Ridgewood's Kailash: An Indian Delight Close to Home

Kailash, which symbolizes a sacred place in the Hindu consciousness,
is located in the heart of downtown Ridgewood and it is hard to miss, these days as the chefs built an enormous igloo-styled palace in front of the restaurant.

Passersby cannot miss the snow sculpture, an evolving project.  People stop to take pictures in front of the igloo, as well as taking refuge in its cave-like interior on blustery days.

It is much more enjoyable to step inside the warm and inviting
restaurant where you will be treated to more wonderful sights and
sounds. Original paintings adorn red walls where fanciful arches and
cutouts lend to the charm of an actual Indian palace. Sculptural art
in metals and gold add to the richness of the atmosphere. Tables with
crisp white lines are spaced far enough apart that diners can carry
conversations in normal tones.

Our waiter for the evening was Manager Chinnappan, a tall, young
gentleman dressed in black and white, with a black bowtie.  

Many around us brought bottles of wine, which were opened and
poured professionally.  Most of the diners were regulars who seemed to
order their favorite dishes such as Tandoori Chicken ($15) or Shrimp
Curry ($17). Kailash has also been known to treat customers to a soup
or appetizer to sample which is really fun!

Kailash is best known for regional favorites—Chicken/Lamb/Shrimp Tikka
Masala($ 15 plus $2 extra for extra large shrimp), cooked in Tandoor
and pan finished in a heavenly tomato, garlic, creamy sauce. The
favorite appetizer is Manchurian ($8) spiced with green chiles and
chile powder with/Chicken or Colliflower , dipped in a light batter
and fried, tossed with a tomato, onion and garlic sauce, favorite drinks
Mango Lassi ($4), a creamy yogurt and mango blend,  and Chai ($4), a
creamy hot, spiced tea, desserts—Mango Cheesecake and Banana Halwa (a
banana wrapped in a sweet skin).

Owner Vinnay Vittal was on hand to answer questions about the food.  A
local resident, Vittal graduated from Don Bosco High School and CW
Post College.  He started working in the kitchen when he was a young
boy, learning from his father and uncle, who have since retired.

Vittal’s mother is a physician working on a new line of heart-healthy
dishes. Kailish’s chefs are trained at the Culinary School in India
and are well versed in traditional foods from the North, which has 
more of a dairy influence and the East and South, which use more coconut
milk.

The Mixed Appetizer Platter ($9) is a very good way to try many dishes
at one time and for a very reasonable price.  Vegetable Pakoras
(assorted vegetables lightly battered and fried), Murgh Tikka
(marinated chicken skewered and grilled in Tandoor Oven), Sheek Kabob
(Mildly spiced ground lamb, skewered and grilled in Tandoor Oven), and
Onion Pakora (lightly battered and fried to perfection).  This is
enough to share with up to four for an appetizer, or 1-2 for dinner,
depending on what else is ordered.

An all-time favorite is Naan—freshly made Indian Bread.  Garlic Naan
($4)is light and garlicky while theBombay Naan ($5) is more
substantial as it is stuffed with Mozzarella and chedder cheeses and
seasoned with fresh cilantro, red and green peppers and red onions.
Children especially enjoy Naans as most are not at all spicy.

The food at Kailash is mild and wonderful, but chefs are at the ready
to fire up the heat if a customer wishes. There are several other
Indian restaurants in the area, all sampled more than once by this
author and her ethnic food loving family-however this restaurant
serves the quality of food one would expect to find in a far more
expensive place in the city.  The service is always excellent and
meals are consistently fresh, hot and served beautifully.

Kailash, located at 22 Oak St., Ridgewood, is open Tuesdays through
Sundays 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for
dinner.  Closed Mondays. Reservations accepted, families welcome.
Private Parties and takeout available.