The DC Traveler

Last weekend while running around DC (and while doing some research for a couple upcoming posts), I stopped for some Indian food at one of my two favorite Indian restaurants, Taste of India.

Across from the Woodley Park Metro and competing against a couple other Indian restaurants within one block (one being right next door), you can only assume that the food has to be good. And it is.

Since 1991, they have been serving authentic Northern Indian cuisine. With an outdoor patio adjoining other restaurant patios on either side, it can be a lively place. I prefer to dine mid-afternoon when the crowds are light and securing a table outside is easy and more relaxed.

My favorite dishes to start a meal include their Meat Samosa appetizer ($2.50 each), a richly seasoned ground beef, peas and potato fried turnover. I love the pair of accompanying spicy dipping sauces. Their hummus with fresh naan bread ($5.95) is also exceptional (it could even perhaps rival Lebanese Tavernia’s hummus).

They offer 9 variations of Indian breads, including several stuffed nann offerings (garlic and cilantro, ground beef and cilantro, etc.). For main courses, their Chicken Tikka Masala ($10.95) and the napalm hot lamb or beef Vindaloo with potatoes ($11.95) is sure to get your attention. They also serve something you don’t see very often - goat in a yogurt and spice sauce.

All their dishes are prepared without MSG or ghee (high trans-fat butter) and their vegetarian dishes are all vegan. Also try a cold 22 oz. Taj Mahal beer from India to help cool the heat.

Taste of India
2621 Connecticut Ave.
Washington, DC

The second place I love for Indian cuisine is Mirchi Indian Cuisine near just off Route 28 near Dulles Airport, especially for their lunch time buffet (only $9.44).

They service traditional Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes in a very casual setting. Their lunch buffet offers about a dozen main dishes (both meat and meatless) many rather spicy but all flavorful, along with lots of other side items.

The restaurant is less than 2 years old and was the brainchild of four local Indian IT professionals. The place can get crowded, especially since the place was recently favorably written up in the Washington Post. The service can be a bit slow, but the food and value easily make up for and shortcomings and at lunch time, the staff keeps the buffet well stocked. They also recently secured their beer and wine license as well.

So if you want to take a tour of India’s cusine, head there for lunch. You should be delighted.

Mirchi Indian Cuisine
44260 Ice Rink Plaza, #120
Ashburn, VA 20147

______________________________________________________________________________

Comments Off