When asked what must-have dishes there are on India Oven’s menu, owner Raksha Bhatti answered with a wide smile.
“All of them,” she said.
Tucked into a strip of businesses near Glenn, India Oven is one of the best finds on Campbell Avenue.
An unassuming storefront opens to a dimly lit yet colorful, heavily decorated dining room; it feels like walking into the home of a good friend. That’s exactly what Bhatti was going for when she opened the restaurant 25 years ago.
“India Oven is a family operation,” she said, referencing her husband, Harmesh, and children who all work alongside her. “It’s traveled from generation to generation.”
Bhatti grew up in the restaurant business, and was inspired to open India Oven for a simple reason; she loves cooking Indian food.
The menu, based around Bhatti’s family recipes, specializes in Northern Indian and Punjabi cuisine. It’s full of traditional dishes that can be ordered plated or as part of the buffet.
Classics include Vegetable Pakoras — deep fried, flaky pastry stuffed with potatoes and peas — and Lamb Korma, cooked with nuts and cream.
The most popular dish is the Chicken Tikka Masala, an Indian dish by way of Britain, where chicken is marinated in a bright red, tomato-based sauce. You can soothe the spice with a tangy Mango Lassi drink — it balances the rich, spicy cuisine.
Vegetarians also have a lot of options to choose from, including Saag Paneer, with spinach and cheese, and the lentil-based Yellow Tadka Daal.
Customer favorites include the Channa Masala — a tender chickpea dish sautéed with a dry masala spice blend — and Vegetable Biryani — an addictive, crunchy rice dish full of fresh vegetables.
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Bhatti is passionate about the quality of her food and encourages customers to explore new dishes. Her recommendation for people unfamiliar with Indian dishes?
“The buffet,” she said. “Then people can try everything, taste everything.”
The lunch buffet runs from 11:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. every day and offers a wide variety of staple menu items for the new or adventurous eater. India Oven closes briefly in the afternoon before opening at 5:00 p.m. for the dinner service.
With friendly service, a relaxed environment, and varied tasty plates, put this spot on your radar.
India Oven is located at 2727 N. Campbell Ave. For more information, call (520) 326-8635 or visit tucsonindiaoven.com.
