As a New Jersey transplant (don’t hold it against me), for years I had a hard time finding the decadent and aromatic dishes of India that were found all over the county I grew up in. When I moved back to Pennsylvania after college in 2005, there was very little available in the way of Northern or Southern Indian fare, leaving my only option to travel back to New Jersey just to get my curry fix.
I am more than happy to report that this is no longer the case. Over the last few years, the Valley has begun bursting with Indian restaurants, each offering its own twist on well-known and not-so-well-known dishes. Read on for a list of our favorites!
Biryani City
Biryani City can be found in the Airport Road shopping center, just off Catasauqua Road in Hanover Township. It’s the second location for a local husband-and-wife team who opened the original Biryani City in Norristown back in 2014. Named for the savory Indian spiced rice dish, biryani, the restaurant offers up multiple varieties of its namesake dish, including chicken, shrimp, fish, goat, vegetable and egg.
Another dish not to miss is the dosai, which is a thin, crepe-like pancake made with fermented rice and lentils served either with ghee (clarified butter), cheese or stuffed with an aromatic mix of potatoes, peas and onions. 1894 Catasauqua Rd., Allentown, (610) 419-8700
Clove
Many flock to the Union Boulevard establishment Clove to get their Indian Buffet fix. Clove offers the buffet for lunch every day (except Sundays) and a special dinner buffet on Wednesday evenings. Most items available in the buffet cater to those who enjoy less heat in their Indian dishes. If you are looking for spice and heat, we suggest ordering off the menu and asking for “Indian Hot.”
Clove offers quite an extensive menu of Northern Indian dishes, including vindaloo, korma, masala and saag, made with a variety of meats and vegetables. Patrons are welcome to bring in wine or beer to have with their meal. We recommend an icy lager or IPA to cut the heat of some of the spicy curries. 1038 Union Blvd., Allentown, (610) 433-2848
Aromas of India
In a strip mall off of Route 248 in Easton and tucked away at the back of an Indian grocery, Aromas of India serves North India home-style cooking as well as Indo-Chinese food. The restaurant also offers daily specials that may include lamb, fish, shrimp and vegetarian options.
Vegan choices are available if an order is placed in advance. Aromas of India also offers half-sheet trays of most dishes on the menu for those looking to cater with the restaurant’s tasty offerings. 3601 Nazareth Rd., Easton, (610) 438-8822
Aman’s Indian Bistro
Occupying the space that once held Spice India, Aman’s Indian Bistro offers many of the most popular Northern Indian dishes such as naans, curries and paneer (fresh cheese) dishes.
If you’re looking for a more grand dining experience, Aman’s can certainly deliver. Tables are adorned with long tablecloths, cloth napkins, crystal and the glow of candles, all arranged to offer a more intimate dinner dining experience for guests. 3812 Easton Nazareth Hwy., Easton, (484) 298-0400
Mayuri
Mayuri is one of the newer Indian establishments in the Valley, opening up a few years ago along MacArthur Road in Whitehall. Mayuri is unique, as it is one of few restaurants in the Valley serving Southern Indian cuisine. Dishes include Andhra chicken curry and chicken Chettinadu—Southern Indian curries prepared with fragrant spices and thick gravies that are best sopped up with naan or chapati.
Lovers of Northern Indian dishes can also get their favorites like butter chicken and mutter paneer. Non-meat eaters have plenty of options from both the Northern and Southern Indian menus, including appetizers, soups, dosas and plenty of vegetable and legume-based entrees. Similar to other restaurants on our list, Mayuri also offers a lunch buffet, but we recommend ordering from the menu. 1162 MacArthur Rd., Whitehall, (610) 432-2220
- Photos: BigStock
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