Welcome!

Welcome to the Great Tikka Tour.  As I get ready to embark on a four month around-the-Atlantic adventure, I figured it was time to create a space for my Indian food-related reflections.  I've already travelled extensively within and outside of the USA and have dined at restaurants, homes, and other venues where authentic (and sometimes not-so-authentic) has been served.  I love it and can't seem to get enough.  With that, this blog will serve as a space for my reflections on everything and anything Indian food-related.

I begin with highlighting two of my favorites.  Mela (578 Tremont Street, Boston, MA) and Tantric (123 Stuart Street, Boston, MA)  have been my local (and favorite) spots over the last four years.  Living in heart of Boston has afforded me plenty of opportunity to explore and experience Indian food.  Mela and Tantric have risen to the top.  I've visited both within the last couple of weeks and, like usual, was not disappointed.

Since my first visit to Mela (melaboston.com), it has been my absolute favorite.  Although the size of the dining room is small and can feel crowded, the ambiance is wonderful.  (I love the copper siding on the walls!)  More than that, the food is always rich and flavorful, the portions are large, and the price is right.  The picture below displays Mela's Chicken Cocanut Curry (close) and the Chicken Tikka Masala.

Tantric (tantricbistro.com) holds a soft spot for me, being that for the last four years, I've lived, literally, around the corner.  In my early days of Boston-living I would visit once a week.  Obnoxious, I know - but delicious nonetheless.  All of their dishes (dosas, biryani, curries, etc.) are also rich and flavorful.  however, their prices are a bit steep.  This second picture highlights their Chicken Chettinad, Garlic Naan, and Malia Kofta.

Both Mela and Tantric set a high standard and serve as amazing starting point for the Great Tikka Tour!