Best Indian
India Oven
2727 N. Campbell Ave.
READERS' PICK: Walk into India Oven at noon or dinner.
The nose is tantalized by an array of smells from marinated meats
braizing in the tandoori oven and curry and masala
spiced vegetable dishes in pans the two chefs move rapidly over
stove flames. Harmesh Bhatti and his brother Lekh make quick work
in the kitchen of orders from a menu comprising the best variety
of dishes from the Indian subcontinent you'll find in Tucson.
At the door, Harmesh's wife, Raksha, greets guests with a smile
as broad and bright as the Punjab plains the family left more
than 10 years ago. At India Oven, the selection of vegetarian
dishes at the lunch buffet changes daily. One day a velvety, sinuously
seasoned mash of yellow lentil dal is served to mix with
basmati rice, another day black lentils with onion and spices
can make a satisfying soup. At the same buffet, you might find
lamb curry or chicken masala. Even turnips with potatoes,
which could be ordinary, are here given added zest with coriander
and buds of cardamon. Even the simple combination of crisp cauliflower
and white potatoes, aloo gobi, attains nearly ethereal
differences of taste and texture. At a weekend mid-day main meal,
you might ask the kitchen to prepare some of their favorites.
Out may come a sinuous lamb tikka masala, the marinated
chunks of tender lamb incorporated into a sauce of gentle fire
with taste and texture from coconut milk. With the kashmini
pillau rice, basmati rice, saffron and toasted pine nuts,
you will likely clean the chafing dish of the lamb tikka.
The saag paneer at India Oven is the ultimate incarnation
of creamed spinach. The karhai shrimp, with a sauce well
balanced between bite and aromatic herbs, includes a deft mix
of tomatoes, onions, and well-cooked bell peppers. The sturdy
but sinuous food of India satisfies taste and hunger equally.
But India Oven's cooking is more equal than others.
READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP AND STAFF PICK: A pioneer in bringing
East Indian cuisine to Tucson, New Delhi Palace has been
serving delicious curries, tandoori meats, savory appetizers and
frothy mango lassis to grateful Tucsonans ever since. The Khangura
family has created an atmosphere that is calm and peaceful--a
lovely simple complement to the fiery curries and complex spices
that will flavor your meal. Indian food isn't any better in London
or New York. New Delhi Palace is at 6751 E. Broadway.
