Indian Lunch Buffet Round Up: Episode # 3
Tandoor India is the third stop on the Indian Lunch Buffet Round Up and it did not disappoint. A popular place for lunch in University City, Tandoor India offers a great mix of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items in a well-lit, comfortable environment.
Disposing of the pleasantries, we got down to business immediately after entering Tandoor India and being shown to a table. The buffet was attractively presented and well laid out; the cold salad items and a variety of chutneys displayed first with the hot entrees and desserts afterward. All items appeared to be freshly prepared and appetizing.
Among the items offered were: Green Salad Bar, Assortment of Chutneys,
Vegetable Samosas, Navratan Curry, Shorbet (Muligatawny Soup), Sag Paneer, Naan, Basmati Rice, Lamb Pishawry, Chicken tikka masala, Â Egg Curry, Ras Malai .
Sitting down to eat, I had the opportunity to take a closer look around the restaurant and I liked what I found. Tandoor India is well lit, benefiting from an abundance of skylights that allow plenty of natural light into the dining room. The main dining room runs the length of the building allowing a free flow of diners and staff. Normally, we’ve found the other Indian restaurants we’ve visited to be fairly dark and cave-like; not Tandoor India. Furthermore, soft drinks (included in the price of the buffet) are self service, so diners are dependent on staff for beverages. Lastly, the restaurant appears clean and the background music is audible but not overwhelming.
Sampling the buffet, each of us had our favorites however we found all found the Tandoori Chicken , Chana Masala and Gira Aloo particularly good. The Tandoori Chicken was well marinated and very moist and the Chunna Masala was spicy without “lighting us up” (although compared to some, we’re fire eaters). For those unfamiliar, the Gira Aloo is a warm, mildly spiced potato dish; a great side that almost everyone will enjoy.
Each of us had other favorites too:
We had a great meal at Tandoor India. While the food was all very good, but the atmosphere is what really did it for me; it made the food taste even better. The service was fine, but nothing more than what one expects from a buffet and the $7.95 per person seems to be the standard going rate. Take it from the grizzled Indian buffet veterans, this place is definitely worth checking out.
Tandoor India is located at 106 S. 40th St. Philadelphia, PA
(215) 222-7122 www.tandoorindiarestaurant.com
TAGS: Philadelphia, Philly, University City, Indian Food, Tandoor India, Podcast
Andrew on 01 Jan 2008 at 10:09 pm #
I hope you’re going to tackle New Delhi at 4004 Chestnut next. This is the real West Philly Indian smackdown because it’s right around the corner from Tandoor. I’m stuck on New Delhi, and I’d need to hear that it was considerably worse than Tandoor if I were going to make the switch.
Jabarri Rolle on 13 Jan 2008 at 9:57 pm #
Why haven’t you review New Delhi? If you think Tandoor was decent, I need to see where you rank New Delhi amongst the Indian restaurants you have already reviewed. As a tried and tested Indian food lover, my money is on New Delhi!
Bill on 20 Jan 2008 at 10:32 pm #
We can only eat so fast!
If you guys think New Delhi is a contender, it’s next on our hit list!