Sitar: The best Indian food, takes 5 flags
By: Julius Child
TRT Restaurant Reviewer
SITAR! It is simply the best Indian food since my last delightful meal in East London! As some of you know, it is challenging to find a restaurant serving authentic Indian food in most parts of the US. Well, Western Mass you have one right here in downtown Springfield.
This menu is huge, so my partner and I decided to share all of our choices, a smart way to go.
Vegans and vegetarians will find a good assortment of meals to choose from. We opted for the Baigan Bharta, a light, fresh eggplant that is baked on an open flame and had aromatic herbs and spices which gave it a heavenly flavor.
Our bread, Alu Paratha, layered butter fried, stuffed with shredded potatoes, peas and spices. My personal favorite was Muglai Biryani, aromatic Indian Basmati rice, cooked with fresh herbs nuts and spices. We chose chicken, but lamb, shrimp or a vegetarian version is also available. It was served with Raita, a whipped yogurt with cucumbers, spices and mint, a pleasant addition to the main meal as it cooled the palate since we choose a very spicy version.
One word about ordering food here, you choose the preferred taste from mild to very hot.
As if this wasn't enough to fill a 425 pound person, we also ordered a very spicy Lamb Vindaloo, lamb pieces cooked in sharp spiced gravy, which includes potatoes, the best!
Of course we tried one dessert, Shahi Sabz Biryani. They refer to it as a royal treat, and indeed it was! Basmati rice cooked with fresh vegetables and saffron, and then sprinkled with just the right amount of raisins and nuts.
A cup of hot tea hit the spot. Our waiter was very helpful in making decisions and his suggestion of dessert was truly a gift.
Prices are very reasonable, portions generous, quality excellent, wait staff knowledgeable. We award Sitar our highest Rainbow Flags: 5.
Why did it take us this long to find this charming store front restaurant in downtown Springfield?
Send comments or questions to: TheJuliusChild@aol.com.
