Bhojanic describes its concept in four words: “Fusion Homestyle Indian Tapas.” But that doesn’t explain everything that’s going on at this lively, family-run Decatur restaurant, bar and music venue.
On many nights, the scene might slowly change from Emory neighborhood regulars stopping in after work for drinks and snacks on the front patio to families and couples out for a bargain-priced dinner to a late crowd gathered to listen to some blues or jazz.
Easy does it
Other than some Indian-style prints on the soft yellow walls, and a stash of Indian clothing and decorative items for sale in a small corner shop, there’s nothing about Bhojanic that shouts ethnic restaurant.
One recent evening, the sounds of sweet soul music serenaded guests scattered around the bar area and main dining room.
Bhojanic celebrates its sixth anniversary in October. But the family has been running a catering kitchen for 17 years. And they are set to open Bhojan Market, a small retail space and chai tea bar, next door in the same shopping center.
Indian tapas
What distinguishes Bhojanic from most Indian restaurants is a good selection of small plates ($5.95-$7.95), ideal for sampling and sharing. The menu is mostly northern Indian, Punjabi-style cuisine. But it’s cooked homestyle, without butter or cream. And there are plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians among the many healthy, plant-centered dishes.
Typical of the tasty tapas is alu tikki, crispy potato patties topped with a spicy melange of chickpea curry, cilantro, onion and chutney. Eggplant makki ki roti is a flavorful flat Indian cornbread, served with a savory jam-like spread made with roasted eggplant, caramelized onions and tomato.
Beyond veggies, there’s Bhojanic Chicken 65, a lighter, nonfried version of the classic, with yogurt-marinated chicken, cooked up with mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chilies. Bhojanic shrimp are sautéed with a similar mix of curry leaves and mustard seeds in a tomato and onion masala. Kebabs are made with a mix of ground turkey and spices, roasted on skewers, and served with mint chutney.
Thali time
There are always a couple of daily entrée features, such as fish in curry sauce or lamb. One of the best ways to experience several tastes is the traditional thali platter, a sort of school lunch tray, with rice, bread and condiments. Weekday lunch prices start at $7.50 for two vegetable dishes. At night, the two meat and one vegetable thali combo tops out at $13.95.
Dining out
Bhojanic, 1363 Clairmont Road, Decatur. 404-633-9233
Signature dish: Thalis (traditional Indian combo platters)
Entree prices: $7.50-$16.95
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Closed Sundays. Lunch menu: 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Music and bar late some nights.
Reservations: Yes
Credit cards: Yes
Online: www.bhojanic.com
You can write your own review here .
About the Author
The Latest
Featured
