat up every bite. This is a lush, fluffy, spice-rich dish, a bit hot. You can also order shrimp or chicken. Butter Chicken Murg Makhani is the real winner, just ask anyone at Carpenter's Shelter picnic and it won countless awards. Tandoori boneless chicken breast fillets are cooked in a fresh tomato cream sauce. If you want to introduce Indian cuisine to someone, this is the dish you want to order. I think it is a comfort food in India-warm cream sauce and chicken are a perfect match. Be sure to pour the sauce on the rice and enjoy all the flavors.
Indian cuisine, vegetarians and vegans are best friends. We accepted a new menu item and started with small Indian eggplants cooked with Malawani sauce made with fresh coconut, tamarind, curry leaves and Garam Masala. This is a lovely combination of spices and a touch of heat. And, as always, scooping some basmati rice was great. Other vegetarian products include Aloo Methi Jeera, roasted cumin and sauteed potatoes with fenugreek seeds; and Sabzee Malvani, consisting of fresh cauliflower, carrots, green beans and potatoes cooked in Malvani sauce, with fresh coconut, tamarind, curry leaves Made with Garam Masala. Garam Masala is a mixture of several spices, with varying degrees of calories. It has a great affinity for vegetables. Vegetable Bhajhee is a delightful combination of fresh mixed vegetables, cooked on a slow fire with ginger, garlic, tomatoes and a sauce of fresh herbs. Another vegetable dish to try is Palak Paneer, made with fresh homemade cheese chunks and mild creamed spinach.
Hot eaters have many menu choices, including lamb, seeh (ground lamb) kebabs, shrimp or chicken (murg) vindaloo-a special spicy curry sauce with a vinegar flavor. You can also try South Indian cuisine, Goan fish curry with salmon fillets, cooked with the chef's medium-hot coconut milk sauce. Another favorite of South Indians is Murg Madras, which is a traditional chicken curry cooked with a medium hot coconut milk sauce.
There are many other dishes I haven't tried, including biryanis. It all starts with basmati rice, seasoned with fresh green vegetables, chicken, lamb or shrimp, seasoned with saffron, and cooked with delicate herbs over a low fire. There are also various breads to choose from. Roti is a tandoori cooked wheat bread, while naan is a flat fermented white flour bread baked on the tandoori oven wall. You can choose the original flavor or garlic and herbs. There are great kulcha and other stuffed breads.
End your meal with a cup of Indian spice tea and one of several desserts. Indian sweets include Kheer Pista, basmati rice pudding, garnished with nuts; Gulab Jamun-a golden fried milk ball soaked in sweet syrup; Mango Ras Malai-flat round Indian cheese disc, boiled with mango-flavored milk, Garnished with pistachios, or Pista Kulfi-traditional Indian homemade ice cream with pistachio flavor. If you have four or more friends there, please order them all and share.
Children are welcome. Indian cuisine offers a variety of dishes specially made for children. In addition to the delicious butter chicken, your child will also love grilled chicken strips, which are boneless chicken strips marinated in yogurt, herbs and spices, and then grilled. Chef's Special Lamb is boneless lamb cooked in a delicious, rich and creamy sauce. Yellow prawns feature basmati rice and shrimp, cooked in a mild curry sauce.
Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, Indian cuisine is one of the best Indian restaurants I have had the honor to try. You should go, whether it's for eating or taking out, the food will make you want more!
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