Star of India

 
There is a certain expectation regarding most Indian restaurants like the Star of India: they will inevitably have a buffet. And yes Virginia, they do have one. And the buffet is stellar, offering appetizers like sumptuous Samosas, classic spinach and cheese dishes like Saag Paneer and seared meats like Tandori Chicken. And they’ve also added lamb and chicken kabobs cooked on the Tiwa. This is a custom grill designed to seal in the flavor. The buffet is available at lunch and dinner and is excellent: but I want to introduce you to some other menu items which I find virtually irresistible. Take time to taste these and I suspect you’ll agree.

First, while the more familiar Naan bread gets all the publicity, one should not overlook the healthier Paratha. This is buttered and layered whole wheat bread that is delightful. And the Aloo Paratha stuffed with fresh peas and potatoes also has a wonderful flavor and texture. These are the breads of choice of many Indian families.

And from the Tandoor oven which can ramp up to 600 degrees, there’s much more than just Tandori Chicken. Try Star of India’s Tandori Prawns. These large prawns are marinated in fresh Indian herbs and the searing flavor and textures produced by the tandoor is very appealing. The Chicken Madras is another dish you won’t see on the buffet that’s a must try. This blends tender morsels of chicken in a sauté pan with potatoes and chili peppers. The level of heat is considerable in this dish: but it’s commensurate with the level of taste.

And ask Jae or his father Vir Singh to make you the Cabbage Bhij on your next visit. This is fresh cabbage sautéed with peas and carrots and Indian spices. Many Indians are vegetarians and with dishes like this one can readily see why, I’m addicted to it. Another very tasty dish is the Bengan Bhurta. This is a delicate puree of baked eggplant sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Serious tastes here. And you must try the Beef Curry. This dish follows the traditional jaipuri method for curry from the state of Rajasthan and the result is savory and tender and laden with intriguing flavors. And finally, try the Lamb Shahi Koma. This is not as fiery as the other dishes: it has a mild and very delectable cream and almond sauce. But the lamb is exceptionally tender with flavors that are subtle instead of overpowering.

For dessert try the traditional Indian Rice Pudding Kheer Badami and the very-difficult-to-resist Mahai Mango Sundae.

So consider those options on your next dinner at Star of India. The buffet is a reliable and delicious option, but other surprises are just a moment away. Take time to avail yourself of some of these other great entrees.