East Idaho Eats: The flavors of the Tandoori Oven
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IDAHO FALLS — There aren’t many places to find and enjoy an authentic Indian meal in eastern Idaho, which is why the owners of the Tandoori Oven in Idaho Falls felt it would be perfect for the area.
Owner Jay Arora expanded the his Logan, Utah business to Idaho Falls just over a year ago. So far it has made quite an impression.
“I get lots of different things, butter chicken I’ve got in the past, chicken tikka masala,” said Chief Administrator of Mountain View Hospital, Josh Tolman.
The restaurant claims its uniqueness from the tandoor — a clay oven — that is used to grill hand-crafted Indian flat bread, and marinated meats at the Tandoori Oven.
“We have charcoal on the bottom, you know, it’s not electric,” Arora said. “Everyone’s been doing it for years, and generations. That’s just the way it’s been done and obviously it adds to the flavor.”
Arora said they keep the food fresh and make it when you order.
“As far as the flavors go, and the entrees and the preparation we do it just the way it’s done — authentic,” Arora said.
A classic side that’s made to order is the garlic naan, an Indian flat bread. Cilantro and garlic are patted into dough, and thrown into the tandoor. After about 30 seconds, it’s ready to eat.
The chicken Tikka comes next. The meat is marinated and put on a skewer to be cooked in the tandoor.
Many locals frequent the restaurants multiple times a month.
“I didn’t know what to imagine (at first), but I thought it would be like crazy spices that were over powering, but it’s not, it’s really delicious, and good flavors,” Idaho Falls resident Heather Clayton said.
“I’ve had Indian food other places and we haven’t had Indian here, so once they opened up, we came and just fell in love with it,” Ashley Billman said.
Visit the Tandoori Oven at 3204 S. 25th E., in Idaho Falls. For information on the restaurant or to see a menu visit Tandoori Oven’s website.
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