Bindaas Bowls & Rolls — Restaurant in Washington

Disappointing Interpretation of Indian Cuisine — Falls Short on Flavor and Authenticity

Having experienced some of the finest Indian cuisine in the UK, I approached Bindaas Bowls & Rolls with cautious optimism. Indian food in the U.S., in my experience, often lacks the depth, richness, and authenticity one becomes accustomed to in cities like London — and unfortunately, this spot did little to challenge that perception.

The restaurant presents itself as a vibrant, modern take on Indian classics, but what arrived on my plate felt more like a shortcut version of tradition. I ordered the lamb curry, expecting tender, flavorful cuts of lamb, but instead was served meatballs — essentially kofta — made from minced meat. Not only was this substitution undisclosed, it significantly altered both the texture and integrity of the dish.

While the idea of using meatballs may not be inherently wrong, there was no transparency, nor was there a price point that justified this lower-cost approach. The dish lacked both the richness and nuance typically associated with Indian curries. The spices felt muted, the sauce underwhelming, and the overall flavor profile disappointingly flat.

In fairness, this establishment may align with the average U.S. standard for Indian fast-casual dining — but for anyone who has experienced the real thing, particularly in the UK, it simply doesn’t measure up.

If you’re new to Indian cuisine, this may serve as an accessible introduction. But for those with a more refined palate or a genuine appreciation for traditional Indian cooking, Bindaas leaves much...

Fast casual bowl and wraps place had delicious sauces by the owner of rasika. The tikka sauce and coconut moiley was delicious. the salmon was cooked perfectly as well as the chicken my friend ordered. the lemon rice was tasty and so was the lemon noodles. the size of salmon was a decent size but overall small dish. Their is no doubt that the man can make some tasty recipes and sauces- some of the best in dc. the flavor is well balanced but not super spicy if you are seeking that big spice flavor.

however, the portion size is very small. i’m not a large eater but for $15 fast casual lunch, i need some additional vegetables with the dish for the price besides rice or noodles. it’s served with a small side of cucumber and onions but it’s not sufficient. i easily could have eaten more and was not full after the meal. If i wanted to pay more i would just order from rasika and get a bigger portion, so they need to improve on this if they want customers to come back more frequently. spice 6 around the corner offers twice the amount of food for the same price and it’s full of flavors as well.

my friend’s chicken tikka dish was good but also a little small for the price and amount of chicken she received. the food could also be served warmer and is more lukewarm and not hot. the side vegetables should be included for the price of the bowl in my opinion to fill the bowl or they should get smaller bowls…

overall i would return for the taste and flavors that were spot on and perfect balance of flavor and spice, but less frequently due to the size and price for...

Bindaas – A Flavor-Packed Indian Gem

Bindaas may be a small joint, but it delivers big on flavor. Think of it as the Chipotle of Indian food—but elevated, fresh, and deeply satisfying. The concept is simple, but the execution is anything but. Each dish bursts with authentic Indian spices and thoughtfully chosen ingredients that celebrate the diversity of Indian cuisine.

We were a party of six and managed to sample most of the menu. Despite its compact size, the menu doesn’t miss a beat. From bold, spicy notes to delicate, balanced flavors, everything we tasted was delicious and left us wanting more. The portions were generous, and the freshness of each dish was evident in every bite.

The desserts deserve a special shout-out. Homemade and perfectly balanced—not overly sweet or rich—they showcased regional Indian flavors with surprising finesse. Somehow, Bindaas has managed to capture the culinary essence of both North and South India in a handful of dishes, which feels like an impossible feat pulled off effortlessly.

It’s the perfect spot for a flavorful, quick lunch that doesn’t compromise on authenticity or quality....