Authentic, tantalizing Indian food now in The Dalles! They opened March 10, 2023, and right out of…read morethe gate, the food is fantastic! I'm a huge fan of Indian food and have enjoyed it all over the US, in London, and even in India, so when I heard that Tatka was opening a truck in The 6th Street Station, I had to check them out.
Lots of my favorites available - lamb vandaloo, chicken biryani, saag paneer, lamb korma, chicken tikka masala, samosa, butter chicken, naan, roti, dahl - it's so hard to choose!
For those who have never had Indian food, here are some basics:
-Biryani is a protein cooked with jasmine rice
-Masala is a tomato based curry
-Paneer is creamed spinach
-Tandoori is a preparation where protein is cooked in hot oven
-Kabobs are grilled
-Paneer is cubed cheese, very light tasting, and picks up flavor from the curry or saag
-Naan is a type of flat bread; roti is a fried bred; Dahl is a crepe. All delish!
So pick your protein - chicken, lamb, fish, shrimp, paneer - and preparation, and you are good to go! Curries come with fragrant jasmine rice. Make sure to get some naan or roti to soak up the delicious sauce.
For my first visit, I selected chicken masala and saag paneer, two classics. The masala had a very rich tomato base, slightly sweet with a wonderful complimentary heat. Served over the rice (which is packaged separately) and sopped up with the naan, it was fabulous!
The saag paneer was also fantastic. The large chunks of paneer were delicious, and so was the creamed spinach. Next time, I will ask for a little more spice, I think they make their dishes on the mild side to please an American palette, but mine can definitely take the heat.
Service with a smile! Food is made fresh to order. Definitely support them so they stay! Same owners as Amaya's Cafe food truck further east in Biggs Junction; people there rave about the food. No reason to drive 20 miles for Indian food now that Tadka has arrived in The Dalles! They open everyday at 11am.
The food packs up well, and when you arrive home, it's still hot and doesn't get overcooked like some noodle dishes do, making it a great food for takeout.
For those who have never been to 6ths Street Station, where Tatka is located, they are along W 6th in front of Coastal Farm & Ranch. There is indoor and outdoor seating. A bar inside and restrooms. Music some nights and other fun festivities, especially in the warmer months. Check it out!