One would have to be forgiven for not immediately recognizing the name ‘Flavor of India’ when it comes to popular choices for Asian cuisine in Oro Valley. Located within a modest, but sizable plot adjacent to Safeway in Vistoso Plaza on 12112 Rancho Vistoso Blvd., it might not come across as the greatest standout when judging a book by its cover, especially when directly contrasted against larger, standalone Indian offerings in town. A nonchalant exterior makes for nothing of its simple, if not prolific, interior, immediately emanating feel of an authentic Indian experience; one step into Flavor of India is enough to convince connoisseurs of the culture and its food that this is the real deal.
The zenith of Flavor of India’s menu boils down to its lunch buffet. Featuring a palatable range of Indian staples from lamb meatballs to tandoori murgh (chicken), the restaurant is one that lives up to its name. The price is almost surprisingly agreeable for a buffet, as well, coming in at $7.95 per person. Multiple vegetarian options are also available at the buffet, ranging from saag (spinach) to aloo matar (potatoes, assorted vegetables, and Indian spices). Complimentary naan bread is served with each meal.
A strong buffet is not the only option which Flavor of India prides itself in. An extensive dining menu is also available to order from off of, featuring a long list of appetizers, soups, salads, drinks, desserts, and main courses. As with the buffet, dining menu options range from vegetarian, to chicken, lamb, and fish-based offerings. These choices can span from chicken curry to korma, a ‘navrattan’ curry featuring nine vegetables simmered in a cream sauce, and nargisi ghosht, a baked lamb lion stuffed with spinach, herbs, and paneer cheese served in a curry.
Flavor of India also serves an array of foods that come ‘from the tandoor’. Being that a tandoor is a cylindrical oven, these dishes were cooked in a most genuine Indian style. Tandoor options include the lamb, fish, and sheekh (ground lamb sausage) kebabs and the aforementioned tandoori murgh. All menu options range from around $9 to $16 for the more extravagant dishes.
Featuring an array of authentic Indian dishes at reasonable prices, Flavor of India is open every day from 11:00am – 10:00pm. A full menu can be found on their website, http://flavorofindia-az.com.