FOODIE
House Of India Spices Things Up
By Pete & Will / foodie@longislandernews.com

Some like it hot. Some like it not. At House of India, you can have it either way.
A mainstay for Indian cuisine in these parts, House of India’s Main Street location is a favorite among those seeking a taste of the exotic, and, not surprisingly, among vegetarians who often feel like an afterthought on restaurant menus.

That’s not the case at House of India. While there are plenty of traditional chicken and lamb dishes on the menu, vegetable dishes are both plentiful and prominent on their menu. And what’s more, all-vegetable offerings account for some really good dishes.
A meal at House of India starts with a plate of Tandoori Roti, wafer-thin flatbread served with a red pepper relish and a sweet brown dipping sauce. That should just be considered a way to keep yourself busy while picking through the extensive menu.

Bread is a must. Nan ($2.50), a leavened flatbread, buttered and baked in the Tandoor oven, is a favorite, and Garlic Nan ($3.95) is even better. And as long as you’re not counting carbs, Puri ($3.95) is an onion-infused deep-fried bread that puffs like a soufflé. Onion Kulcha ($3.95) is another flavorful starter. Pair them up with one of a half dozen Chutney ($2.50) offerings for an added treat.

Appetizer selections ($1.25 to $9.50) are perhaps best sampled in the House of India variety tray, featuring meat and vegetable samosas, Bhujia (vegetable fritters), Chooza Pakora (marinated and batter fried chicken pieces) and Cheese Pakora.
As anyone who eats Indian can attest, it can take a few visits to grow comfortable with the menu. In fact, the menu is comprised of numerous combinations of few ingredients.

Meat dishes are chicken or lamb… period. But it’s the use of exotic spices — floral scents and flavors, saffron, cilantro and hot peppers, curry, cardomom and, well, spices we just couldn’t identify — that makes it an adventure.
Chicken mango ($13.95) flavored with saffron is for the mild-mannered palate, while Chicken or Lamb Vindloo ($13.95 chicken, $14.95 lamb) are for heat seekers. Any of the spicy dishes will be cooked to order and servers generally ask just how hot you can take it.

A new favorite – only because we’d never tried it before – Murgh Shahi Korma ($13.95) hid tender chicken pieces in a thick and spicy spinach puree with tomatoes.
Among numerous Tandoor specialties are Chicken Tandoori ($12.95 half, $23.95 full), Lamb ($15.95) or Chicken ($14.95) Kebab, and Sheikh Kebab ($14.95) are flavorful marinated meats cooked on skewers. The clay tandoor oven lends a smoky flavor.
Among seafood specialties, Shrimp Masala ($17.95) is the best, combining jumbo shrimp in a creamy sauce with fresh tomato, peppers and onions.

Vegetable dishes offer some surprises. Dal ($9.95) is a lentil dish with tomatoes and spices; Channasaag ($10.95) spices spinach and chick peas with cury sauce; and Jalfrezi ($11.95) is a platter of mixed vegetables in a tangy sauce.

All entrees are served with a plate of spice-infused rice. Pillaw Rice ($3.95) is a flavorful fried rice with raisins, nuts and green peas.

As long as we’re on the trail of exotic flavors, we prefer spiced hot tea with our meal, but have also enjoyed the Mango Lassi, a mango-sweetened yogurt drink. Wine lovers find moderately priced selections by the glass or the bottle.

Family-owned and run, House of India offers hospitable and attentive service, though you might find yourself waiting when the 70-or-so-seat restaurant is near full. For the price, it’s worth the wait. Better yet, drop in on quieter nights and take a little trip to the Far East without ever leaving Main Street.

House of India
256B Main Street, Huntington Village
631-271-0059

Cuisine: Indian specialties; vegetarians welcome.
Price Range: Affordable.
Hours: Open daily. Mon., 5-10 p.m.
Tue.-Thur., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.;
Fri. & Sat, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Main Menu