The best thing, about a good thing, is when it becomes an even better thing. That’s how my family felt about dinner at Banjara recently...
That’s how my family felt about dinner at Banjara recently. We’ve been dining at Banjara for 5 years, but I haven’t been in quite some time. While I’ve always enjoyed the experience, I didn’t feel comfortable writing a Flying Colors Review unless I knew the quality hadn’t changed since my last visit. I’m please to report that the quality has changed- it is even better than ever.
I’ve always felt comfortable in Banjara- whether I was there for the spectacular lunch buffet or a peaceful dinner with friends or family. But tonight I noticed the peacocks etched in frosted glass, the gorgeous paintings depicting various aspects of Indian culture, the pleasant ethnic music and the low lights... it’s a beautiful place, and always smells tempting. We always receive a warm, friendly greeting when we walk through the door, and are led to a cozy table or booth.
We've tried something new every time we've dined at Banjara, so I have sampled every soup and most appetizers on their menu. Tonight we warmed up with the Mulligutawny Soup- a lentil puree, sprinkled with fresh cilantro and the perfect blend of spices and lentils for a tasty palate-opening start to your meal. The crispy, roasted Papadum make an excellent contrasting accent to the soup- crisp, paper thin lentil crackers with subtle flavor throughout.
We moved to the appetizer, and instead of opting for our typical Samosas- which are excellent at Banjara- not greasy, and stuffed with potatoes and peas, or even the Onion Bhajji, we tried something totally different that The Boy picked out- Cut Mirchi. It was described as "cut pieces of chili peppers stuffed with chickpeas"… what could possibly go wrong with that? Nothing. What was placed on our table was a bowl piled high with fried, bited-sized pieces of stuffed peppers in a dumpling wrapper- delicious! No need to describe it- the ingredients are exactly what you taste. It was enhanced when dipped in the mint sauce- which is homemade- tonight’s had a pleasant kick that I had never noticed in the past.
And now, to the main dishes- I have to add here that the S. in S.A.M. made the biggest impact on our meal. Saby, our waiter had been attentive and friendly (yet unobtrusive) the entire evening. So when I asked him for a recommendation between the Lamb Madras (chunks of lamb stewed in a tomato based sauce with onions, garlic and spices) and Hyderabad Keema, he recommended the latter, saying that it was made with ground lamb and I would “like it very much.” Oh, how right he was. Imagine a beanless chili, created with ground lamb and fresh peas, tangy with Indian spices from cumin to ginger, and a pleasant balance of onion and garlic. Combine that with Banjara’s fluffy, fragrant basmati rice, and you have an incredibly different and original Indian dish unlike any other. The Boy called it "the best food on the table." That one dish would have easily fed all 3 of us- we ended up bringing some home for my lunch the next day- can’t wait!
The Man ordered a new dish <to us> as well- Chicken Mogula- juicy, boneless breast chunks slow cooked in a khurma sauce of almonds and raisins. We sopped up every ounce of the sauce using the fresh, hot Naan bread that must accompany every meal. For the first time ever, I had no room for their amazing rice pudding. They have a new array of tasty desserts that I may have to start with on my next visit, and work my way back to a Samosa.
With a variety of vegetarian dishes, Northern and Southern Indian entrées and Tandoori delights, it’s no wonder Banjara maintains its excellent reputation as one of the most highly regarded Indian restaurants in Ashburn. If you’ve been looking for authentic, superior Indian Cuisine- look no further. It has been a staple of the Ashburn restaurant landscape for many years, and will continue to define the standard for exceptional Indian Cuisine, because~
Banjara Passes with Flying Colors! 
44050 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Shop # 191 Ashburn, VA
(703) 723 0040
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