The Tandoori Oven, A Student Favorite

The Tandoori Oven is a cozy little Indian restaurant nestled against a gas station at the base of the Pine View West apartment parking lot. While small and placed in an interesting location, the eatery is a fan favorite. With a warm, spicy interior and authentic Indian cuisine, it’s no wonder the Tandoori Oven is so popular.

Its menu is comprised of many flavorful dishes, so there’s something for every pallet. Menu items are served all day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. But the gem of the restaurant is its lunch buffet—an assortment of curries, rice, soups and fruits placed in a smorgasbord for patrons to enjoy all-you-can-eat for cheap. The buffet runs until 2:30 p.m., so the earlier guests arrive, the better.

Guests can start flowing in as early as 11, and for good reason—the Tandoori Oven is very close to campus, so it’s close to many apartments. Located on 720E 1000N, it’s only 3 blocks from Aggie Boulevard. Many students find it is an easy and delicious source of lunch.

“It’s different from what you normally get around here,” says Kristi Collaku, a student at USU. “And it’s close to our culture’s food.”

Kristi and Melanie Del Pozo both enjoy eating at the restaurant, reporting to have eaten there “at least once or twice a week.” Kristi comes from Albania, and Melanie from the Dominican Republic. Both say they enjoy the restaurant’s authentic food.

“I really like the menu,” Melanie said. “But the buffet is cheaper.”

“The food is a little pricy, but it’s worth it.” Kristi said.

Melanie’s favorite dish was the Coconut Kurma, while Kristi preferred the Lamb Tikka Masala.

Some might be scared off from the restaurant due to its abundance of curry and well-seasoned food. A common myth is that all curry is spicy, but many of the dishes on the menu are not spicy. The Tandoori Chicken, for example, is barbequed with yogurt and spices, making for a delicious, but not at all spicy, dish.

Another example is the Chicken Kurma, or chicken curry. While it has a very mild heat, it’s not overpowering at all. The flavor of the chicken mixes well with the spices and sauce, making for a well-rounded, delicious meal. Mixing it with the basmati rice and scooping the mixture with naan bread seems to be a popular way of eating the dish, though forks, knives and spoons are provided.

With its helpful and friendly staff, authentic and delicious food, and warm and inviting atmosphere, it’s no question why the Tandoori oven is so popular. The location, while odd, is convenient for students. Once inside, the fresh Indian cuisine and relaxed atmosphere might make one forget that there’s a gas station next door at all.