Indian in Detroit: Staff Pick

On the corner of Commor and Conant streets, in the extraordinarily diverse city of Hamtramck, there is not one dish on Aladdin’s menu that surpasses $8.99. In fact, a large mixed fruit shake costs more than any of the appetizers and even a few of the vegetarian entrées that include rice or naan. On the whole, prices hardly surpass what you’ll pay for a meal at a national drive-through chain. Vegetarians have all sorts of choices, from curries to fried homemade cheese with spinach or green peas. There are some dishes where lentils are the base and others with chick peas. Try some mushroom vegetable fritters with onions and hot spices, or sautéed okra. The variety is amazing and the most expensive dish is $5.99. There are three times as many meat and seafood dishes. The goat korma, braised in a yogurt base is creamy, subtle, deep and rich, with a touch of spice heat. The gravy was so delicious we wiped the last little bit out of the bowl with crispy and chewy naan. Open 10:30 a.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Credit cards accepted; free delivery.

Imagine a restaurant where you can order one item from each category on the menu--appetizer, soup, entree (including bread, salad and side dish), fancy beverage and dessert--and spend only $10.70. Dishes are mouth-watering, an enticing mix of cool flavors and spicy ones, hot and warm temperatures, all fresh and flavorful. For mild, try lamb sagwala (with spinach); for hot, stuffed bhindi (okra and onions). Best bet: mango lassi (with buttermilk). Friendly, unpretentious, lots of Indian families. No alcohol. ****

Each day they offer a different soup; three Indian dishes, two of them vegetarian; a "Mideast feast" of hommous, tabouli and falafel; a veggie quesadilla; a pasta dish, such as spaghetti with chicken meatballs; nachos; three pizzas; Greek salad; and three American-style sandwiches. Desserts are Middle Eastern pastries, and you will often find crisp, fresh samosas waiting on the entrance table.

The unlikely location on a Dearborn side street somehow adds to the appeal of the Northern Indian curries, birianis and tandooris, now with an extended menu of Indo-Chinese and South Indian dishes. Designations of spice levels on the menu can be trusted, ranging from mild to wild — which is where the Indian beer comes in handy, maybe a Kingfisher or a Taj. There’s a full bar, a rarity where local Indian restaurants are concerned, and keep an eye out for the new dance night once a month.

Walking into Farmington Hills' Priya Restaurant & Bar, a sister restaurant to Priya in Troy, the Indian-style decoration and art make guests feel as though they actually are in India. Chef Sukhdev Singh specializes in various kinds of Indian dishes, but is especially talented with northern Indian dishes. His special palak daneer and chicken tikka masala are both popular. Owner Ravi Mandava recommends the chicken Shangri-La, masala dosa and tandoori chicken. Vegetarian dishes, such as vegetable masala and navratan koorma, are also good choices. A daily lunch buffet, featuring more than 13 items, is served between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Bar, banquet rooms and dance floor are available.

Specializing in south Indian as well as north Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. Lunch buffet 7 days a week with wide variety of fresh selections, exotic drinks, and desserts always available. Catering for all kinds of parties and carryout available.