Delhi Garden satisfies a seasoned customer

DINER'S CLUB
Shayne Rodriguez Thompson
Saturday, November 7, 2009

Delhi Garden
1677 Route 27, Edison
732-248-1888
www.delhigarden.net
$8-$15 per person

Around these parts we have pretty standard options when it comes to take out. Not that old favorites like Highland Pizza and Sultan Wok aren’t the bee's knees for satisfyingly fantastic meals, but it's nice to know that there’s something different just up the road. Delhi Garden, located on Route 27 in Edison, is marrying the ease and spontaneity of takeout with the tantalizing and often complex flavors of Indian cuisine.

Delhi Garden is truly offering up the most you could ask (and maybe a little more) of a take-out and delivery only establishment. Their seemingly endless menu includes American favorites -- Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Lamb Rogan Josh -- in addition to a number of vegetarian options including Malai Kofta, Vegetable Samosas, and Paneer Tikka Masala,

The Malai Kofta, a dish of cheese dumplings that are scrumptiously reminiscent of fritters, was probably my favorite of our seven dishes. Slightly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, the dumplings are slightly sweet, thanks to the addition of some dried fruit and a dousing in a spicy sauce balanced with a bit of yogurt or cream.

I was disappointed in Delhi Garden’s somewhat greasy and overspiced version of the vegetable samosa. Try the Aloo Papri Chaat, instead. One friend describes this fun appetizer as “an Indian version of nachos” -- crispy fried potato strips and chick peas drizzled with the classic mint and tamarind chutneys and a cool yogurt sauce. Definitely an experience worth trying.

The Hariyali Kabab, "chicken marinated in coriander and mint," sounded too alluring to ignore, but I was just a bit shocked to find the boneless chicken tinted a bright, emerald green. Covered in onions and served with a wedge of lemon, the chicken was juicy and tender. I was quite glad to discover the meat was only colored on the surface. The fresh and aromatic flavors of the dish kept me and my dining companions wanting more, despite our initial reaction to the unorthodox hue of the meat, and further compensated for the disappointing samosas.

I’m a fan of carbs, no matter what variety: potatoes,  pasta, and especially soft, chewy, warm bread. Delhi Garden's garlic naan, covered in garlic and fresh herbs, did not disappoint and was even delicious reheated the next day.

If you are one of the multitudes of Highland Parkers constantly in search of your next exotic meal, look no further than Delhi Garden. Delhi Garden might not have blown me away, but it really can’t be beat for takeout, especially when you factor in proximity, price, and variety. We live in one of the most ethnically varied locations of the country--pick up your phone and take advantage of it.

Bonus: If you become a fan of Delhi Garden on Facebook, you’ll get coupons!

Delhi Garden receives three bites out of five.

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