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India Oven 2727 N. Campbell Ave. READERS' PICK: Walk into India Oven at noon or dinner. The nose is tantalized by an array of smells from marinated meats braizing in the tandoori oven and curry and masala spiced vegetable dishes in pans the two chefs move rapidly over stove flames. Harmesh Bhatti and his brother Lekh make quick work in the kitchen of orders from a menu comprising the best variety of dishes from the Indian subcontinent you'll find in Tucson. At the door, Harmesh's wife, Raksha, greets guests with a smile as broad and bright as the Punjab plains the family left more than 10 years ago. At India Oven, the selection of vegetarian dishes at the lunch buffet changes daily. One day a velvety, sinuously seasoned mash of yellow lentil dal is served to mix with basmati rice, another day black lentils with onion and spices can make a satisfying soup. At the same buffet, you might find lamb curry or chicken masala. Even turnips with potatoes, which could be ordinary, are here given added zest with coriander and buds of cardamon. Even the simple combination of crisp cauliflower and white potatoes, aloo gobi, attains nearly ethereal differences of taste and texture. At a weekend mid-day main meal, you might ask the kitchen to prepare some of their favorites. Out may come a sinuous lamb tikka masala, the marinated chunks of tender lamb incorporated into a sauce of gentle fire with taste and texture from coconut milk. With the kashmini pillau rice, basmati rice, saffron and toasted pine nuts, you will likely clean the chafing dish of the lamb tikka. The saag paneer at India Oven is the ultimate incarnation of creamed spinach. The karhai shrimp, with a sauce well balanced between bite and aromatic herbs, includes a deft mix of tomatoes, onions, and well-cooked bell peppers. The sturdy but sinuous food of India satisfies taste and hunger equally. But India Oven's cooking is more equal than others. READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP AND STAFF PICK: A pioneer in bringing East Indian cuisine to Tucson, New Delhi Palace has been serving delicious curries, tandoori meats, savory appetizers and frothy mango lassis to grateful Tucsonans ever since. The Khangura family has created an atmosphere that is calm and peaceful--a lovely simple complement to the fiery curries and complex spices that will flavor your meal. Indian food isn't any better in London or New York. New Delhi Palace is at 6751 E. Broadway.
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