By Julia Rosow By Julia Rosow | April 22, 2022 | Food & Drink,
These local Indian restaurants are here to curb all of your tadka and tandoori cravings.
A spread from Masala Art
Bindaas
Just a stone’s throw away from the White House, this Indian spot offers a color and flavor-infused culinary experience. Savor Bindaas’s chicken tikka masala—a tomato and bell pepper based curry—for your first course before finishing the meal off with sticky toffee pudding for a rich, dark dessert. On weekends, early risers start their day off right with a round of Bindaas’s signature Bloody Maharani’s under a sea of hanging lanterns. 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202.516.4326, bindaasdc.com
Bombay Club
Established in 1988, this posh Pennsylvania Avenue restaurant has mastered the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary Indian palettes while gaining the praises of Hollywood legend Harrison Ford. Their classic thalis dishes are prepared three different ways—with a seafood base, vegetables and a combination dish of fish, chicken and lamb. The Tandoori Salmon also tops the list of the restaurant’s most popular dishes and may have been a potential favorite of longtime customer President Obama. 815 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202.659.3727, bombayclubdc.com
Indique
White marble railings and elegant chandeliers gloss Indique’ interior with elegance, a spot best known for putting its own spin on American classics like salmon and shepherd’s pie. Don’t have time for a full meal? The restaurant even serves an Indian-style version of America’s classic ‘bar bites’ for a quick pick-me-up. 3512-14 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202.244.6600, indique.com
Karma
Looking for more authentic Indian delicacies with a powerful mission? Make Karma Modern Indian your next stop. Executive chef Ajay Kumar spent 15 years honing his culinary skills in New Delhi before bringing his talents—and perfected grilled vegetable platter—overseas. The swanky dining spot sources only the best in-house ingredients, grinds their spices from scratch and offers one of the largest whiskey collections in the city. Also, in a nod to its name, Karma donates a portion of each meal to impoverished children across the globe. 600 Massachusetts Ave, 202.898.0393, karmamodernindian.com
Kismet
It’s time to bring some spice to Old Town Alexandria. Kismet, the sister restaurant to Karma, offers a more modern feel to the traditional Indian eatery, featuring contemporary light fixtures, walls lined with bright pieces of artwork and expansive open windows that make the endless food offerings the cherry on top. Naan bread, lamb seekh kebab and palak paneer are the foundational dishes of Kismet’s extensive menu and would make the perfect complement to a fresh glass of Sbagliato Bianco. 111 North Pitt St., 703.567.4507, kismetmodernindian.com
Le Mirch
Le Mirch is here to prove a taste of two cultures is better than one by serving up Indian food with a side of French flavor. This elegant DuPont Circle eatery combines traditional Indian dishes, from kebabs to curries, with a touch of French flare: Think mouthwatering masala croquettes and rich epinards for your main course and a sweet almond and raisin rice pudding for dessert. Top off the night with a refined French rosé saturated with flavors of strawberry, grapefruit and mango. 1736 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202.999.6335, lemirch.com
Masala Art
Ambiance is everything, and Masala Art clearly understands this notion as customary Indian decor lines the walls of the restaurant. Offering a three-course menu with several classic and vegetarian options, we recommend starting with the Aloo Tuk Chaat—a satisfying red potato appetizer topped with yogurt and chutneys—before indulging in the Chicken 65, with each piece tossed in a South Indian masala. Multiple locations, masalaartdc.com
Pappe DC
Nestled in the heart of DC’s lively 14th Street neighborhood, Pappe is giving new life to traditional Indian-inspired meals. With an ever changing menu dictated by the fresh ingredients, meats and poultry, executive chef Sanjay Mandhaiya cooks up dishes like butter chicken and lamb biryani in an open fire oven. The restaurant also pays tribute to local Indian artists, hanging stunning murals and rich strands of fabrics, giving a true feel for a bustling Bombay cafe. 1317 14th St NW, 202. 888.8220, pappedc.com
Rajaji Curry House Indian Restaurant
Curry lovers: keep your eyes peeled for Rajaji Curry House’s bright red awning in downtown DC. Their popular Murgh Saag—a boneless chicken cooked with curry, spinach and green herbs—served with long grain basmati and the chef’s freshly-baked tandoori bread is a delectable delight. Still have room for dessert? Word on the street says their rice pudding is a must-have. 2603 Connecticut Ave NW, 202.265.7344, therajaji.com
Rasika
The only thing better than one Indian fine dining hub is two. Located in Penn Quarter and the West End, Rasika’s diverse menu features everything from classic curry to sirgi (barbeque) and tawa (griddle) dishes. Started by executive chef Vikram Sunderam, a James Beard Award nominee, and founder Ashok Bajaj, who formerly worked for the prestigious Taj Hotels, both Rasika’s customer service and Indian delicacies are worth drooling over. Multiple locations, rasikarestaurant.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Masala Art Restaurants