Mati's Indian Express
Don't let the "express" in this restaurant's name turn you away. Its strip mall location may not be particularly glamorous, but Mati's offers a variety of quality dishes that transcend mere take-out or fast food. Choose from vegetarian and meat dishes, flavored mild, medium or spicy. Try the chicken tikka masala, garlic naan and samosas. Sample new foods at the inexpensive lunch buffet. Mati's owner is very friendly to diners, so strike up a conversation with her if you get the chance.
Mati's Indian Express
3880 Truxel Rd.
Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 285-0532
matisindianexpress.com
Tandoorie Wok
Tandoorie Wok in downtown Sacramento offers some dishes that aren't on other local Indian menus, such as Bombay Bites. These crispy poori and chaat snacks are Bombay specialties, and often come with chickpeas, yogurt and sweet or spicy chutneys. Tandoorie Wok also offers interesting Indo-Chinese and Indo-Italian fusion dishes. The decor is bright and elegant, but the quality of service varies. For the best value at Tandoorie Wok, try the weekday lunch buffets (about $8 in December 2009). The restaurant also delivers.
Tandoorie Wok
403 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 441-2008
tandooriewok.com
Royal India Cuisine
Like the other restaurants listed above, Royal India Cuisine offers a reasonably priced lunch buffet (about $9 as of December 2009). Vegetarian or meat thali (about $12) is another good value and a chance to try a variety of foods. Each thali entree comes with a sampling of different items, along with rice, bread and various sauces and chutneys. If you like spicy flavors, ask for your dishes extra spicy. Royal India Cuisine's strip mall location and interior decor aren't particularly impressive, but you can get a satisfying meal for a reasonable price.
Royal India Cuisine
1009 Ninth St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 448-1050
royalindiacuisine.net
Mehran
Mehran offers more Northern Indian cuisine than other local restaurants. Their menu includes Kashmiri potato curry and a variety of goat dishes. Items on the lunch buffet change from day to day. Mehran also offers delivery, and this might be a better option than eating in. Indeed, the interior's generally grubby appearance might turn some people away.
Mehran
2333 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95825-4708
(916) 423-7542
mehranrestaurantandcatering.com
