Indian cuisine, with its ample vegetarian, gluten- and dairy-free options, is a great choice for groups of all sizes and dietary preferences. Lunch buffets abound, offering the opportunity to sample a variety of deeply flavorful dishes for a reasonable price. Try these.
ARLINGTON
Delhi Club
This convenient, quiet restaurant across from the Clarendon Metro stop offers street views of one of Arlington’s busiest neighborhoods from every seat. The menu features popular northern Indian dishes including paneer makhani (fresh cheese in a cardamom-and-ginger rich tomato sauce), and aloo gobhi (cauliflower and potatoes that are steamed, then fried with garlic and ginger). If it’s available, order the gulab jamun, a dessert of hot and sweet dough balls drenched in rosewater syrup. It’s a common Indian treat that’s unrivaled in the area.
1135 N. Highland St., Arlington; delhiclub.com
Delhi Dhaba
Bare tables highlight the no-frills atmosphere at Delhi Dhaba, which opened in 1991. You’ll find a steam table with several entrees and coolers packed with beer, soft drinks and creamy chawal ki kheer (rice pudding), which make for easy to-go lunches or a quick dinner. Sample a variety of pakora – vegetables, fish, cheese and meat dipped in chickpea flour and fried – to start. Black and yellow lentils appear as part of a two-page list of vegetarian options, and Chettinad chicken from southern India is cooked with fresh ginger and coconut.
2424 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; delhidhaba.com
Kohinoor Dhaba
It’s worth the trip up a steep flight of stairs just for Kohinoor Dhaba’s buffet, which changes daily. This sleepy spot in Crystal City also serves two housemade versions of a frozen dessert called kulfi, a mixture of cream and milk with fresh mango or pistachios. If you can’t finish your meal but need something to temper the after effects of the fiery shrimp or lamb vindaloo, ask the wait staff to package an order of kulfi to go. Delivery is also a popular option, as parking can be tight.
2800 S. Eads St., Arlington; kohinoordhaba.com