Searching for a plethora of spicy food but tired of devouring 35-cent wings? Maybe a trip to India – or specifically, Indian restaurant Tiffin in nearby Takoma Park – is what your cuisine-craved self needs.

Situated snugly in a strip mall of stores catered toward the Indian community – a Bollywood movie store, an Indian grocery store and even a travel agent that specializes in trips to India – is the remarkably delicious and authentic Tiffin, perfect to satisfy your craving for a spicy treat.

And at Tiffin – “tiffin” is a noun originating from India meaning a lovingly prepared “light luncheon” – nearly every dish offered bursts with flavor. For example, the naan bread was perfect in its simplicity, a mixture of different and delicious textures (bubbly, crispy, thick and enjoyably gummy). Perfect on its own or dipped in a variety of sauces, naan comes in white and wheat versions for $1.95 each. There are also other authentic Indian breads to choose from (prices range from $1.95 to $4.50, and all are baked on-site), with one of the best being the alu paratha, whole wheat bread stuffed with mashed potatoes and spices ($3.95).

When it comes to entrées, Tiffin offers a number of options – chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian – and a special selection of entrées cooked over charcoal in traditional Tandoor clay ovens. But the restaurant exceeds expectations with matter paneer ($12.95), a savory and spicy combination of peas and Indian cheese (although the dish is geared toward the vegetarian crowd, it is still satisfying enough for any carnivore). The dish is fairly simple in execution but the flavor is off the charts, with layers of spices taking the normally mundane peas to a higher plane of culinary excellence.

The chicken tandoori ($11.50 for a half chicken, $17.50 for a whole) was another hit: The dish consists of skinless chicken marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic and other spices, and the chicken is cooked over charcoal, very similar to American barbecued chicken. The flavor of the chicken tandoori was superb and mild on the spice, allowing the slightly smoky, infused charcoal flavor to shine through. Additionally, the cooking technique tenderizes the chicken, giving it a perfect texture (and though the meat is skinless, the chicken sacrifices zero flavor).

For those feeling adventurous, try the goat curry ($15.50), which features hunks of on-the-bone goat slow-roasted in piquant gravy. In this particular cooking style, the goat develops a similar texture and flavor to beef, and the dish is almost like a traditional pot roast. In this curry, the meat comes right off the bone, and the pieces of goat are incredibly tender.

But to sample most – if not all – of these dishes, try Tiffin’s spectacular and affordable lunch buffet. For just $8.95 on weekdays and $10.95 on the weekend, a hungry customer can choose from an assortment of different entrées while also saving a pretty penny (entrées often featured in the buffet can cost $9.49 to $19.95, separately). And because the buffet is constantly replenished by Tiffin’s attentive staff during its 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. run every day, customers are guaranteed fresh, delicious Indian food, no matter what they choose to sample.

Even if you don’t go to gorge yourself on the buffet, Tiffin is still definitely worth a visit – when the restaurant is only a short trip down University Boulevard, how could you resist?

tripp@umd.edu

RATING: 4.5 stars out of 5

INFO YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Best Dish: Matter paneer, a spicy blend of peas and cheese in a delicious sauce. Fantastically seasoned, and satisfying even for a carnivore.

Prices: Dishes range between $9.49 and $19.95. Expect to spend about $15 if you don’t get the buffet, which costs $8.95 on weekdays and $10.95 on weekends.

Décor: Casual – No need to get dressed up here.

How to get there: Take the westbound C2 bus from either stop on the campus – Campus Drive and Route 1 or Presidential Drive and Campus Drive – to University Boulevard and New Hampshire Avenue. Tiffin is located at 1341 University Blvd.