Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Entertainment

Authentic Indian cuisines are rare find in Indiana. Tandoor and Taste of India offer a chance for locals to experience the real taste of India. While both restaurants share an almost identical menu, the two have their distinct differences.

Tandoor's menu consists of traditional Indian specialties such as curry and rice. The Tandoori bread and chicken are especially delicious. The cooking method of using the Tandoor, a clay oven, gives all of the food a unique toasty taste.

Tandoor has a cozy atmosphere accentuated by the warm colors of the interior - red booths and tablecloths with yellow plaster wallpaper. The restaurant's alcoves and paintings have a certain appeal reminding the customer of a quaint Indian home.

There is an all-you-can-eat daily lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m as well as carry-out service. The buffet includes 15 items, including the Tandoori chicken. There are buffets for Sunday brunch and Monday night as well. For those seeking something different, there is Indian beer.

Taste of India offers almost exactly the same menu at slightly cheaper prices. Taste of India's buffet resembles Old Country Buffet, but much smaller, while Tandoor's buffet is simply a number of metal containers resting over flames. This is similar to those found at picnics or family reunions. Tandoor's traditional serving method resembles being in an Indian home rather than a restaurant.

Taste of India's atmopshere is slightly different with white tablecloths, black chairs and a fireplace on one side of the restaurant. The Taste of India is located in a strip mall, and its interior comes across much larger than Tandoor's.

The dishes include chicken, lamb, sea food, vegetables, bread and rice. Lentils, very popular in Indian cooking, can be found in soup, dumpling and vegetable dishes. Tandoori bread is a staple as well at Tandoor and Taste of India have many more bread choices than the usual restaurant.

It may be difficult to choose between Tandoor and Taste of India, considering their similar cuisine. It depends on personal preference, because choosing between the two is like choosing between a lemon and a lime; same taste, different appearance. Tandoor is the place for buffet specials and a quaint atmosphere. Taste of India is where to go for greater value and grander surroundings.

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