Mint Indian Bistro

Our local experts waved the flag of Mint Indian Bistro more than all other Indian restaurants combined. (Survey participant and food blogger Philip Tzeng also recommended its sister restaurant Divine Dosa.) What’s so special about Mint? It’s family-owned, with a mission to serve “simple, fresh, flavorful and colorful food that appeals to all five senses,” and carries that out with verve.

Signature entrees include the South Indian Cheginad Curry (AKA Madras Curry), spicy with undertones of coconut and poppy seeds, and Andhra Curry, with coconut and spices from the state of Andhra Pradesh. The South also is represented by a number of dosas.

North Indian dishes are plentiful as well, as in the samsa and papdi chaats, plus Mumbai favorites such as the ever-popular street food pani puri (mint chutney-filled puffed bread rounds, also are available with vodka). Biryanis and a number of Chinese fusion dishes round out the menu, and gluten-free roti is available.

Don’t miss the Inferno menu -- not for the faint of heart -- including the Inferno Curry Challenge. With or without their heat, you may wish to indulge in a special rum lassi or other beverage from the Lassi Bar.