A local favorite

Stoneham – In 2005 Rang Indian Bistro opened in Stoneham Square. I was excited at its opening, as I had long enjoyed Indian food. Since then, Rang has continually offered very good food and has become one of my favorite local Indian restaurants.

It’s a small restaurant, tastefully decorated with a couple large windows at the front looking out into the square. There is a parking lot across the street, so access to the restaurant is easy. The restaurant has a full bar and a small list of wines and beers. Wine prices are reasonable. They also have some non-alcoholic, Indian drinks such as Lassi, a yogurt drink, and Masala Chai, spiced tea.

The menu is very diverse, from appetizers to desserts and soups to salads. For entrees, they have specialties from northern and southern India. There are chicken, lamb, seafood, rice and vegetarian entrees. Most entrees cost about $10 to 15, very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food you receive.

Before your meal begins, you receive a couple complimentary papads, lentil wafers, with a tamarind sauce and a very spicy chutney. A lentil wafer might not sound good but it is merely a spiced, crisp wafer and it’s good. I like to smear some of the sweet tamarind sauce on it too. You could try the chutney instead but it is very hot so be careful.

As an appetizer, I enjoy the Meat Samosa ($3.50), two good-sized turnovers stuffed with ground lamb, peas and Indian spices. These are also good with a bit of the tamarind sauce. The Chicken Pakora ($5.95) is another option, boneless pieces of fried chicken in a spiced batter. If you cannot decide on which appetizer to order, or have a large party, consider the Rang Mixed Appetizers ($9.95), a plate with eight different choices.

Instead of an appetizer, maybe you want to start with a salad or soup. Try an Indian Chef Salad ($4.95) or one of my favorites, a bowl of Coconut Soup ($2.95). This soup has coconut, cream, pistachio and hot milk. It has a delicious, milky broth with shredded coconut in it. It’s a great soup for a cold autumn or winter day. Instead you could also have a chicken, tomato or vegetable soup (all $2.95).

For an entrée, maybe you want to try a south Indian specialty. They have several Dosas, or Indian crepes, available. All of the Dosas come with coconut chutney and sambhar, a spicy soup. I very much like the Chicken Dosa ($9.95), a large crepe filled with pieces of chicken and potato chunks. The Dosa has to be about a foot long, at least. It is nicely spiced and has plenty of fillings. If you don’t want chicken, try the Lamb Dosa, with lamb and potatoes, or the Masala Dosa, which just has potatoes and onions.

Maybe you want some grilled meat instead. If so, try the Tandoori dishes, meats and seafood cooked in a charcoal oven. The Tandoori dishes come with a large bowl of Basmati rice and some hot onion chutney. The meats and seafood are marinated in yogurt and spices. Even if you don’t like yogurt, don’t worry. I don’t either but you don’t taste the yogurt in these dishes. It simply makes the meats juicier. Try the Lamb Kebob ($14.95), chunks of tender lamb, or the Mix Tandoori Grill ($16.95) with grilled lamb, chicken, fish and shrimp.

There are also many different chicken, lamb and seafood entrees, many of which will be familiar to anyone who frequents Indian restaurants. These come with a large bowl of Basmati rice and some hot onion chutney. I love the Chicken Vindaloo ($12.95), very tender chunks of chicken and potato in a spicy hot sauce. The meat just falls apart, as it’s so tender. You can also tell them what level of spice you want. The Goa Shrimp Curry ($15.95), another of my favorites, has large shrimp in a coconut-flavored and spiced sauce. This is a very tasty dish. With all the entrees you get plenty of food at a reasonable price.

I can’t forget one of the best parts of the meal, the Indian flatbreads. Naan, chapati, paratha and poori ($2.50 to 3.95). These are freshly baked, hot and absolutely addictive. Try dipping them into one of the various sauces — they’re great. There are 10 different breads available or just order a breadbasket with a mixed assortment. It is not a meal unless you have some of their breads.

Rang also has some Indian desserts and a special lunch menu. They even do catering, for small or very large parties. Just call them for details. Service is very good and the owners seem passionate. If you love Indian food or are just curious, then definitely check them out.

Dine with passion!
Rang Indian Bistro is located at 6 Central Square, Stoneham. For more, call 781-438-8200.

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