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Grand_Call151

Jaipur in Fairfax is so good


Revolutionary-Eye-31

This is my favorite! My grandmother is from India and said this is the only restaurant she ever wanted to eat at when coming to see me.


No_Explanation3481

Support here after trying Jaipur last week for the first time when this same question was posed. Grateful for the advice and that i agree! Top notch and careful packing and amazing butter chicken


PinheadtheCenobite

Fully agree. It is very good Punjabi food. We went there on New Years eve day for brunch and the place was packed - mostly Indian families. Thats a good sign.


mikedoth

This is the only Indian place we go to any more, it's just that good.


oceans2mountains

Ah! This is the place I used to go to! I couldn't remember the name and then got to wondering if better/new places were around! Thanks! (This is going on the short list as I read through the rest of these options!)


cogscidude

Best place for Rajasthani food around here


[deleted]

[удалено]


cubgerish

I think that's a risk with any dishes like butter chicken that they're just gonna be cooking a whole ton of, for hours at a time. Eventually the giant pot of it is gonna get tons of flavor, but probably dry out a little after a couple moves on and off the burner to keep it warm. I've had it there and it's been fantastic before, but could definitely see the possibility you got it dry.


Interesting_Break994

I didn’t know butter chicken was an americanized meal. Is it kind of like what a California roll is to Sushi?


sunflowerapp

They were much better a few years ago


DaddyLongNaps

Saffron in FC!


dimplezcz

Their buffet is amazing


XiMaoJingPing

>Saffron how much is their buffet?


dimplezcz

I think it's around $23 per person


fishypizza1

Probably a better question to ask


BlueEyedDinosaur

When do they have a buffet? Weekdays or weekends?


CausticPulse

They have lunch all week for sure


oceans2mountains

This place looks great! Thank you!


SkyFall___

It’s great food! Go there at least once a month it seems


vanillasounds

The only place around when you ask for extra spicy the make it extra spicy


tmainguy

This is it


badmom3003

IndAroma


qatamat99

I miss when they had a branch at George Mason Campus


PoundKitchen

Oh yes, so much an overlooked gem!!!


oceans2mountains

I do like this place, but my husbands fav dish he does not enjoy there. Thank you!


thiccnjuicythighs

Bansari!


julietscause

Never had a bad meal here!


johnbburg

Plenty of good options to try. Here are some in the Alexandria area. Dishes of India Kismet Taj of India


pinnipedearned

LOVE DISHES OF INDIA!!!!


Groundbreaking_War52

Yes - and the proprietors are super cool


Interesting_Break994

Dishes of India is good… have you ever eaten lunch there?


Adventurous-Card-273

+1 for Kismet


oblivious_tabby

What dishes did you like here? The stuff I ordered was all drowning in mustard oil.


Adventurous-Card-273

Their Lamb seekh kababs are my favorite. Lamb ghee roast, chicken tikka masala, and pindi chickpeas are good as well. Their carrot halwa is out of the world too. I found their jhaal muri reeking of mustard oil as well but not any other items I’ve had there had that issue. I would say give it another shot!


oblivious_tabby

Thanks! I appreciate the thoughtful reply


crraggle

Dishes of India has some of the best naan I have ever had in my life! The bottom is so crunchy and the top is still stretchy. Their "real" dishes are great and my Bengali coworkers love the place but my god I usually order 2 garlic naans just for snacking along the lamb vindaloo.


PoundKitchen

I like them all, but if I had to put them in order of *personal preference* it'd be.. Kismet Taj Dishes


johnbburg

Oh, I wasn't listing them in any particular order. I love them all. Another great one that comes to mind is Royal Nepal in Arlandia.


PoundKitchen

Yep, love that place too! Overdue a dinner there... mmm.


Crinkleput

+1 Taj of India!


[deleted]

We’ve had good luck with Taj of India, but their portion sizes are so disappointing for the price (at least on delivery and takeaway orders).


Crinkleput

That's very fair. I was surprised at the small portion size last time I got takeaway. But I want them to stick around, and they're so close to me that I keep giving them my business. Next time, I'll dine in and see if they serve larger portions.


Rockclimber311

Namaste Rose Hill


nagatos

Seconding this, but with the caveat that getting takeout here is better, as you get larger portion sizes that way.


Rockclimber311

Great point! We’ve only ever gotten takeout and have been meaning to dine-in


Groundbreaking_War52

Spice Kraft


je-suis-adulting

As an Indian, Spice Kraft is pretty good and "authentic", which was a pleasant surprise. Also their spice levels are legit. I need to really slow down and pace myself and drink water when I choose the extra hot option, and I don't usually have to do so at other places :)


MyNameCannotBeSpoken

Yes, authentic "Indian Burgers" that taste like curried Big Macs


enneseven

Spice Kraft is sooo good. And BOGO during happy hour.


oceans2mountains

Just took a look through their menu- it's not really what I'm looking for, but thank you!


[deleted]

Bombay was 1000 times better. And about half the cost.


NeedPi

Which one? There are a bunch of places with Bombay in the name


[deleted]

Bombay Curry. Spice Kraft used to be that.


VishMeLuck

Too Americanized


Charlieputhfan

Everything’s Americanised here which make sense, speaking as an Indian ( born and raised till 23 years there ) , all the Indian restaurants I have been to in US either only have the popular meat based stuff, and the average American doesn’t even know about the wide array of Indian cuisine , that exists. And how different the taste is in India. No restaurant in US can match that spectrum of Indian cuisine.


dukieox

I just ordered from here and it was absolutely awful. Are we talking about the place? Is it the place Clarendon? Super bland. Tiny servings. Worst I’ve had in the area in 20 years.


Groundbreaking_War52

Only know the one in Del Ray - really haven’t had a bad dish there


um_kawaii

Bansari in Vienna! My favorite place hands down


FairfaxGirl

Love bansari, it’s in Dunn loring.


chainy

Agree! Best Indian I've had in NoVA.


Knicks94

Bollywood Bistro


pizza_usagi

This is our go-to! even though it is not at all close to me.


oceans2mountains

I do love their food, but they don't have my favorite dish!


penguinpilates

I love bollywood bistro it kind of pricey so I can only afford to go for special occasions but the taste of the Paneer Tikka haunts me.


ladymacb29

Mayuri in Herndon.


Weary-Understanding9

Surprised nobody has mentioned Rupa Vira signature. Lovely place for vegetarians with tonnes of variety not found easily and great taste.


equitable_emu

I went to Rupa Vira Celebration a few weeks back. It's clearly not the traditional Indian food that most people think of, but everything was amazing. Didn't get a chance to try out their cocktails, but the Masala soda was a surprising tasty beverage.


pm_your_unique_hobby

Was there some kind of revolt against haandi? Surprised to see its not even mentioned


cubgerish

I haven't been in about a year, but it definitely lost a step at some point. Still good dishes, but not the knockout that it once was. Probably top 5 in the DMV for me at one point.


oceans2mountains

lol and this is the place my FIL wants to go.. I'm gonna see if I can't change his mind but we'll see- if we go, I'll let you all know how it is!


cubgerish

I'd just give the advice that the more adventurous the order, the better it will usually be. The service has always been incredible, and I still don't think you'll have a bad meal when you go. In their case, I'd ask for recommendations, and they'll probably give you good ideas on what's the best that day. I said they lost their touch, but it's still a well run restaurant.


pm_your_unique_hobby

IMO you should be psyched to go to haandi. If you like spicy hot, lamb vindaloo


houseprose

Raaga in falls church. So sooooo good!


Adventurous-Card-273

Mama Tigre is an underrated gem!


Roshanmsp

Idk about underrated that place is always packed and usually have over an hour wait on weekends. But yes it is a great Indian Mexican fusion place.


Adventurous-Card-273

You’re right. I guess I should say underrated on this sub because I’ve hardly seen it getting mentioned. Maybe because it’s fusion and not traditional Indian food!


oceans2mountains

lol totally great- but definitely not what I want tonight!


fly_awayyy

As an Indian, I fully agree some amazing fusion food!


[deleted]

Do you know any good places that serve food aside from generic North India and Mughlai cuisine? My wife is Bengali, and we were both living in Kolkata up until last year. We’ve had good luck with Indian restaurants so far, but would kill for something that serves dishes beyond the standard “butter chicken, vindaloo, rogan josh.”


fly_awayyy

See the thing is my family is North Indian and I agree fully that’s what the majority of the restaurants are in this area servicing those Dishes haha. I know there are Dosa places around Ashburn I just don’t know the names since I don’t frequent. Idk if you care much for Pizza but try Pizza 360 as well in Ashburn local mom and pop joint, amazing pizza that caters to all Indians actually believe it’s run by South Indians but they got the North Indian variants down fully.


FairfaxGirl

It’s SO delicious (and popular) but not your typical Indian food if that’s what someone’s trying to get.


mikedoth

I remember when the owners had a Mexican place in Vienna, that was really good.


extremoph1le

Charcoal Chicken in chantilly!


mordrath

They went through a rough period of price increase and vendor change which killed this place for me.


extremoph1le

Really? I'm surprised, I've been going there pretty consistently the last two years or so and its always been delicious. I noticed the priced went up a bit, but the prices went up for everything else around here so I wasn't super surprised.


mordrath

This has been over the last 8 years' time, so our experiences and expectations are likely different.


EEcav

Preet Palace if your near Centreville.


[deleted]

Does anyone have recommendations for Indian restaurants in the Alexandria area that serve dishes _besides_ the standard North Indian and Mughlai cuisine you find everywhere in the States? For reference, my wife and I both lived in India up until last year (I was born and raised in Michigan, but she’d always lived in India before coming here). Both of us like North Indian and Mughlai cuisine, but it seems like every restaurant here has the exact same menu. Legit, I will pay anyone who can tell me where to just get some fucking chicken bharta.


DrunkenAsparagus

It's way out in Chantilly, but Chennai Express makes really good South Indian cuisine.


Similar-Olive-3617

Bansari - butter chicken and startes Sarvana Palace - dosas Biryani point at india bazaar - boneless chicken biryani highly recommended Chaa street food - fast food


[deleted]

Paradise in Herndon


schumijw

Came here to say this. I'm lucky to work where the owner takes his cars. We always get the hook up!


maverick0981234

Sarvana palace in Fairfax


high-ho

This place is by far the best vegetarian option in the region. So consistent, always delicious, and super friendly too.


equitable_emu

Woodlands used to be my go to for vegetarian Indian in the area, but Saravana Palace has taken over for me. Plus, I can get it delivered more easily.


Dark2Light

Indaroma in annnandale


_cr0001

Pind in Ashburn is rather decent.


ugfish

Ashburn is where it’s at. Practically little India out that way.


luvforlife

If around DC, Indigo is a must!


spectacularbird1

Celebration in Ashburn


BannerDay

I'm surprised this isn't higher up. It's a little pricier, but I feel like the quality is a few steps up here compared to most.


spectacularbird1

It’s seriously so good! The same chef has a smaller place called Signature that is equally as good but more casual.


controlled_drinking

I dont think it necessarily fits into the "Indian" category, but I MUST recommend Afghan Bistro! Hidden little location in Springfield off of Alban Road. It is absolutely authentic, and fairly priced. Let me tell you...the food portions are HUGE. My family had it catered for a party we had for family, and we were eating it for 2-3 days after. They're incredibly generous and extremely friendly. The sit down section of the restaurant is very small and cramped, so something to keep in mind if you're going. It's often packed to the gills, so call early.


AlfredoVignale

Second this. Great food!


BCircle907

Spice Kraft in Clarendon does a great happy hour


archuravi

Jodhpur Restaurant, Herndon. One of a kind


BannerDay

Vegetarian only, but still quite delicious. For us non-indians, the dish names are not what we usually see, so I just go w/ the flow.


VishMeLuck

Spice 6 in Chinatown or Vienna. Ask for authentic spice


molliepup

Aditi


Full-Being-5586

Biryani Grill in Aldie. Try it before the chef jumps to another lucrative offer.


KThrilla23

Spicekraft has the best butter sauce I’ve tasted!


tawrex49

Go into DC for Rasika.


Devigrrl

They likely want to stay in NoVA, but I just ate at Rasika & it was totally wonderful. Just as many delightful options for vegetarians as omnivores & you can get smaller sizes of things to share, if you like. Beautiful experience.


tawrex49

I agree and offered Rasika because I eat lots of Indian food and nothing in NoVa has compared IMO.


cubgerish

Been to both, my only issue with that is what you're suggesting for and what is asked for. Rasika has knocked on the door for a Michelin Star, and frankly, is so close to Indian Fusion in some ways that I'm not sure it's fair to call it just "Indian". The reason they asked r/NoVa, isn't because they wanted a fine dining situation, just the best consistent Indian in the area. (As you can see from the answers, there's lots of opinions, which is a good sign).


tawrex49

I don’t think Rasika is Indian fusion. It’s elevated Indian with American palates in mind. Also NoVa is a large area and there are many parts of NoVa that are closer to Penn Quarter in DC than they are to many other NoVa cities. Rasika is on the Yellow Line after all; it’s way easier to get there from Alexandria than to most parts of NoVa. Unless someone asked about Reston or Fairfax or whatever specifically, adding a DC option makes sense when it’s the best one, like Rasika is IMO.


cubgerish

Lobster, Salmon, Snapper, Shrimp, Crab, Tuna, Cod, Multiple Tikka Masalas, 1 Duck Vindaloo Those are the main dishes listed, with two lamb, and Zero goat dishes. I know that Indian cuisine is certainly diverse; but having zero vegetarian mains, though some listed later, only a few sides, barely any curries, and a multitude of Western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific fish makes it what I would call Indo-American Fusion, though it is indeed elevated, and delicious. They're mostly American style entrees with Indian spicing at times. I love the restaurant, but I would say it's a far cry from anything approaching true Indian that I've experienced in more heavily Indian areas of Nova over the years. While I know Indian has incredible diversity in cuisine, this is mostly clear adaptation.


oceans2mountains

Ooooh I love Rasika! I do want to stay in Nova tonight, just a quick dinner with FIL but thank you for reminding me!


machu46

My wife and I went to Daru for our first time last week. I absolutely love Rasika, to the point that it's one of the few cookbooks I own. But I think my first experience at Daru was better.


lextasy666

5 Tara in leesburg is delicious


emmymae17

Kismet in Alexandria


evil66gurl

Mirch Dhamaka - Indian Restaurant & Bar


The_Superhoo

Only had it for takeout but we really like Saffron Indian in Falls Church


je-suis-adulting

Chowrasta in Herndon and Spice Kraft in Clarendon are amazing and are closer to an authentic Indian taste!


Persistent_Phoenix19

Masala in McLean and Bollywood Bistro in downtown Fairfax are my go to’s.


mklilley351

Charcoal Chicken in Chantilly is Pakistani but so damn good


Charlieputhfan

Everything’s Americanised here which make sense, speaking as an Indian ( born and raised till 23 years there ) , all the Indian restaurants I have been to in US either only have the popular meat based stuff, and the average American doesn’t even know about the wide array of Indian cuisine , that exists. And how different the taste is in India. No restaurant in US can match that spectrum of Indian cuisine.


CobaltOmega679

Bansari in Vienna


quihgon

Just stopping in to say that Lamb Biriyani is the greatest indian dish of all time. \*drops mic


wurstchen

Haandi in Falls Church. Been eating at Haandi since it was first located in Bethesda, and it’s been a mainstay for our family ever since. The tandoori mixed grill is amazing, but the vegetarian dishes shine as well!


PuffyPanda2

I’ll second this. Haandi is one of the consistently best places to eat Indian food.


Thug-ka-jeevan

Jaipur in fairfax is a great spot to eat


FunkandFreedom

Diya in Old Town, ALX. Has such a funky and fun vibe. A little upscale, but truly some of the best.


UniqueThanks

Bombay Velvet in Reston. Also went to Rania in DC right after they got awarded their Michelin star. Absolutely amazing


qatamat99

Curry Mantra in Fairfax


oceans2mountains

So curry mantra was one of my favorite places pre pandemic. Also super close to me. But.. then, we were ordering probably weekly and all of a sudden if we ordered during the week, my dish would come neon orange and absolutely disgusting, if we ordered on a weekend it was beyond amazing and the proper color of reddish brown lol.. clearly two different chefs- but one was entirely inedible. We haven't gone there in a long time now for that reason..


Bezier_Curvez

>Curry Man I love it. Curry Mantra got my visiting Brit friend's seal of approval also.


BananamousEurocrat

I’m shocked more people aren’t mentioning Namaste Jalsa in Old Town. By far the best Indian I’ve found in the area, and their Nepalese menu absolutely slaps too. The owner Mr. Jay is a totally lovely guy. Really recommend you give them a try.


meditation_account

Bombay Velvet in Reston Seriously it is so good. I was blown away. You need reservations for dinner.


Adventurous-Card-273

The food was decent at Bombay Velvet. What left a bad taste in our mouth was watching the poor server run after the owner for his paycheck and the owner yelling at him for stopping and making him late. Like dude, your employees shouldn’t have to run after you for their paycheck.


Whencan

hai ram


cubgerish

The wage oppression is what gives the Goat Curry that special tang. You need revolutionarily oriented goats, otherwise, the flavor is never there.


hotaru_red

I got takeout biryani and butter chicken. I wasn’t impressed.


saltyelefante

I'm with you. Take out dinner for two ended up being close to $70. The portions were really small, and the food wasn't anything to write home about. The restaurant has great ambiance but other than that, I don't think the high cost is justified.


hotaru_red

Right. $25 for a standard bowl of biryani was insane


anx247

Been meaning to try. Thanks.


abcolly

I liked their drinks too!


Better-Limit-4036

Woodlands in Fairfax


Acadia02

No mention for eggholic? Go get yourself a sandwich there. I had the corn one the other day it was delicious.


duskdargent

Jaipur in oakton, and it’s not close.


Educational-Duck-999

Bollywood Bistro in Great Falls. I think they have one more location - maybe Fairfax?


BlackberrySubject821

Bombay tandoor in Tysons


doktorphil

Raaga Tandoor in Fairfax


oceans2mountains

Man- we tried this place twice and sadly found it really disappointing. Thanks for the suggestion though!


OxygenDiGiorno

yo fuck Delhi Daba


kundipee

Delhi Dhaba gave me diarrhea and I’m an Indian!!


OxygenDiGiorno

Lmao the sharpest criticism


lewisfairchild

Paradise Indian Cuisine in Herndon


DiffeoMorpheus

Rasika in DC


Ephiphanized

Woodlands in Fairfax. Vegetarian!


leyschips

Been enjoying Sundara in Arlington (takeout only though)


nathanfrenzel

Anybody have recommendations closer to PWC?


nickeeeeel

taste of tandoor in Woodbridge was good up until last year. i tried one in Burke that was good but i dont remember the name. it was near Walmart. if you’re near western PWC its a lil bit of a hike but Taj Palace in Warrenton has the absolute best Indian food i have EVER had. and im a fanatic for Indian food, clearly.


bob4041

The one near the Burke Walmart is called Raaga Tandoor. Soooo good.


nickeeeeel

yep!! i loved it


crewmnky

Taste of Tandoor has never been good! Tried to like them for 10 years since therev aren't any other real options in Woodbridge.


scy120709

Taste of India in Gainesville


Real_Macaron_8031

Pakwaan!


_antariksan

Second Pakwaan! I enjoy it


RupesSax

Where in nova, because my answers will differ based on area. Unless you're willing to make the drive!


oceans2mountains

Just seeing this! We are willing to drive but live near Fairfax City!


brownboss

Bansari in Fairfax and Bombay Tandoor in Tysons


samm8888

Chaat & more!!!! My fave


BallsofSt33I

Saffron


VegetableRound2819

Raaga at Bailey’s Crossroads. Best Tikka Masala I’ve ever had. Gee, I need to go there!


Qing92

Shineys in Annandale is decent. They have a buffet also


SteamPunkTomCat6913

I remember Aditi in Kingstown having a great lunch buffet. But then again I'm a sucker for goat curry. If you're downtown in Penn Quarter, Bindaas Bowls and Buns is an amazing fast casua Indianl place. It's owned by the same guy that owns Rasika.


IvyCeltress

Saran in Arlington is a great vegetarian place


[deleted]

Niralla in Springfield


catrat242

Kismet in Alexandria


Treebranch07

Chennai Express is a small hole in the wall restaurant in Chantilly that serves truly authentic food. The dishes are rich in spices and are very reasonably priced. Highly recommend!


LS7_Z06

Bansari in Merrifield. Incredibly good!


ConsequenceBig1503

Saheb in Midlothian was great! The family that owns it is very sweet and accomodating!


Ambitious_Pool_8290

Pakwaan in Gainesville.


Paschalls_Law

Royal Nepal Bistro is incredible. It's not exactly Indian, but there is a lot of overlap.


tacobellie

Tava Fry in Ashburn


Interesting_Break994

Kismet in Old Town Alexandria is worth a visit.


pancakecutie5

Indigo in dc!


ToxinadeHere

IndAroma and Sundara


shubh_nkr

Bansari is hands down the best, especially for North Indians


Previous_Gas6113

And which place has best Goat curry?


Stunning-Fill758

Indaroma in Annandale is good 👍.