Promising a break from standard-fare eateries, Bombay Tandoor immerses customes in the culinary sanctuary of the far-east. Rated “excellent” by Zagat, this decorated Indian establishment combines the aesthetics of fine dining with the filling trappings of a home-cooked meal. Step inside and be transported.
Promising a break from standard-fare eateries, Bombay Tandoor immerses customes in the culinary sanctuary of the far-east. Rated “excellent” by Zagat, this decorated Indian establishment combines the aesthetics of fine dining with the filling trappings of a home-cooked meal. Step inside and be transported.
The dining room is beset on all sides by sweeping glass windows, dressed in crimson silk. Patrons are courteously escorted to pristine, white linen-covered seating. Each table illumes by candlelight, offsetting the mystique of the shadows and providing the vehicle for a romantic evening. Imagine the elegance of the French Riviera picked up and dropped off in Mumbai.
While glancing through the substantial menu, the seductive twang of sitars provides a pentatonic backdrop. One may even be lucky enough to soak up some live music. Meanwhile, soak in a tall, Indian Kingfisher beer ($6) and enjoy the complimentary papadam – a delightful bouquet of airy, lentil bread crisps. They are served with hazel-honey tamarine and spicy mint chutney for dipping.
When dealing with an unfamiliar array of ingredients, certain elements may be lost in the translation. Rest assured; the wait staff is more than happy to clear up any confusion.
Tandoor means “clay oven.” Its cooking method provides the heart-healthy with oil- and fat-free, yet exotic, fare. Get started with the Naan Quesadilla ($7), a flatbread wrap filled with your choice of paneer (cheese) or tikka (meat). The menu is informative, well-organized and, best of all, won’t break the bank. The Tandoori Lamb Chops ($20), a specialty of the house, are seasoned with an inverted vortex of spice and grilled in the tandoor … and are zesty enough to melt off your fork. Vegetarian diners will approve of the substantial selection of meatless dishes. Try the Baigan Bharta ($10), grilled eggplant nestled up to a flavorful assortment of vegetables or the Vegetarian Thali kabob ($17).
The exotic flavors will test your palette, and entrées’ spicy tendencies may send unsuspecting diners reaching for another sip of wine ($7 – 9 per glass, selection varies by season). The waiter may recommend complimenting spicy dishes with the Mixed Masala Kachumber ($4), a cooling, yogurt-like accompaniment that includes chopped onions, cucumber, tomato and cilantro. However, be sure to save room for dessert, because the Rasmalai ($6) is worth it. The cream cheese patties, flavored with ginger and pistachios soaked in sweetened milk, are even more savory than they sound.
Enticing to the most casual of diners, as well as professional circles, Bombay Tandoor provides a daily lunch buffet, as well as banquet facility suitable for up to 200. They also extend their expertise for catering and special events. A list of packages for such occasions is available on their user-friendly Web site.
The décor celebrates romance and intrigue. The food celebrates culinary intuition and ethnic tradition. So, for diners in search of something new and different, Bombay Tandoor is more than up to the challenge.
Bombay Tandoor
8603 Westwood Center Dr., Vienna
703-734-2202 • bombaytandoor.com
Hours:
Lunch: Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, Noon – 3 p.m.
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday, 5:30 – 10 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
