When you're in the mood for intense flavors, fragrant aromas, and tempting spices, Indian food is the perfect choice. This great country is home to a variety of cuisines, each with its own regional specialties. Unfortunately, many recipes are mild hybrids and don't reflect the true flavors of Indian cuisine. So while you may feel like you've learned to enjoy Indian cuisine by eating chicken tikka masala to go with naan bread and samosas, there are endless dishes to discover.
According to the South Asian American Digital Archive, Indian food in the United States was already an object of curiosity a century ago due to the influx of immigrants. While the number of Indian restaurants in the United States hasn't exploded yet, the roughly 5000 options offer a taste of the cuisine (via CNBC). It's worth being surprised by authentic Indian cuisine, which, according to Madhur Jaffrey and Priya Krishna, two respected Indian cookbook writers, stands out for the magic of spices.If you're looking for an unforgettable experience with true flavors of Indian food, you should check out some of the best places in the country. Whether it's Michelin star fine-dining restaurants or small family restaurants with humble origins, your taste buds will recognize these dishes as heavenly.
Junoon in New York City is a great example of French-style family-friendly service combined with Indian flavors. Whether you choose a fixed-price lunch, an à la carte selection, or opt for a luxurious multi-course tasting menu, get ready for an unforgettable meal. Rasa in San Francisco is another great option for South Indian food at its best. Exceptional ingredients combined to perfection are the highlights, in dishes such as shrimp chutney with cucumbers or pumpkin kofta and fenugreek curry. Seasonal products are another key to fresh flavors, as demonstrated by seasonal vegetable curry, uthappam (a flatbread with toppings) and poriyal (fried seasonal vegetables).
However, chef Vijay Kumar explains that hamburgers from Bombay are definitely a mainstay among the dishes on the menu that fluctuate depending on the season. Spiced potato fritters on soft rolls are enhanced with hot tamarind and mint sauce, which enhances the fresh flavors for the perfect bite. If you're eager to start your day with vibrant Indian flavors, be sure to reserve a table for brunch service. You can order many of your favorite dishes for dinner, as well as breakfast dishes such as egg curry or idli (steamed rice cakes with hot sauces and stews). Save some space for dessert: The Michelin Guide describes cardamom brûlée as “incredibly delicious”.A wide variety of appetizers are available such as Dosas (thin, crispy crepes), uthappams and breads or try one of the thalis, a mixed dish with a variety of flavors perfect for when you can't settle for a dish from the extensive menu.
With such appetizing options, carnivores won't even notice that Saravanaa Bhavan is totally vegetarian. Thrifty diners will love the affordable prices making it ideal for feasting as a group. If you like sweets reserve some space for a quintessential Indian treat such as badam halwa (ground almonds cooked with honey and butter) or gulab jamun (milk and cheese balls soaked in syrup and rosewater). For a tasty and breathtaking meal be sure to visit Lehja in Richmond Virginia. If you can't choose what to order do yourself a favor and opt for the family-style tasting menu - a three-course menu that will give you an overview of Ghee menu. Be sure to add it to lamb neck which is smoked and served with tomato broth cardamom and black-eyed peas.
The Sun-Sentinel recommends ordering Cheddar cheese naan with ghost pepper for a spicy carb option with cheese that is reminiscent of pizza. For seafood lovers local fish is marinated with turmeric and cooked in a tasty coconut curry sauce. The best-known dishes such as chicken tikka masala are tasty versions of classic dishes while yellowfin tuna bhel (a combination of puffed rice avocado cilantro and tuna) suggests creative interaction between kitchens. The restaurant industry has faced overwhelming challenges during COVID-19 pandemic and capacity for change has been crucial. While Dosa's San Francisco branch closed its doors a takeaway version of popular menu was launched and Whole Foods sells ready meals. Co-owner Anjan Mitra explains that current model works for now as his physical establishment requires constant influx of customers to maintain its glitz.
While you won't be able to enjoy sophisticated restaurant just yet you can still savor familiar flavors of Dosa by Dosa in Oakland - a casual restaurant with counter service that also offers outdoor seating. For an unforgettable experience be sure to visit James Beard semi-finalist chef Sandeep Sunny Baweja's Lehja restaurant in Richmond Virginia. Style Weekly highlights Lehja's high-quality cuisine and points out that food goes far beyond Americanized Indian food. Lehja's menu includes traditional dishes with creative touches such as blue crabs from Chesapeake Bay seasoned with ginger turmeric pink Tellicherry pepper green onions and asparagus. The Washingtonian highlights restaurant as one of best in city praising lamb vindaloo and Kerala-inspired seafood curry. Other highly recommended products are chaat du jour - constantly changing selection of Indian street food snacks.
Forbes recommends adding it to your list when looking for best Indian restaurants in US. Whether it's Michelin star fine-dining restaurants or small family restaurants with humble origins, exploring authentic flavors of Indian cuisine in US is an unforgettable experience. From traditional dishes such as Dosas (thin crispy crepes) or uthappams (flatbreads) to creative touches like blue crabs from Chesapeake Bay seasoned with ginger turmeric pink Tellicherry pepper green onions and asparagus - there's something for everyone! Don't forget about desserts either - badam halwa (ground almonds cooked with honey and butter) or gulab jamun (milk and cheese balls soaked in syrup and rosewater) are quintessential treats that will make your meal complete.
