Naan & Beyond — Restaurant in Tysons

As food doctrines go, Lahori cuisine is a category on its own. Hailing from the once capital of the state of Punjab in undivided India, it was influenced over centuries by the many empires that ruled it from Persian to Mughal to Sikh to British and was enriched in each period. Independent India claims many who hail from the city and have carried it's rich culture and food traditions forward into the modern age while maintaining that unique combination of flavor, texture, style and hospitality that still stands out among Punjabi cuisine and is revered in both India and Pakistan alike.

I give this introduction because no matter where you find this taste, you can be assured of a memorable meal that is a feast for the eyes and palette. Naan & Beyond may be a mere hole in the wall joint tucked in a quiet corner of the Tysons Corner mall in McLean, Virginia, but it is run by a passionate family that marks its roots in Lahore who were displaced to India after the Partition and have made the U.S. their home for the last 40 years.

I found myself at Naan & Beyond yesterday at dinner time while casually strolling the mall and noticed the Tawa Paratha Flatbread on the menu . Even though this is breakfast food, I immediately felt a craving for it and ordered an Aloo (potato) and Gobi (cauliflower) plate along with a masala chai. It took only a few minutes to arrive, each plate with one very large paratha topped with a small stick of butter with mango pickle and yoghurt raita on the side. Each flatbread was stuffed to the edges with the spiced stuffing and had been fried to perfection on the tawa (grill) to give that beautiful look with scattered spots of charring on the surface. The art of the paratha is in the chefs ability to keep the layers of flour holding the stuffing to the absolute thinnest possible allowing the ghee to penetrate inside and cook the stuffing. It was perfect! ...brought back memories of my mother's cooking at home with each bite providing a mouthful of indulgence that was enhanced with the butter, pickle, and the rich and creamy cumin and fenugreek flavored raita. The lightly sweetened masala chai was the perfect companion to the meal as I slurped it between bites.

The menu has several other options including their signature naan rolls, combination boxes, and some fusion dishes as well as mango lassi...all of which I intend to go back and try, i.e. if I can hold myself back from re-ordering the parathas again!

Highly...

If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! This tiny gem tucked inside the mall is nothing short of a miracle for someone like me who craves authentic saag and roti. It’s a taste of home I thought I’d never find outside my mom’s kitchen.

The food here isn’t just delicious—it’s an experience. The saag was perfectly seasoned, rich, and creamy, while the makki roti (more like missi roti) was fresh, soft, and just the right balance of texture and flavor. And then came the butter and pickle—a perfect touch that made the whole meal feel like a warm hug from Punjab. I actually had tears in my eyes while eating because it brought back so many memories.

The guy at the counter was incredibly nice—so humble, welcoming, and genuinely invested in making sure everything was perfect. His kindness made the experience even more special.

I’m willing to make the one-hour drive every weekend just to relive that bliss. It’s worth every mile, every second, and every bite. Truly a hidden treasure that I can’t...

I recently visited Naan & Beyond and had a delightful experience. I tried their roll, which was incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The ingredients were fresh, and the spices were perfectly balanced, creating a delicious and authentic taste.

I must commend the excellent customer service, especially from Aman. He was attentive, friendly, and ensured that my dining experience was enjoyable. His knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate my preferences made the visit even more pleasant.

The ambiance of the restaurant was warm and inviting, adding to the overall experience. The staff person Aman was very courteous and professional, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Overall, I highly recommend Naan & Beyond for anyone looking for delicious Indian cuisine and exceptional service. I will definitely be returning to try more of their...