Midtown Lunch

In April 2012, Foobooz declared that Tashan was the best restaurant you aren’t going to. This was based on the fact that the food is amazing, but the huge space is rarely filled with customers. The explanation given is that Philly people don’t like the idea of high end Indian food. I have to say, I am guilty of such thinking. Not that I am ok with sub par Indian food. But when Indian Restaurant makes a great chicken tikka for under $10, or when 80 cent samosas from a grocery store are the best I’ve ever had, and another grocery store close by does an amazing daikon paratha, and a chaat hut uses artistic levels of colors, flavors, and texture, I get accustomed to receiving a lot for my buck. However, I was willing to hand out $12 for Tashan’s 6 day a week lunch meal.

I felt like peeking at  the regular menu, and ordered the lump crab naan. The thickness of the naan overshadowed the delicate crab meat, so it was not a win.

Lunch specials are served with rice, a grease-less veggie samosa, 3 slices of hot, buttery naan, and 2 dipping sauces.

There are a few vegetarian options plus a shrimp and a butter chicken for the entree choice (or you could forgo the platter thing and choose from one of 2 naan rolls), I chose the tandoori butter chicken – free range, with a “Fenugreek– Scented Tomato Cream Sauce.” Sounds fancy, but that is essentially the standard preparation for butter chicken aka murgh makhani.  After eating the samosa and naan, I could only make a dent in the chicken. There was not too many actual chicken pieces, but the creamy, tomato sauce was awesome- so smooth and clean. I added it to some quinoa the next day. I don’t know if I can say that it was so beyond the similarly rich sauces at less fancy Indian spots in town.  At dinner time, this plate, though probably larger, runs $20. It seems a little high to me; hopefully nobody will give me flack for not appreciating such superior quality. Tomato and cream is going to be a good time no matter where you are. But for lunch, the $12 special is a great value for a nice array of high quality Indian food at an attractive restaurant that will most likely have a seat for you.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• A high quality, complete Indian meal for $12

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Not enough chicken
• Crab and naan are not a match

Tashan, 777 S. Broad Street, 267 687 2170