Local Eats: Namaste India

When it comes to dining out, you can rely on your old standbys or you can try something new. Give your favorites a break from time to time and try one of our recommendations. You and your appetite may be pleasantly surprised by the results.

Overview: There is no shortage of quality Indian cuisine on Banksville Road, but you might not know it at first sight. The Maharaja is housed in the Day's Inn. Mintt is next to Hilti in a tiny shopping strip that is eclipsed by the larger Banksville Plaza, which houses yet another Indian restaurant, Namaste India. All three have their perks, but Namaste is perfect for bigger dining parties and more intimate dinners alike.

Environment: The exterior isn't much to look at, but a step through the slightly shabby entrance and you'll be comfortably seated in a warmly lit, well spread out dining room. For smaller parties, the restaurant has in-built spots that are more privately situated, but bigger parties will find plenty of space. The decor is fairly generic, but those wanting to enjoy the sights and sounds of India's television culture will be satisfied by the television mounted in the corner, playing constantly at an audible, but not overly loud, volume. Also, beginners to Indian cuisine will find the placemats, with pictures of notable house dishes and beverages, helpful.

Satisfy your thirst: Ordering something spicy? Cool your palate down with the soothing and subtly sweet rose milk, or take the sweetness a little farther with a mango lassi. Madras coffee and masala tea are available for people who like their favorite hot drinks with an extra bump of spices. For the less adventurous, name brand soft drinks and iced tea are available.

Satisfy your hunger: For a starter that's perfect to share, order a dosa, crepe-like and stuffed with potatoes, onions, chili, or vegetable curry, or try the medhu vada, fried lentil donuts served with chutney. For cold nights make sure to order the rasam of the day, the traditional South Indian spicy and sour soup. When it comes to Namaste's entrees, you can't go wrong with any of the vegetarian options, especially the malai kofta (homemade cheese stuffed into vegetable balls, served in a mild creamy sauce), the chana masala (chickpeas soaked overnight and cooked in its own marsala), or the gobi Manchurian (batter-fried cauliflower florets served in a chili paste with peppers and onions). Meatier and delicious options include lamb vindaloo, chicken tendori, and the traditonal favorite, chicken-65 - slices of chicken served on a powerful salt base. And don't forget to order bread! So many options, it's just better to play it safe and order the tandoor basket that offers a selection of nan, garlic nan, and aloo paratha. Whatever you order, you're bound to take some home, as the portions are generous.

Dessert: If they have the gulab jamun, or deep-fried cheeseballs served in a honey syrup, order one to eat in the restaurant and one to take home. Otherwise, Indian rice pudding is delicious and a safe option for a variety of sweet toothed diners.

Service: Quick and efficient, if a little aloof. Attentive to customer requests, however, especially concerning spice level.

Overall: Namaste offers so many delicious options, it would be hard to feature all of them in a capsule review, but whether you're a devoted lover of Indian cuisine or a newbie, you're bound to find many things on this menu to come back to again and again. Portions are sizable and perfect for sharing, making Namaste an excellent choice for a dinner out with friends.

Check out food writer Emily Fear's food blog, Forked!