If you’re looking for great Indian food, you don’t need to look very far off campus to find Raja’s Tandoor.
Located at 207 Third St. in Suite 230, within a stone’s throw of the Social Sciences and Humanities Building, Raja’s Tandoor offers a lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, as well as dinner service from 5 to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
The restaurant offers a variety of plates for low prices. The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet costs only $5.95, while dinner entrees run from $7 to $9.
“I come here on average two or three times a month because it’s a great price for lunch. It’s quality for the cost. I came here even more often when I had Aggie Cash, because they accept that,” said Barry Greenbert, a fourth-year psychology major.
Dishes include tandoori chicken, coconut curry, kabobs, tikka masala, creamy cashew curry and much more. Raja’s also has several vegan items, including naan bread, dal and okra.
“Their food is good. It’s a great alternative to hamburgers and fries. Since it is a buffet, you’re bound to leave the restaurant with a full stomach,” said Victor Vu, a fourth-year economics major.
Greenbert agreed.
“The chicken tikka masala is my favorite, hands down. It just tastes great,” Greenbert said.
Raja’s also offers drinks, including soda, mango lassi and chai tea as well as a happy hour menu which offers discounts on the drinks.
It is impossible to enter Raja’s Tandoor without meeting the owner, Taranbir Chowdhury. Chowdhury’s friendliness is memorable. He is known for shaking hands and hugging customers. Signs outside of the restaurant feature a cartoon Chowdhury smiling and waving at passersby.
The owners of Raja’s Tandoor would not comment on this story.
Namaste Nepal on 825 Russell Blvd. won second place, while Kathmandu Kitchen on 234 G St. won third place.
— John Kesler
