As the Boston-area culinary world continues to celebrate his latest taste sensation (the Asian street food festival/nightclub Moksa in Central Square), Shanti creator Solmon Chowdhury can take comfort knowing that Shanti can now reach (at least) twice as many fans thanks to its recent opening in Roslindale Village! No matter which Shanti people go to, however, the main constant is the fresh, creative and delicious food that focuses more on flavor than on flash yet satisfies all the more nonetheless.
While many come from far and wide for Shanti’s authentic mix of Indian and Bangladeshi flavors and for such favorites as Aloo Gobi (a delicately spiced mélange of cauliflower, potatoes and green peas), Saag Paneer (homemade cheese cooked with spinach and spices) and a selections of fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth Naans and other traditional breads that complement any offering, it may be their ever-expanding menu of specials (some of which have become regular items by popular demand) that truly sets Shanti apart. Among the recent revolutions have been an Aloo Bonda (potato and cheese ball with chickpea butter that is served with a roasted tomato chutney that starts your meal off on a pleasantly hot note), a Bhartha combo of shrimp and squash cooked with fresh ginger, garlic, lemon and freshly-ground spices, and a succulent turkey kebab served on an artistically-arranged plate with a lentil soup that is worth the (reasonable) price of admission alone. There was even a facebook campaign launched recently to get their pineapple chicken platter put into regular rotation! And those in the know know that, even if something is not on the menu, the talented team in Shanti’s kitchen are often more than willing to whip something up just for you!
In addition to the Naans (which deserve another mention), Shanti also offers such satisfying sides as mammoth meat and veggie samosas, coconut soup, and their signature Shanti salad, which features diced cucumber, onions, carrots, tomatoes and fresh cilantro. Each meal also begins with a serving of crispy papadum flatbread that is served with a trio of sweet, spicy, and spearminty sauces that should be held onto until the last bite. To wash it all down, Shanti offers an international array of beers that range from Sam Adams and Bass to Taj Mahal and Kingfisher, as well as a respectable wine list and such Indian drinks as sweet and smooth yogurt-based lassis (plain or mango) and carefully-concocted chai tea.
For those who may not have the time to sit and savor (though Shanti’s mellow vibe and attentive but calm staff encourage that), their famous lunch buffet offers an array of freshly-made favorites, each of which is impressive on its own and also in how it is distinguishable in form and flavor from the other options. For those who may want to travel to the sub-continent but cannot get out of the house (or office), Shanti also delivers.
Whether you are a regular or someone who just had to see if the rumors were true (they are!), Shanti offers a magnificent mix of mainstay menu items and surprising specials that make repeated visits a pleasure. They also reward customer loyalty with a great online “club” that offers an informative and fun newsletter and monthly discount coupons.
So whether you happen to be in Dorchester or Roslindale or somewhere in between, a trip to Shanti is one of the freshest and most satisfying trips to India you can take without leaving the country!
Shanti
1111 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA – 617 929 3900
4197 Washington Street, Roslindale Village, MA – 617 325 3900