Dining Reviews	Lunch Counter	Restaurant Guide

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Indian

Deidre Schipani

Melissa Haneline
The Post and Courier

Tandoori chicken from the lunch buffet at Nirlep Indian Restaurant.

The foods of India are the most complex in the world. Defined by religious beliefs, historical developments, cultural practices and geography, the cuisine has been adulterated, embellished and modified.

In a land of sacred cows, it is curious to see the Coburg cow at the intersection of Nirlep Indian Restaurant and Taste of India, west of the Ashley. It is here you will find the flavors of northern India, creative use of condiments and a wonderful menu of breads: naan, poori, chapati and roti.

Also keep in mind that the expansive menu of vegetarian options makes an Indian restaurant an ideal spot for meat-free dining.

Taste of India

851 Savannah Highway, West Ashley

556-0772

www.tasteofindia.biz

$-$$

Even before you get inside the Taste of India restaurant, you smell the aromas of this incredibly fragrant cuisine. Cumin, fenugreek, cardamom and coriander begin their sensory assault. Spices — toasted, roasted, fried and ground — lend unique dimension to simple ingredients such as cauliflower, peas, potatoes and dal (lentils).

Try the aloo tikki bhindi masala (okra), share the chicken korma with cashew paste or the popular tandoor oven-roasted chicken tikka. Plunge the seekh kebab, which fashions minced lamb seasoned with coriander, garlic and garam masala onto skewers, into orders of yogurt raita and mango chutney. Finish with kheer (rice pudding) and spoon some fennel seeds into your hand as you leave to purify your breath and aid in your digestion.

Nirlep Indian Restaurant

908 Savannah Highway, West Ashley

763-9923

$$

When you need to release your inner Mogul, this is the place. Dig into a platter of pakoras, samosas and onion bhaji and you will witness the transformation of the familiar into the complex. Finger-food dining at its best, use your right hand, as is the custom, and scoop into culinary pleasure with your choice of naan, paratha and poori breads.

Enjoy the saag paneer made famous by the Moguls and prepared for holidays and special occasions in Indian households. Sample lamb rogan josh, sip masala chai and finish with mango ice cream. Explore a cuisine where the blending of spices is masterful and simple ingredients become sublime.