India Oven
Tucson, Arizona

I'm not an Indian-food connoisseur, but having said that, this is my favorite Indian restaurant that I've been to. I've heard others complain of rude service, but I've always enjoyed my interactions with the staff.

The Bombay Aloo is wonderful, the potatoes seasoned to perfection, and the black-lentil dish is incredible (specify dairy-free), but my favorite is the chana masala. The channa aloo is equally good if you're in the mood for potatoes as well. Speaking of potatoes, the potato chat (salad) is an outstanding (though VERY hot) appetizer that can be shared by at least two people, easily more.

Unfortunately, the naan is not vegan, but the roti makes a good substitute (specify that you want the roti served with oil -- or nothing -- and not butter). Chana masala wrapped in torn-off pieces of roti has become one of my favorite meals in Tucson.

The veggie samosas are divine (especially with the tamarind chutney!), and the ingredients are vegan, but unfortunately they are fried in the same oil as meat items. So it depends where you draw the line between vegetarianism and meat-eating.

I don't know why, but I lived in Tucson for several years before I tried this restaurant. And I love Indian Food! Perhaps it was the uninviting name that put me off. Anyway, I've eaten here twice now, and both times the food has been really good. Superb aloo gobi! And the people are really friendly.