Tandoori Bukharian Bakery in Rego Park

[Greg]

I'm surprised there are no comments about this restaurant anywhere on the Board. Thus far, conversations concerning Bukharian food seem to have focused on Arzu and Cheburechnaya. I was unimpressed with Cheb, and found Arzu to be good, but it frankly doesn't hold a candle to the meal I had last night at Tandoori.

We started with a mixed salad and a cabbage salad, both of which were good and highly seasoned. Then came the dumplings - one plate of potato and one of meat. Each plate had three steamed dumplings the size of a grown man's fist, and the doughy skin was filled to busting with tasty coarsely-ground meat or finely minced potatoes. They're served with a red sauce that I kept throwing on the dumplings, but am not sure what it was. We also ordered a couple of samsas (think meat filled Indian samosas that are baked rather than fried) which were awesome - also the size of my fist and filled with moist and savory coarsely-ground meat.

After that we had a sampling of skewers that were all moist and incredibly seasoned accompanied by garlic-covered french fries and a loaf of the typical circular bread. The fries and bread were both fine, but nothing spectacular. The skewers were the best I've had in Bukharian joints.

Service was pretty good. Less gruff than at Arzu and capable enough with English to get the order mostly correct. Steer away from the up-sell on the Russian lemonade - unless you like cloyingly sweet beverages that taste more like bubble gum than lemonade.

More than enough food for four came to about $50. I can't wait to go back.

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Tandoori Bukharian Bakery
99-04 63rd Rd, Queens, NY 11374

Cheburechnaya
92-09 63rd Dr, Queens, NY 11374

[janie]

This is the place across from the supermarket correct?, and caty corner to J&D pizzaria--used to eat here a lot many years ago--until I get very burnt out on this kind of food---but yes from what I remember a decent spot-and good bread.

[Greg]

Not sure about the pizzeria, but yes, it's directly across the street from a Pioneer supermarket.

[bigjeff]

I'm a fan of this food but it's been awhile; I'll check it out. Also semi-decent reports on Samarkand which is further up on Queens Boulevard but I still haven't eaten there all this time.

[jen kalb]

I love this type of food and all the luscious skewers, but is there anything to satisfy a vegetarian? anything but the potato dumplings, salads and bread?

[Greg]

I didn't scrutinize the menu with a vegetarian in mind, but they do have different kinds of salads - from your typical mixed greens to pickled vegetables. And, as you pointed out, there's the potato dumplings which are huge. If you're not a particularly strict vegetarian, you could also eat the rice and carrots from the plov. I'm not sure if any of their soups are meat free - though all are probably made from some meat-based stock.

[yussdov]

most of the bukharian places have more or less the exact same menu, and it almost always includes tomatoes and onion kebabs, carrot salad, garden salad, babaganoush, hummus, pickle platters and, for fish eaters, salmon and sea bass kebabs. the plov is usually cooked in lamb fat and all the soups are meat based. for strict vegetarians there is stuff to eat, but the pickings are pretty slim and hardly merit the trip unless you're simply intent upon accompanying a meat eating companion, for whom a great time is usually guaranteed.

[jen kalb]

thanks for the more precise info - it squares with what I remember.. I was simply interested whether there was enuf choices to bring my veg daughter along - on a visit

[mhughu]

I used to go to this place when they had music. Do they still?

( I remember hearing " the reknowned singer from Tashkent" who, after singing helped clear the tables. it was an incredibly memorable night. Food was good, diners were very kind to inlcude us outsiders.)

[bigjeff]

his singing helped clear the tables? hahahaha, kidding. but that's what I first read when I saw your note. very cool, been meaning to go there for sure.

[mushimushi427]

Delicious and reasonably priced. Try the soup, bread and salads along with the lovely kabobs. A pot of tea costs $1.50. Can't wait to return.