"Ruchi Indian Cuisine"

by A. Wrytter

When you next visit Ruchi Indian Cuisine, try to grab a lassi before you leave.

No, a lassi is not a Scottish girl, but more like an exotic Indian milk shake – cold, sweet and silky smooth.

A personal favorite, mango lassi (pronounced LAH-see) looks like a smoothie, but tastes even better.

The lassi is not the only delicious secret in Ruchi Indian Cuisine, at 1168 Antioch Road near College Boulevard.

For those looking beyond fast food, the restaurant has softened its exotic flavors enough to appeal to wary Americans while still maintaining quality.

While not as cheap as fast food, the restaurant prices its food reasonably from $4.95 to $9.95, with the highest price at $15.95.

The best bet is the cheaper all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

The restaurant caters to vegetarians and non-vegetarians with well-placed signs in its buffet.

Cabbage pakoras (appetizers) resemble deep-fried shrimps encased in a lentil batter and simmered in vegetable oil.

Aside from appetizers, the restaurant stocks other safe bets, like rice cakes (Idli Sambhar), with toppings like coconut and tomato sauce.

Succulent tandoor chicken, marinated with a spicy tinge and grilled slowly in a clay oven, is soft and tender with a slightly smoky flavor.

Despite the safer choices, adventurous diners will gain more out of the experience by sampling more unusual dishes.

Take Aloo Palak, a vegetarian specialty with potatoes swimming in a subtle spinach sauce.

It tastes rich and creamy for those brave enough to try.

Those enjoying spicy food can delight in curries and “Chicken 65,” which is coated with a powdery-red spice that bursts upon the tongue.

The menu also stocks desserts like kulfi and kheer (rice pudding), which tastes strongly of cardamom.

Served piping hot with strands of toasted coconut, almond and tapioca pearls, kheer improves upon the English rice pudding.

However, the best time to sample the food is as early as possible.

The restaurant fills quickly with customers, as people pressed into lines past the door as late as 1:45 p.m. Sunday.

Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, 11-2:30 p.m. and Friday to Sunday, 11-3 p.m.

Dinners are available daily from 5-10 p.m.

For those of us who are financially challenged, Ruchi Indian Cuisine is the closest and most delicious way to experience a little of India.

Plus a bonus: you skip the jet lag, too.

Want to comment on this article?

Please click here for a comments/suggestions form.