Craving For Curry (Pt.2)

Last time i tried blogging about an indian restaurant it didn’t go so well. I uploaded all the pretty photos, but for some reason never actually wrote anything (sorry about that jewel of the crown). So lets try this again! Although this time it ain’t jewel of the crown, it’s scottsdale’s Tandoori Times. We love good indian food. Obviously it’s not something we eat every day, nor every week. I think one good indian meal a month and i’m good to go. Though i will say, when i want indian food, i absolutely CRAVE it. we were searching for one good, solid, local, go-to indian restaurant and i’m pretty sure we found it in Tandoori Times.

As with many restaurants out here, there’s a nice size, inviting outdoor seating patio. Unfortunately the couple times we’ve been, it’s been a bit too chilly to sit outside but spring is a comin’ so i’m sure soon enough. Inside is pretty nice. Rather oddly shaped space, but they did a nice job putting it together. Tastefully decorated, with a pretty cool, modern vibe. It’s also a pretty good size. Both times we’ve been there it started out pretty empty, just a table or two taken. By the time we’re done and on our way out its considerably more busy, yet i still found myself wishing it was a little more lively in there. We got sat almost immediately, yet i would say if i had one issue with Tandoori Times it would be the service. That’s only if i’m being very picky though. I’ve had MUCH worse service at other places. Thing is, i know the girl was really trying to keep up so i couldn’t get mad at her. I think they might benefit from another server or two when things start to pick up. This poor girl was running all over the place to keep all her tables happy and glasses full.

We started out with an order of vegetable samosas. Crispy, warm and very flavorful with an almost creamy texture inside. Throw a bit of the spicy chutney on there and i was very happy. Delicious and fresh tasting thanks to the chutney. Gotta be careful though, not too spicy at first but it adds up. By the time i was done with my samosa my mouth was on fire. Totally worth it though. Up next it was curry time. We went with 2 pretty standard indian dishes…chicken korma and lamb tikka masala. Lamb isnt something we order terribly frequently, but we decided to mix things up a bit and were pretty happy we did. The lamb itself had a great flavor. Cover that with an extremely flavorful, creamy, rich tikka masala sauce with just the right amount of spice and we were loving it. Glad we went with lamb for a change. Chicken korma was just as delicious. Korma happens to be my favorite curry and they do it well at Tandoori Times. The chicken appeared to be all white meat, clean and tasty. Of course the best part of a good indian meal is the bread. Taking the fresh, warm, soft yet crispy and doughy naan, scooping up just the right amount of rice, curry and meat and shoving it all in your mouth in one large, heavenly bite busting with flavor. The naan was amazing. Garlic-y and tasty. Warm and bubbly from the tandoor oven which gives the bread an almost smoky flavor. An amazing texture, and a perfect vessel to soak up every last drop of the delicious curries. Everything was spiced just right, for my tastes at least. I’ve had some indian food experiences where i could not taste a damn thing due to an insane amount of spice, and i like some heat in my food. And if you like some sexy as you eat, belly dancing on the weekends as you eat! 

Would i go back? Yeah, already have. Been twice before i finally got the chance to blog about it. Indian food, obviously, is all about spices and they do it very well at Tandoori Times. Everything was fresh and absolutely bursting with flavor. People were friendly. Decent location. I’m sure our third trip isn’t too far away…

Samosas - Two crusty pastries stuffed with green peas and potatoes served with garbanzo masala and assorted chutneys

Chicken Korma - Boneless dark meat cooked in a medium yogurt base curry sauce with cashew nuts and touch of cream

Lamb Tikka Masala - Tandoori baked lamb cubes cooked in a smooth curry sauce with a touch of light cream, herbs and special spices

Seasoned Rice - Indian basmati rice flavored with saffron

Garlic Naan - White flour bread garnished with freshly chopped garlic baked in a tandoor

Inside Tandoori Times