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Roti Indian Bistro (Indian cuisine)  $$$

 8
JaT Rating

209 Park Rd, Burlingame, 94010  (Directions)


650.340.7684


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Fine Indian cuisine in downtown Burlingame with a flair for spice


Reviewer: Jason
Total Reviews: 1040
Reviewed: 2/1/2006
Rating: 8
My photo gallery 		With several wish list requests for Roti Indian Bistro in Burlingame so I figured Id take a 2 block stroll right over. Having been to the very good Coconut Bay next door, Roti would have to pull off some impressive food to make me decide between the 2 restaurants. Located off Burlingame Ave, the restaurants in this area are very competitive so an average restaurant might not make the cut.

I arrived around 8PM and the restaurant was half full with a dinner party on the 2nd floor. Noise level was quiet and lighting was set to comfortable viewing. The restaurant is absolutely clean and has a modern feel to it. With an exotic aroma in the air, my mouth started to water. The menu boasts plenty of dishes and made it difficult for me to just choose 1. I ended up ordering basmati rice, roti bread basket, and Jheenga Saagwala.

roti - 3 diffferent types of bread; onion, garlic and basil, and plain. Slightly charred with a chewy texture to it. It doesnt get fresher than this and each type had their unique flavor to it. Im not sure if they offer complimentary naan and $6 for the bread basket might be expensive for some people. Its enough bread for 2-3 people. The naan is outstanding and will have to benchmark other indian places against the recipe here.

basmati rice - basmati rice can be messup by either its too dry, too wet, or heavy on the oil with little saffron. Tonights rice was cooked perfectly but if you are sharing a $3 plate, it might not be enough for the heavier rice eaters like myself. They didnt skimp on the saffron so its a hit in my book.

Jheenga Saagwala - the waitress asked how spicy and I said, how would you rate it to Thai spicy. She said an 11 and I gave her an awkward stare, she quickly...ok its not an 11 but its super hot. I love hot and spicy food but not lava hot. I cautiously ordered medium spicy. The dish are prawns in a spicy curry sauce with onions, tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Just smelling the dish I knew this was going to kick me in the mouth. Wow, I applaud Roti Indian Bistro for serving food this spicy. Woooowweee...it had just enough heat to open up my taste buds yet give an addicting lingering burn. On the heatness scale, this is by far the spiciest indian food Ive had and easily topples the Empress of India in Santa Clara. For those who havent had the Empress, imagine Sriracha sauce turned up by 3. The curry was awesome but the shrimps were overcooked and rubbery. I counted 7 shrimps of about medium size.

With excellent service and some of the most flavorful Indian foods Ive had, Roti Indian Bistro is a great place to visit. You may be wondering why would I give it an 8? Well for starters, portion sizes were very small and the only reason I was full was because of the beer (btw...kingfish beer is excellent), 2 glasses of water, and roti basket. The main course was tiny and for a price of $14, it seemed quite high. My friend ordered the chicken tikka and even the portion size on that was smaller than other places. Their food is some of the best Ive had but its going to cost you. For people with smaller appetites, you're gonna love Roti Indian Bistro.
 
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foodwarrior ate...

Murgh Makhani

“Fresh and authentic, this is the best Indian food I have eaten outside of India. With excellent, friendly service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this place is worth every cent”

1/6/2008 8:57:23 AM