Why go: The hot zing and smoky spices of Indian and Nepalese cuisines get the spotlight at this dimly lit haunt that feels far more ornate than its Adams Morgan neighbors.
What to get: Steamed purses of vegetables or ground chicken known as momo dumplings; battered cauliflower in a spicy, ketchup-based sauce; aloo chaat salad, a cooling mixture of chickpeas, potatoes, and fried crackers; mixed bread basket; grated carrots cooked in milk and butter and topped with ground pistachios.
Best for: A date—ask for one of the cushioned banquettes.
Insider tip: A number of dishes include a protein with a sauce of peppers, ginger, and green chili—check the menu carefully to avoid redundancy.
>> See all 2010 Cheap Eats restaurants here
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
