Badmaash

The diverse foodie scene going on in the Fairfax district has been quickly expanding, and the arrival of Badmaash proves that eating outside of the GROVE may be well worth your time. Badmaash holds your hand while taking you through some expansive flavors of Indian cuisine.

They start by meeting you right where you are; in foodie language that breaks down as traditional, something you’ve experienced before. Like potato and pea samosas, butter chicken or chicken tikka done tandoori style. However, expect the unexpected at Badmaash, because they will hit you with items you never thought were Indian.

For example, Indian pickles (huh?), a lamb burger or a chicken tikka Poutine, which breaks down to masala fries topped with cheese curds and doused in piping hot beef gravy (Yes, I said beef. Told you this wasn’t your traditional Indian type of spot). And just as my belly was doing a happy dance, the black lentils and kidney beans arrived. They have been slowly cooked for over 24 hours and are immersed in this insanely delicious broth with ginger, tomatoes and butter.

In all my travels to India, I do not remember a meal THIS good. I was already planning the next time we could come back! Badmaash has a super casual bistro vibe. If you have a runner or screamer you might want to consider Badmaash in the earlier hours though. I say this only because a lot of noise bounces throughout the space itself, and not because you will get the stink eye if your tot douces himself in water after eating something way to spicy.

If you are wondering what’s on the menu for kids whose palette may not be as diversified, then I would definitely go with a simple tandoori chicken and basmati rice. I have a hunch however, that the tots may think the fried catfish appetizer is chicken though. At any rate, it’s well worth taking the risk. You will have any plate cleaned up quick and be happy as pie leaving with leftovers.

(First timer? Scroll down to check out the rating system below.)