Doon Indian Valley Adds Indian Cuisine to Mix in the Somerset Hills

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Bridgewater Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Doon Indian Valley Restaurant

Classic Indian cuisine isn't that uncommon in Central New Jersey, but it's a relative rarity in northern Somerset County. Since Valentine's Day 2010, however, those seeking their favorite Indian meals have been able to find what they're looking for in Basking Ridge.

Doon Indian Valley Restaurant is tucked into a corner of the Lyons Mall, right near the Lyons train station and Stop & Shop supermarket. The outside looks pretty much like any mall restaurant, but the interior has been renovated to a spacious and colorful space that might be described as modern, suburban Indian restaurant.

The restaurant advertises itself as innovative Indian cuisine. Some dishes on the menu, however, include many that might be found in serious Indian enclaves such as New York City's Little India. All of the classic spices, appetizers (offering samples of samosa, pakora, dal tikki and more), paneer (Indian cheese) curry, biryani, tandoori dishes and more can be ordered in the restaurant or to go.

A reasonable lunch buffet ($10.95) is offered seven days a week, and on Wednesday evenings, according to the restaurant's staff. At night, the buffet is $14.95.

There's plenty of choices for vegetarians, but also meat eaters. The menu includes 14 different preparations of lamb, (by my count)  a popular main ingredient in Indian dishes.

On a recent, Wednesday, the buffet, with a spread of spices and ingredients, offered goat curry along with multiple vegetarian dishes. 

On a recent weekday night, we ordered a to-go meal of chicken (murgh) curry for $12.95 and a selection of vegetable pakora (spiced assorted fritters) for $4.95.

For our bread, I ordered a pudina paratha, $4.95, a variation of the baked whole wheat round, flat bread in that it is topped with a subtle spicing of mint leaves. The whole meal was tasty. I think Doon Valley would hit the spot for anyone craving an Indian restaurant without having to go too far.

As manager Naresh Sohal promised, I was asked what level of spiciness I would like with my order. Out of mild, medium and hot, I went for medium. Medium, in this case, was fairly mild. 

I also took a taste of a dish made with chickpeas, and also another vegetable selection that was part of the buffet. Both were a little spicier, but nothing burning. The buffet included a nice, full selection of spices and sauces to add to the buffet offerings.

The buffet seems to attract a regular stream of diners. The selection is set out so those walking by the outside window can get a peek at what's inside.

Sohal said one of the popular dishes is pamphlet (a snapper) tandoori for $21.95.

Overview: Nice selection of Indian classics with some variations

Décor: Bright and spacious, mostly modern

Drinks: Non-alcoholic, all soft drinks and coffee, but also Indian favorites, including Indian spiced tea, lassi and mango lassi

Desserts: Indian desserts aren't as fancy as French pastries, but you'll find Indian ice cream, Indian-style rice pudding and sweet dumplings.

Service: Pleasant, attentive and responsive

Doon's Indian Valley Restaurant
Address: 937 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge
Owner: Ravinder Singh
Phone Number: 908-953-2900
Cost: $$