Growing Indian population has lead to a wider selection of restaurants.
In 2000, about 25,700 Indian people lived in Fairfax County, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By the end of this year, that population will have nearly doubled, making Indians Fairfax’s largest Asian subgroup, according to the county’s Asian American History Project web site.
The Dulles Corridor’s robust technology industry has lured many Indian families to Fairfax. The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority even went so far as to set up a local recruitment office in Bangalore in 2004.
With thousands of Indians settling in the area over the past few years, the selection of local Indian restaurants has expanded. The following is a list of local eateries that specialize in Indian food.
Star of India, 9984 Main St., Fairfax
This restaurant is the newest addition to the long list of Indian options in Fairfax. Chef Surender Kumar owned the late Connaught Place, a local favorite that closed down when its building was razed a few years ago.
Two of Kumar’s business partners also have experience in the local Indian restaurant industry. Soma Pokharel, who runs the front of the house, has owned restaurants in Fredericksburg, Va. and Bethesda, Md. Badri Kahanal, who cooks and helps customers, has also worked in local Indian establishments.
“I have been working in the restaurant business for about 18 years,” said Pokharel, who opened Star of India in June.
Bombay Bistro, 3570 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax
One of the most widely recognized local Indian restaurants, Bombay Bistro serves mostly dishes from Northern India. Its dining room also has a more upscale feel, with white table clothes and table service, than some of the local Indian establishments.
Bombay Cafe, 11213-E Lee Highway, Fairfax
A community staple for over 15 years, Bombay Cafe is also one of the most affordable restaurants, Indian or otherwise, in the area.
The all-you-can-eat buffet is just $6 at dinnertime. The dining hall is self-serve and casual. Those who are expecting more than linoleum counter tops should probably look elsewhere.
Saravana Palace, 11725 Lee Highway, Fairfax
This restaurant specializes in vegetarian fare and features dishes from North and South India.
Niralla Sweets and Restaurant, 7038 Spring Garden Drive, Springfield
Opened in 2004, Niralla attracts several take-out customers in the middle of the day, even in its out-of-the-way location. Patrons also seem to visit the shop frequently to buy Indian treats and desserts in bulk. A small cafeteria-style dining room is set up for those partaking in the all-you-can-eat buffet for $6.99.
My Karma Indian Bistro, 9429 Lorton Market Square, Lorton
The only Indian restaurant in Lorton, My Karma has the most alluring atmosphere of any Indian restaurant in Fairfax County by leaps and bounds. The owners have taken great pains with the red and black decor, which gives the intimate dining room a much more polished feel than other local options for Indian food.
Masala Wok, 10940 Fairfax Blvd., Suite J, Fairfax
A franchise concept originally developed in Texas, this Asian diner is casual and also features Chinese-inspired dishes on the menu.
It is one of the only local Indian restaurants not to offer an all-you-can-eat buffet during the lunch hour.
Jaipur, 9401 Lee Highway, Fairfax
The chef and owner of this restaurant originally hails from Jaipur, located in a North India to the west of New Delhi. The elaborate decor of the dining hall, a mix of vibrant hanging beads and colorful Indian paintings, is intended to reflect the inside of a royal palace located in that region of the country.
Minerva Indian Cuisine, 10364 Lee Highway, Fairfax
Nearly a dozen Indian people were willing to wait outside this restaurant on a recent Sunday afternoon until enough seats opened up to accommodate them. The main attraction is Minerva’s expansive all-you-can-eat Indian buffet, one of the largest of its kind in the area. The restaurant also recently dropped its buffet price, from $9 to $7 during the weekdays and $12 to $10 on the weekends, according to poster over Minerva’s entrance.
Patrons should be warned though, the buffet is cash-only.