by Greg Elwell, photos by Mark Hancock and Garett Fisbeck
Sheesh Mahal
4621 N. May Ave.
778-8469
The heat is on. Its on the street. And that street is May Avenue, where the good folks at Sheesh Mahal are making chana masala, an addictive chickpea stew that is as hearty as it is tasty. You can ask for a less incinerator-like heat, but ask yourself, Is that what Glenn Frey would do? Or is that a Don Henley move? Yeah. Exactly.
Dhaba OKC
4600 NE 120th St.
478-2151
Does the goat in this biryani refer to the animal or the greatest of all time? The answer, of course, is yes. It doesnt matter how gruff these billy goats used to be because once they crossed the bridge into Biryani-ville, they became a tender part of this spicy rice dish that Dhaba OKC makes so well.
Rasoi Chaat Cafe
3810 NW 39th Expressway
942-7813
The human brain needs snacks to survive, according to the pioneering work done by Drs. Hostess and Debbie. But for a spicier treat with a great crunch, turn to Rasois panipuri, which is a fried ball of Indian bread with a flavorful mixture stuffed in the middle. And isnt getting your middle stuffed the entire point of snacking?
Kabob-N-Curry
4104 N. Portland Ave.
601-3454
Sure, shish kabob sounds like a great dish for traveling ... until you hit a bump and accidentally impale your sisters eye. (Now she looks like a pirate and she barely talks to you.) Make it up to her with Kabob-N-Currys delightful naan kabob sandwich, which puts marinated and grilled meat inside a chewy piece of naan bread. Its an on-the-go lunch that wont blind your relatives.
Manna Cuisine of India
7908 N. MacArthur Blvd.
(812) 272-8279
What did this chicken do to you? is what youll ask when you taste the fiery chicken vindaloo from Manna. With a kick of spice that would send anyone running for a glass of milk, this dish is either revenge against one chicken or a warning to all the others. If you cross Manna, it just might marinate you in vinegar and spices and cook you with potatoes. No. No, it wont. But it was fun to say.
Mt. Everest Cuisines
1169 E. Second St., Edmond
696-5494
Though the culinary wizards at Mt. Everest Cuisines know their way around Nepalese food, theyre also making top- notch Indian dishes like the insanely sumptuous fish madras. Youll forget all about the heat coming off this creamy, spicy concoction when you get a taste of this light and luscious fish and sauce.
Taste of India
1000 Alameda St. #140B, Norman
321-8666
Dal Makhani could be the name of a new action movie star, a no-nonsense Green Beret on a mission to rescue his wife, the president, from aliens. It actually means buttery lentils, but these legumes are also on a mission: to rescue your stomach from a bland turkey sandwich. Coming soon to a tongue near you.
Print headline: Indian jones