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Bindaas

Self-billed as a place with "Indian Street Cuisine" there were two good signs when I visited this restaurant last week.  The first was that I could smell it a block away (it was cold and windy).  Made my mouth water.  The second was that the place was truly packed (I was told this was a typical Friday lunch rush).  I ended up at a communal table, which would have been fine, but the first waiter I dealt with struggled.  He didn't write down the orders and wasn't clear on who was with who.  Food items were delivered to the wrong parties and weren't correct.  He seemed to disappear mid-meal and was replaced with someone much more capable.  Even in the midst of a tremendously busy time, my water glass was kept full by waiter #2.  Much of the menu is designed as small or medium plates (high price points) and it clearly meant to be shared, so I was at a disadvantage eating by myself.  That being said what I got was mostly good but nothing knocked it out of the park.  The smallish samosas seemed more baked than fried and were satisfying.  The cilantro chutney was quite spicy and had my nose running (I like that).  The white sweet potato was good but loaded with tamarind chutney, which made it too sweet.  The garlic naan was fluffy and had a decent topping but I have had better.  The Uttapam was something new (not unlike a thicker, crunchier version of Ethiopian Injera) but the toppings made the center soggy.  If I ordered it again I would have toppings on the side.  The atmosphere was cheery -- a kind of indoor outdoors, meant to replicate an Indian street scene and match the mini-mall Bindaas is attached to.  But would I go there again?  Unclear.  There are a number of things on the menu I didn't get to try but there are so many great Indian restaurants in this area (Rasika, Karma Modern, Indigo, Raaga) I'm not sure anything here would rise to a superior level.  Bottom line:  If you just "like" Indian food and enjoy unique offerings and a good zing in seasoning, then this is your place.

Casual yet pricey Indian Street Food
Two locations:  2000 Pennsylvania Ave, NW and 3309 Connecticut Ave, NW
https://www.bindaasdc.com/

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