One of the best parts of living in the triCity region is the amount of amazing restaurants we boast within a twenty minute car ride. There are a ton of great eateries at the top of my dining list. Places like Sister Sue's (Trinidadian), Bistro Ole (Spanish/Portuguese) and Taka (Japanese) in Asbury Park. Mazi (Country Mediterranean), Giamanos (Authentic Italian), and La Hacienda (Mexican) in Bradley Beach, Ragin' Cajun (Self Explanatory) in Belmar, Down to Earth (Vegetarian) and Carlos O'Conner's (Mexican) in Red Bank to name just a few. As you can see, we have plenty of great ethnic restaurants in the area.

But there's only one I can recall my favorite at this moment. Most of you more than likely have never heard of this place. I am talking about Tandoor e India on Rt. 35 in Oakhurst. It's inconspicuously tucked away in the corner of a strip mall (don't let that turn you off). You've driven past it a million times not realizing the magic that awaits inside.

The food here is unbelievable. I've eaten Indian food in cities like New York, Seattle, and San Francisco and Tandoor is without question the best, hands down. It's the one reason why I love this area. Who would of thought an Indian restaurant that rivals that of any major city could exist in our backyard?  What's funny is that there never seems to be more than a handful of people at Tandoor, another reason why I love the place.

And while Tandoor is by no means fancy, there's something special lurking in the atmosphere. Maybe it's the sitar music indiscreetly playing in the background or the Indian artwork on the walls. Every time I visit Tandoor, I feel like I'm in another world, a very serene, peaceful one.

At this fine Indian restaurant, there's a lot to choose from. I usually get the non-vegetarian buffet which is always a great choice because you get a little taste of everything. Like Tandoori Chicken - chicken marinated in yogurt and freshly ground spices and roasted in the Tandoor (clay oven), or the Chicken Vindaloo - boneless chicken with potatoes cooked in a vinegar-onion gravy, or even the Vegetable Samosas - deep fried crisp patties stuffed with potatoes and green peas.  There are shrimp, Lamb, Rice, Vegetarian and other dishes on the buffet as well.

I also love the Shrimp Vindaloo, ordered off of the regular menu - which is jumbo shrimp in a spicy curry with potatoes cooked in a vinegar-onion gravy. Or the Shrimp Moglai - jumbo shrimp cooked in a creamy sauce. The menu hosts a variety of other shrimp, chicken, and lamb specialties.

Plus there are plenty of choices for vegetarians. Try the Chana Masala - chick peas, onions with tomatoes, herbs and spices or the Navrattan Korma - mixed vegetables cooked with nuts, mild spices and creamy sauce.

 

All entrees at Tandoor can be served mild, medium or spicy upon request. Wash it all down with Masala Tea - India tea made with green cardamom and cloves, served with or without milk.

Another favorite at Tandoor is the homemade garlic nan - an unleavened thick wheat bread with garlic also served off the buffet or as a side. I especially like to clean up my plate so to speak with the nan. Mmm, mmm good! Other breads include the Tandoor Roti - a flat whole wheat bread, the Alu Paratha - a layered wheat bread stuffed with potatoes and topped with melted butter or the Onion Kulchs - wheat bread stuffed with spiced onions to name a few.

And we can't forget dessert. Try the Kul - Indian ice cream, Gulab Jamun - milk and cheese balls dipped in syrup and served warm or cold or the Kheer - rice pudding.

All of this is just some of what you'll find on the menu at Tandoor, a truly remarkable restaurant with food to die for. Of I could, I'd eat here every night of the week. The service is also excellent and very friendly.

 

So I suggest you head to my favorite restaurant in the triCity region for an ethnic pleasure you won't soon forget.

By Jason Thomson as featured in the Asbury Park Press, May 31st, 2007.

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