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When I hear about the temperatures my friends who live in India endure, first I thank God for the prevalence of air conditioning and toilets here in the US. Then, turning my thoughts to the country’s gustatory gifts, I marvel at the powers of the diverse country’s food. The way the flavors that dance on your tongue miraculously cool the body; the sweet, salty and chilly lassis and cold sweet rice treats; and the delicious simplicity of a good cucumber and yogurt raita. And, just a few blocks from my house, there’s an inexpensive spot to enjoy all three: Capitol Hill Tandoor & Grill.
The city is filled with high profile, posh and spendy Indian fare that show off the variety of foods the culture offers, and while CHTG offers a full menu of curries, tandoor items, and vegetarian options, it’s the simplicity, ease and kindness of the place and it’s owners that keeps us going back. Sure, it’s unassuming and lacks any of the buzz of the newer venues on 8th Street, but you can always get a table, have your food within minutes, and can linger as long as you like. The prices at the weekday and weekend lunch buffets help too – filling up plates for $10.95 and $11.95 makes sure you’re fortified for a busy afternoon weekend, or primed, as I was last Sunday, for an afternoon of movies on the couch.
Were I a truly helpful reviewer, I’d sample a broad variety of the menu and report back. The buffet is a good way to do that, and the chef switches up the menu regularly (and, beware, also the spicy-factor) but when I order entrees, I’m predictable if not boring. With many visits under my belt, I can heartily recommend the chicken tikka masala for it’s lovely combo of cinnamon, cumin and ginger, the tasty and tomato-y chicken makhani and the savory coriander and turmeric flavors of the lamb roganjosh. The bright flavors bounce all over my mouth, the portion sizes are generous and the chef does actually seem to listen if you request a milder version of the dish. While the saag paneer isn’t nearly as tasty as the one served up at the Bombay Club, and I’m a sucker for Trader Joe’s product slathered on piping hot garlicky naan, it’s our preferred appetizer at CHTG.
Ok, now I’m hungry. And it’s time to turn the AC back on high and avoid cooking anything. I’m not looking to be wowed, but I want a reliable and quick dinner. It might be time for another stroll over to see the guys at the CHTG and see if the medium spice level makes the little bugger in my belly dance like the kids in Slumdog Millionaire. And look, their website has a copy of the coupon for half off a second entrée on weeknights. Mmmmm….mango lassi here I come.
It’s my favorite Indian in the city. I’ve been going there for five years and have never had a bad meal. The service is great as well.
CH Tandoor & Grill is an exceptional place. Great food; friendly staff; roomy atmosphere. The all-you-can-eat buffet lunch is a one of the city’s best bargains.
Dan
Attish gets my love.
I’m with sebastian. CHTG isn’t bad, but is much greasier (in my experience) than Aatish. On the other hand, Aatish is insanely expensive for what it is.
That said, I’d take White Tiger any day over either of them, but alas, WT doesn’t deliver and the others do.
I recently had friends visiting from New Delhi, and it was actually hotter here than it was for them back home. But their lack of AC does make the weather less tolerable. And their lack of heat, for that matter– when I visited last January I was FREEZING the whole time, believe it or not.
Anyway, I’ve only been to Tandoor & Grill for the lunch buffet and found it to be pretty good– certainly above average for DC– but unremarkable nonetheless. Indian food in US restaurants is too heavy, in my opinion, and I usually opt for homemade.
I decided I’d give CHTG another try for dinner tonight. I’ve spent the better part of the last 3 days in the convention center and, combined with the rain, wasn’t feeling much like cooking.
Yet again, I was really disappointed. I just can’t get beyond all the grease! The flavor is good and they’re good about making your food spicy to order (I like mine pretty spicy) but the oil slick on top of everything is unnecessary and gross. AND the naan was gummy and chewy!
I’ll definitely be sticking to Aatish from now on!
Sorry, we ordered from here once… and it looked like the cooking duties had been outsourced to BP.