Photograph by Andrew Doench
With both North and South Indian offerings, Amma’s fully vegetarian menu is more of an adventure of discovery than the typical curry place. The beloved lunch buffet is the perfect place to try new dishes like sambar (tangy spiced lentil soup), medu vada (spiced lentil donuts), idli (steamed rice cakes), and the many different chutneys and sauces to dip your dosa (thin crispy rice crepes). A plus? The lunch buffet is vegan on Wednesdays. 7633 Reading Rd., Roselawn, (513) 821-2021
Shaan takes a less chile-forward approach that emphasizes flavor, making its dishes more approachable. The tikka bhartha (chicken tikka in spiced eggplant) is a delightfully smoky dish with an aromatic spice blend that warms you from the inside out. Order with the perfectly chewy chapati (traditional baked whole wheat bread) for dipping and soaking up the extra sauce. 3880 Paxton Ave., Oakley, (513) 533-3100
Opened in 2023 by the family behind Krishna Carryout, Mirchi is a delicious addition to Hamilton’s diversifying food and business scene. Portions are enormous, so it’s a great opportunity to go with friends and share some lamb vindaloo and saag paneer. Plus, if you eat in for lunch on weekdays, naan is free with the purchase of any entrée. 250 High St., Hamilton (513) 893-9019
If you’re looking for Indian favorites with some extra flair, west-siders will tell you that Aap is the place to go. Drop by for the lunch buffet and try some of its most decadent dishes, like 10 different kinds of Biryani, including goat, shrimp, and paneer variations. Wash it all down with a salted lassi (like a traditional mango lassi but with salt and cumin seeds instead of sweet rose water), or even a margarita. 6430 Glenway Ave., Green Twp., (513) 832-7448
This is the place to go for classic North Indian dishes. The chicken tikka masala may be the most decedent and creamy in town. Crispy samosas burst at the seams with spiced potatoes and peas begging to be dipped in a tangy tamarind sauce. Finish off your meal with the incredibly refreshing mango juice mixed with rosewater. 7133 Montgomery Rd., Silverton, (513) 791-0921
Krishna Indian Restaurant and Carryout
Right across from UC, this carryout spot has been a favorite of students for decades with good reason. The family running Krishna has honed their recipes over the years, with dishes like chana masala (chickpeas cooked with onions, garlic, ginger, and spices), and chicken tikka saag served up fast with some of the freshest hot naan in town. 313 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights, (513) 961-2878
Part of what sets Jot India apart is its sense of fun, especially in the appetizer selections. Crispy pakora (batter-fried fritters filled with chicken or vegetables) cooked up fresh are served alongside tikka masala waffle fries (with shredded paneer).When you get to the main course, go for one of the curries, available in lamb, chicken, or seafood. 1709 Monmouth St., Newport, (859) 415-2000; 4989 Houston Rd., Florence, (859) 534-0222
Facebook Comments