Tandoori Grill — Restaurant in Puyallup

It has been my good fortune to enjoy Indian food hundreds to times, in London, around greater Washington DC, in San Francisco, and for three years when residing in New Delhi and traveling - and thus eating - widely throughout the subcontinent. Over the years, acquaintances, circumstances, and inclinations encouraged the cultivation of culinary skills that embraced an array of Indian dishes, too, providing three decades of practical experience. Thus, with that in mind, I offer the following review of a modest sampling order from Tandoori Grill to gauge its offerings.

Collected as take-out, it included three breads (roti, naan, and onion kulcha), two appetizers (vegetable pakoras and samosas), two veg dishes (chana masala and dahl makhani), and a meat from the tandoor oven (chicken tikka). Raita and basmati rice completed our selections.

The appetizers were quite good, especially the balanced and numerous pakoras. Each substantial samosa encased a good mix of potato and peas within a well cooked flour shell. These two items were the best of the meal.

Of the breads, the roti, naan, and kulcha each were soundly prepared, though a bit on the doughy side. The former two seemed aptly to wear the toasting marks of being cooked outside a tandoor oven. The onion kulcha provided good flavor, though it was a bit heavier than it could have been, for even a stuffed bread, like a paratha, can be light despite its contents.

At a thai restaurant, it is standard practice to include how hot you would like a dish. Not so for Indian food. So, in making our order, when we were asked "how spicy" we would like specific items, that surprised us; it is not a question that has never been asked before at any Indian restaurant where we have eaten - ever.

(Perhaps this restaurant's practice is an effort to accommodate different clientele with options, a choice no doubt made with the best of intentions, but one that should be reconsidered.)

Also, the recipe of a dish is determines its richness, the variety of its tastes, and the body of its flavors, as an ensemble and as an tasting experience, around the tongue and in what sequence each nuance arrives. Should you seek a dish with greater spice, then a jalfrezi or a vindaloo should be ordered. The recipe determines the "spicey-ness", not a request.

Unacquainted with this establishment's practice, we asked for items in the lower range. Perhaps that was an error, though, with knowledge of various recipes, it seems curious how one would simply make such adjustments, as it is the sequencing of ingredients as added when cooking that determines the character of an Indian dish.

Of the veg dishes, the fullness and variety of flavors anticipated was absent from each. There was no medley to make a melody to savor.

In India, we ate often at Moti Mahal, in Chanakyapuri, the original site for dahl makhani, hence that standard is unfair. And yet, the dahl makhani from this establishment contained almost no flavor.

So, too, was the case with the chanas, as well as with chicken. There was no discernible masala in the chanas and no distinguishable tikka taste for the chicken. And of the latter, the requisite marination seemed minimal, if not altogether absent. Also, the chicken chunks, generous though unnecessarily large and lacking in flavor, were hard frozen, not fresh, thus neither tender nor tasty. Odd, too, was the fact that they were served with a mixture of vegetables (peppers and onions) prepared as if sauteed in a pan, not on the skewer with the meat, as is usually done.

As for the raita, it was adequate, though, with food as void of distinction, its implicit capacity to cool or mellow was untested.

With veg dishes as lacking in sauce as the chanas and the dahl were, it seemed odd that as much rice was provided as that received - or why it would be needed at all. And as eaters who often use our hands with Indianfood, there was little to do with the breads.

Thus, if you seek authenticity, perhaps find another Indian restaurant, as Tandoori Grill will not meet...

A good friend had seen a positive review on TikTok for this local gem, so we decided to give it a try.

Best Decision Ever!

Not only are the people who work here quite wonderful, it is clean, and smells marvelous when you walk in the door, the food is absolutely spectacular. Genuinely amazing. 😍

We brought along two of my granddaughters, who had never tried Indian cuisine before this, which is often a hit or miss experience. Although there were a couple items that didn't make them swoon (which was NOT the case for Mom and myself,) they both loved their main dishes and would come back. That's saying something; they're fairly picky and not always open to new flavor profiles. I was quite pleased. They had the (chicken) Tikki Masala and the Coconut Curry. Both zero stars, which made me laugh. But, both dishes were still SOOOOO good. A person could bathe in the Coconut Curry. It was just that good, even mild. The Tikki Masala would be the perfect comfort food on a cold day. Delish!

As for myself, I had the lamb Shahi Korma. Oh. My. Gosh. It was so good! The Korma is a much more savory dish, with the lamb changing the flavor profile al lot. It was a big deviation from the Tikki Masala and Coconut Curry flavors I'm more used to, which the girls chose. I had a 4 star for heat, but will go up to a 6 next time. The four was comfortably mid-mild, but I enjoy spicier foods and want to see what the higher levels are like. (They have a 0-10 rating system, so I was playing it safe with a four.) I really liked it, though. And Mom LOVED it. Lol We almost just traded dishes, but ended with everyone trying everything. Lol

Mom got the Butter Chicken. Wowsers, it was good! The perfect thing for dipping the Na'an into! The Na'an was perfection, by the way. Just saying.

Oh! And the drinks!!! Let's not forget their hot Chai. It was a little too dark for me, so I am had to add sugar (they also had a sugar free option available,) which made it absolute perfection. SO good! And I cannot remember the name of the yogurt mango smoithie-type drink one of the girls got, but dang. 😳 That could have been our dessert. Lol

Which reminds me of the desserts we tried... I was absolutely in love with the Carrot Halwa. That's a fascinating dish. You'd never guess it was carrots. In a blind test, I would have thought it was filling for some sort of squash pie, maybe. VERY tasty. I was not as big a fan of their Gulab Jamun, which normally I enjoy. The taste was spit on, absolute yum, but I'm a texture girl and these were a little on the chalky side, in my opinion.

So, will we be back? ABSOLUTELY. Has trying everything on their menu been added to my Foodie Bucket List? 100%

Bonus: Vegan and gluten free options...

Wow. Okay this is big but I'm going to say it- best Indian restaurant in Washington state. I think I've tried enough places all over WA to crown them with this title. Every time we go, each dish has blown us away. My uncle and grandpa (who have travelled to Punjab, and are Indian food lovers from the east coast) both agree that this is the best Indian food they have ever had. They now travel all the way from Seattle to get it! I think that speaks for itself. You can tell that Tandoori Grill takes pride in their food, and goes the extra mile with quality ingredients.

The spices are so fresh and toasted, you feel love and comfort in this food! My whole family comes together for Tandoori Grill, I'm not even joking. This thanksgiving my 90 year old grandpa is asking for Shahi Korma on our table (side note- they are open on thanksgiving by the way). I've been waiting for an amazing Indian restaurant to come to South Hill, but this has exceeded all my expectations. And it's not only good Indian food- it's just GOOD FOOD and my new favorite restaurant for so many reasons. Even if you think you're not a fan of this cuisine, it will change your mind. It is a must try.

I never write reviews but wanted to take the time to thank Tandoori Grill. Hard work pays off and it shows in the level of care and attention to detail you guys have put fourth! I tend to get take-out, but I think it's worth mentioning that the ambiance of this restaurant is perfect. It's up-scale but comfortable, I like the bar and the vibe. It's a relaxed but a sophisticated space. Also the staff are so kind and beautiful!!! Guy with the mustache included! :) They have all helped me so much, and are considerate of any allergies/ intolerances/ questions. Tons of vegan and vegetarian options!!! Very knowledgeable people that seem to genuinely care! Thank you guys so much for what you do, you make me feel like I'm at my fancy aunts house. :)

*Family Favorites: Chicken Shahi Korma (I cannot stress this enough!), Paratha, Lamb Makhani, Jeera Aloo, Garlic Chili Naan, Mango Lassi .... I've loved everything I've ordered. Please do NOT be afraid of spice! A 7 out of ten is normally just right for a little heat. :) wish I got a picture but we always eat it...