Hot Dish Review

Bhojanic is just around the corner from B’s house, so she has become a regular, especially since the owners have started showcasing live music on Wednesday nights. Gauruv, one of the owners, is a musician, and can often be found sitting behind his bongos, playing with several of the acoustic bands that have performed there.

B’s impromptu dinner invitation was perfect, both because I wanted to wish her happy birthday in person, and also because I thought the spicy Indian food might help relieve the congestion left from the cold I had a few days before. Not surprisingly, I was the first to arrive so I ordered a glass of red zin at the bar and watched the band set up.

Bhojanic’s menu is unique in that it offers a variety of tapas-size plates including the traditional samosas and chat, which is great for those of us that like to try several dishes without getting fat….or going broke.

B came with her friend AV and we took the table closest to the stage. It was getting late and I was ravenous so I took it upon myself to order some naan with tamarind chutney and raita for dipping. Raita, much like Greek tzatziki sauce, is made of yogurt and cucumber…a curious craving for me since I detest cucumber. Weird? Very.

We nibbled on the naan and listened to the band while discussing dinner options, deciding to share one appetizer and two entrees. For our starter we chose the Bhojanic shrimp, five huge ones flavored with tomato, garlic, and Indian spices.

AV wanted to try the chicken tikka masala. I laughed to myself remembering the frozen chicken tikka masala dinner from Ethnic Gourmet in my freezer that I would probably have eaten if I didn’t end up at Bhojanic. B suggested the lamb curry. We all agreed and raised our glasses for a toast to the birthday girl.

Two bowls arrived, their contents piping hot. The three of us scooped a bit of rice onto our plates, adding a spoonful of chicken first. Tender chunks of chicken were bathed in the creamy red sauce, fragrant with cardamom, cumin, and garlic. The lamb was even better with a darker, richer sauce that had a bit more kick….unfortunately not enough to clear up my sinuses!

With a second location opening soon next to Lenox Mall, Bhojanic’s homestyle Indian cuisine is becoming a staple in Atlanta.

1363 Clairmont Road, Decatur 404-633-9233