Dwaraka

Probably my favorite Indian food in Portland and definitely worth checking out. Modest frontage betrays the excellent curries that keep me coming back time and again. The makhani and saag are personal favorites, especially with a chunk of fresh naan. The mild has a little spice and the hot is definitely noticeable. A favorite of my kids too!

Dwaraka turned up when we were looking for a place that would be open for lunch, and provide multiple options for the vegetarian friend that we would be dining with. It proved to be a wonderful choice. My guess is that very few, if any places that traditionally had buffets have reopened them yet, as pandemic restrictions are fading. Dwaraka has come up with a way to make me not miss the buffet experience at all. When we were seated, the one page lunch menu had approximately 7 or 8 total options, divided into vegetarian and non-veg sections. The meals we received were essentially exactly the kind of selection I would have taken for myself at a buffet, but all portioned into separate metal containers, served within a metal tray. The main dish was in the largest container, and a separate basket of naan completed the experience. Getting a lot of what I specifically wanted and a little bit of many other things gives me exactly what I want from a visit to an Indian restaurant. A light blue arbor-type structure occupies the center of the dining space, providing visual separation without really taking up any room at all. It's a lovely touch.

So nice to see them open for lunch’s again! I had the Navaratna Korma Thali lunch today, with a Chai. All the food was incredible and flavorful. The naan was also cooked to perfection. The service was great, and the owner even came out to assure all the food he cooked was up to par. He cares greatly about what he is serving and appreciates his customers. 🙏

We were passing through Portland and stopped for lunch at Dwaraka. We ordered chicken biryani and chilli chicken. The chicken pieces in the biryani seemed little hard but both the biryani and chilli chicken were really tasty. The restaurant is on a busy street where parking could be an issue at times.