Punjabi Dhaba

This Indian "road-side cafe" serves some of the best flavors around. On a busy corner in Inman Square, Punjabi Dhaba is usually busy even at odd times of day (open until midnight every day). The first floor fills up quickly but there is modest seating up a flight of stairs. The atmosphere is casual and dishes are served on metal trays, with several compartments for different elements. Think a TV dinner that is actually good, served with a modestly spicy chutney, yogurt sauce, raw onions, and basmati rice. Each dish is worth recommending, however, there are several standouts. Saag (spinach) is creamy and thick. The curries are saucy served with tender meat or vegetables. Biryani portions are extremely generous with spicy rice, vegetables, and meat. The malai kofta lajawab is a great vegetarian alternative, aromatic vegetable balls in a tomato sauce with nuts and raisins. Certainly try keema matar masalewala, for a unique dish with minced lamb and green peas in a tomato-cream sauce. Think similar to shepherds pie without the potato. Tangy and spicy! One could not forget to the mention the House Special Combos at Punjabi Dhaba, particularly the tandoori platter. For an incredible price - half a tandoori chicken, mixed vegetable curry, samosa and naan. The huge piece of naan is baked with a slight char in the tandoor oven. The samosa is traditional with mashed curried potato and vegetable inside a flaky crust. The vegetable curry is pleasant with mild spice. The tandoori chicken is tender.