How can I describe Kashmir? Given that I didn’t even go inside until after I’d finished eating (and for me, aesthetics are 50% of the experiences) and I still give this place 5 stars – well, that should say something. I ordered my usual, chicken tikka masala (you can’t judge an Indian restaurant unless you get the same meal at each one!) with aloo naan. I got a Bombay (yes, they have it, and I think it was in 22 oz. form). Three apps, two beers, two orders of naan and three delectable entrees later, the bill only came to $100. Pretty impressive overall dining experience, if I may be the judge.

Holy aloo gobbi, this place is tasty! What’s not to love about Tamarind Bay? The basics are extremely well done, plus they’ve got dishes not otherwise found in Boston. Sadly, though, don’t bother with the tikka masala – it’s only average, and your appetite would be better spent on the more unique plates.

I discovered this place on a random walk through my neighborhood last winter. The good: the basic dishes are super-tasty, and they have a buffet. The bad: They only deliver through some insanely expensive company online. The ugly: For some reason, the other clientele is always obnoxious.

Oh Punjabi Dhaba. You’re greasy, you taste like leftover buffet, but you’re just so good for hangover. That’s why we love you.

Guru’s motto is “divine Indian food for brilliant minds.” Forget the brilliant minds, this is brilliant food! Guru has quite the following amongst the elite, yet somehow manages to remain at the bottom of the price list ($6.50-7.50 for lunch). Most of the service is lunchbox delivery and catering, however, they do offer takeout for loyal customers.

You wouldn’t expect to find one of Boston’s best Indian restaurants in Dorchester, but oh samosa, there it is. And speaking of the potato-ey yummies, theirs provide some pretty strong competition for Guru the Caterer’s. Tough call, really. Still, I can’t get over the excellence of this place – Never in a million years would it have occurred to me to get INDIAN food in DORCHESTER, but here it is, and thank goodness.

Rangoli is my go-to place on those hung over Sunday afternoons – whether hitting up the lunch buffet or ordering in (note: they don’t deliver between 1:00 and 3:00) later on, it never fails to please. But stick to the basics – Rangoli isn’t really the place to go trying something crazy. And watch the goat curry- I almost broke a tooth on the bones!

If you like your palak paneer with a side of Bollywood, Punjab Palace is your friend. With plenty of options, and DELIVERY, this is Allston at its finest. Oh, and the tikka masala? Rocks. Perhaps I should warn you that this place isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I won’t…because frankly, it should be.

Located inside the illustrious Super 88 (only the most awesome Asian supermarket-cum-food court), JMP Food Hut is nothing to be afraid of (unlike a couple of the cheapies under the same roof). Tasty, simple basics are cheap enough that even if you’re not all that impressed, you won’t bother to complain.

What did I tell you? I love Indian mall food. Though not as good as Cambridgeside’s Indian Chili, Gourmet India has damn good fare for being in a shopping center (albeit an upscale one). The best part of Indian mall dining is the ability to get two entrees, an app, and plain naan for $7.

Delish, seriously. I like visiting these guys – they make great aloo naan, but are – for some unknown reason – shocked every time I tell them that. Perhaps they doubt their amazingness in the kitchen. Perhaps they’d rather be providing table service. Whatever it is, boost their confidence, get some naan.