Here's where to find sweet, savory, smoky tastes of India: Brockton Eats with Alisha
WEYMOUTH — Dive into the sweet and savory flavors of India by visiting three unique restaurants that offer their own twists on traditional meals.
In this week's installment of Brockton Eats with Alisha we visit three Indian restaurants in the local area. None of these restaurants are in Brockton but if you're willing to drive 10 minutes farther than usual and have a craving for the smoky rich flavor of chicken roasted in a tandoor, buttery naan or mango curry, they might just be your next dinner destinations.
These weekly lists of tidbits and food finds are not restaurant reviews but go beyond a bare-bones round-up. Staff writer Alisha Saint-Ciel gives tips and takes to help Brockton-area foodies find those mouth-watering hidden gems, old favorites, and exciting new offerings.
Turmeric House - 428 Washington St, Weymouth
Starting the list off strong is one restaurant that opened right at the beginning of COVID-19, a time when there was so much uncertainty in the food industry.
Right in Weymouth is a restaurant serving Nepalese and "royal" Indian cuisine. Brace yourself for the flavor explosions of Himalyan-style steamed dumplings, chicken tikka, butter naan baked in a charcoal tandoor, and vegetable samosa.
The restaurant opened in 2019 to showcase the beauty and unique flavors of Nepalese and Indian cuisine.
"We are very proud to feed our community traditional meals. It feels good to be here in Weymouth, and the community is really supportive, especially during the pandemic," Anand "Andy" Pokhrel, co-owner of Turmeric House, said.
Food can arguably be the "easiest way to spread culture" and connect with your local community, and the owners, Mahesh Shahi, Pokhrel, Prabin Thapa, and Suzan Magar, are happy to keep their heritage alive.
Popular dishes include butter chicken masala, malai curry and mango curry.
There are many stereotypes surrounding Indian food, and the owners want people to have an open mind.
"People assume Indian food is spicy, but it's not. I want people to know our food is very mild." Pokhrel, said.Turmeric House prides itself on the "family restaurant" vibe and encourages newcomers to bring their entire family out and try the garlic naan.
Also enjoy the bar with custom cocktails and shots!
Kun Kabob & Curry – 233 W Center St., West Bridgewater
Looking for a taste of Indian cuisine without leaving your house? Kun Kabob & Curry is now on DoorDash, serving classic garlic naan, butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, and chicken biryani.
The dishes are unique and have their own characteristics that make them their own. Most butter chicken dishes are made in a slightly spicy, aromatic, creamy tomato sauce. While chicken tikka masala looks similar to butter chicken, they are entirely different. Chicken tikka masala is a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, and other seasonings.
You can find several rice-based dishes smothered with spices and an assortment of meats. Popular rice dishes include chicken biryani, a long grain basmati rice steamed in biryani spices and boneless chicken. Another popular rice dish is chicken kabob karahi, which is chunks of chicken kabobs in a mild spicy sauce with white rice and salad.
The best side treat to add to any entrée would have to be naan and roti, which are both types of bread, but they are very different in texture. Naan is a delicious soft flatbread, and roti has a more flakey, moist texture. Both are exceptionally delicious, and I recommend you try them both if you love bread.
More places for food-lovers to try Jameson BBQ pizza, corned beef nachos — St. Patrick's Day with a twist in Brockton area
Taj Modern Indian Cuisine – 312 Bridge St., Weymouth
Dive into the sweet desserts of India at Taj Modern Indian Cuisine right in Weymouth.
The restaurant offers lots of authentic Indian desserts: kheer, a north Indian rice pudding; ice cream flavors of pistachio, mango, and vanilla; gulab jamun handmade milk balls, deep fried and mixed into sugar cardamom syrup; rasmalai cheese patty simmered in milk and cardamom.
Popular dishes include "Indo-Chinese" chicken chili, chicken madras, paneer chili, chicken tikka saag and mango chicken.
All four of these dishes are cooked in a savory sauce and served fresh with basmati rice.
Customers should also try chicken mushroom; keema mutter minced lamb cooked with peas, onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices; and jalferazi shrimp cooked in fresh tomatoes, green peas, peppers, and exotic spices.
All items are available on the lunch menu. An 8 oz portion is $10.95, served with basmati rice and a choice of aloo tikki or pokora.
Do you have a suggestion for the food series? Email staff reporter Alisha Saint-Ciel at stciela@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Looking for naan and curry? Try these Indian restaurants near Brockton
