We recently had some materials testing performed in our historic house, and what should have been a thirty minute inspection turned into a more than hour long conversation about the best Indian restaurants in Connecticut. Our inspector, Hemant, travels statewide and seeks out the highest quality Indian food wherever he goes. He was kind enough to share his favorites. We have been sampling his recommendations, and so far they have held up. Here is the list:
Flavors of Nawab (Hyderabadi) in Ellington
According to Hemant, this is the best Indian food in the state. Last week we drove out to this unassuming, one-room restaurant in a strip mall off the beaten path in Ellington. The food did not disappoint. Our pani puri, cheese stuffed malai kofta, and chicken dum biryani were all superb. We noticed that the restaurant was using the same high quality basmati rice as we use at home. This is far from us, but I can’t stop thinking about the wonderful food.
House of Naan (“Modern” Indian) New Haven
We and Hemant agree that this is the best Indian food in New Haven. We tend to order the classics including fried appetizers such as chaat and okra crunch rather than some of the more “modern” dishes on the menu. For example, we have yet to order lamb sliders, tikka fries, or wings. Note that we have never set foot inside, only ordered delivery (a sign of the times we are living in).
Jaya’s Kitchen (South Indian) Wallingford
We made the trip here twice and were delighted to find that this restaurant makes wonderful paper masala dosas and mysore masala dosas. The medu vada and gobi manchurian were perfect. We will return.
For those who might stop at one of these places when driving in-between Boston and New York, please note that in our three (small sample size) visits these have not been speedy dining experiences.
The rest of Hemant’s list (in no particular order) remains untested:
Guntur Mirchi, Manchester
Taj Restaurant, Stamford
Taj Restaurant, Fairfield
The Mumbai Times Indian Restaurant, Cos Cob
And for those who wish to purchase Indian groceries, don’t forget to check out the huge India Farmers Market grocery store on Boston Post Road in Orange, CT. We shop there regularly for Indian home cooking supplies and snacks.
