Cheap Eats 2007: Bombay Curry Company

Reviewed by Cynthia Hacinli , Michele Kayal , Todd Kliman , Ann Limpert , Don Rockwell

Bombay Curry Company

3110 Mount Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA
Phone: 703.836.6363

Cuisines:
Indian

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
Reagan Washington National Airport
Braddock Road

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Intimate

Reservations:
Not needed

Special Features:
Weekend Brunch, Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Bhaji; chat papri; chicken kadai; tandoori chicken; pathar kebab; butter chicken; Goan fish curry; lamb vindaloo; chicken curry with lentiils; biryani; breads, such as naan, roti, and onion kulcha; saffron rice pudding; gulab jamun.

Price Details:
Appetizers $1.95 to $4.95; entrées $7.95 to $10.95.
Sunday buffet, $8.95.


With new tables and chairs, a fresh vine motif, and a lovely mural that owner Balraj Bhasin bought in India, this Del Ray restaurant now looks almost as good as it eats.

The can’t-miss pick here is charcoal-broiled tandoori chicken wings as good as any we’ve tasted—plump, juicy, tangy, and hot, thanks to a generous chili rub. Tandoori chicken also goes into the outstanding Butter Chicken, its rich, tomato-curry sauce best sopped up with thick onion kulcha and chased with a nibble of the spicy pickled relish called achar. Details matter: The fish curry benefits greatly from the presence of whole curry leaves in its mild sauce, made with coconut and fenugreek seeds.

Vegetables are often bland, particularly the saag paneer and dal makhani, but you can count on good tandoori meats, curries, and breads at gentle prices. And now, comfier surroundings.

Open Sunday through Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner.