The Local Flavor

Author: Andrea Glaessner

Sadly, Middlebury may well be one of the few college towns where the best cheap burger to be found is from McDonalds. Perhaps the demand is just not there - after all, we are known as one of America's fittest colleges. But just because we do not have a beloved cheap burger joint does not mean cheap food is nonexistant in the small, but eclectic Middlebury restaurant scene. Taste of India offers a fantastically low-budget, yet delightfully satisfying, lunch menu that beats out the $10 burger from Two Brothers any day of the week. Funny that in a rural town in America it's cheaper to dine on Saag Paneer than a cheeseburger - but Vermont is a funny place.

No worries though, there's nothing funny about the traditional Indian food at this homey, ethnic restaurant in the heart of "downtown" overlooking Otter Creek. The interior is casual and comfortable, and the service is generally just as welcoming. Sit down and order a basket of warm, fresh baked naan to munch on while you peruse the menu, which could take awhile, depending on your knowledge of Indian food. The samosas are a good way to start. These crisp turnovers stuffed with delicately spiced potatoes, peas and herbs are a wonderful appetizer, and are a perfect introduction to the meal.

If you are new to the wildly flavorful world of Indian cooking, a safe bet is the Chicken Tikki Masala - chicken cooked in a tomato and butter sauce. The curries are also wonderful - if you have not branched out beyond traditional curry, try the Chicken or Lamb Shahi Korma. The lunch specials come with basmati rice, but if you're willing to spend a little more, ask for one of the rice specialties, like the vegetable, chicken or house special biryani. But this dish is not like fried rice - the biryani will fill you up, Think of it like a rice bowl - definitely not a side dish unless you plan on sharing.

If you are a vegetarian, don't fill up on bread before you see the menu - there's hope for you yet. India is known for its vegetarian specialties - most people from North India are vegetarians, and have perfected the craft of vegetarian cooking. The Chana Poori is a North Indian vegetarian specialty that consists of subtly spiced chickpeas tempered with ginger and garlic with poori bread rather than rice on the side. Also try the Saag Paneer - tender chunks of homemade cheese in creamed spinach and spices, or the Navratan Curry - assorted garden fresh vegetables sautéed with ginger, garlic and herbs - both are delicious and filling.

If you plan ahead, you just have to save a little room for dessert. Galub Jamun is truly a one of a kind dessert, but one you must try nonetheless. It is a delectable cinnamon flavored pastry sponge soaked in sweet honey and rosewater and sprinkled with pistachios - a treat you do not want to miss. If you want something a little more familiar, the Kheer, traditional Indian rice pudding, is also delicious.

Who wants a burger anyway, when you can have it all and then some at The Taste of India?