(mayuriseattle.com) – Bellevue, Washington

How I heard of this place: A good friend, who, once upon a time lived in India recommended it as her family’s favorite Indian food in the area, specializing in both North and South Indian cuisine. It quickly became my favorite, as well!

Type of cuisine: “Mayuri Indian Cuisine offers a wide choice of traditional Indian dishes. We prepare all our dishes fresh in the same tradition way that has made the North and South Indian cuisine famous and popular. Our cooking methods are a careful combination of grilling, baking and smoking to create a unique Tandoori flavor.“

Ambiance: Set in a typical, suburban, one-story strip mall, Mayuri’s odd location is anything but once you enter the glass doors.

With Indian statues, artwork and symbolism throughout the cozy and warm space, the darkened interior pairs well with the dark,

wooden pillars and tables, bursts of color to lighten the mood.

What I ordered: Hungry as we were, we started with the Lollipop Chicken ($9):

chicken drummettes marinated in spices and deep-fried.

As is often the case, I selected the Thali Dinner plate with Butter Chicken, raita, lentil daal, spicy vegetable soup, and vegetables in tomato sauce, and is the best combination plate on the eastside! For dessert (included in the price), a generous serving of Vermicelli Pudding, a mouth-watering vermicelli pudding made with thick milk & laced with grated pistachios. On other occasions, when less is proven to be more, I opt for a simple Butter Chicken ($12) – they do make the best – chicken cooked in a butter sauce.

My husband often chooses the spicier version with the Chicken Tikka Masala ($12) for cubes of chicken breast cooked in  creamy spiced tomato sauce.

An order or two of garlic and traditional naan ($ each),

one Mango Lassi ($), a traditional Indian drink made with homemade yogurt, milk, and rosewater and flavored with mango, and our dinner was complete.

What I loved: Butter Chicken. Chicken Tikka Masala. Any curry Mayrui makes.

Why I loved it: A perfect end to a perfect day, with a warm, comforting, completely satisfying meal.

Cost: Low to average ($12 per chicken curry, includes rice)

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