Why go: This pomegranate-red Indian dining room excels at kormas and curries and isn’t shy about spice.

What to get: Potato-filled samosas draped in mint chutney and tamarind; chicken wings cooked in the tandoor; pakoras (fritters of spinach, potato, and onion); Bengali-style curry with shrimp; saag paneer, a nice break from the other stews’ heat; chicken in pistachio sauce.

Best for: Diners looking for low-key style but a sure hand in the kitchen; a relaxed but still romantic date.

Insider tip: A generous Saturday lunch buffet, $9.95 a person, lets you sample across the menu.

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

>> See all 2009 Cheap Eats restaurants here