Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most famous roads going through California. With its coastal breezes and “high end” living, PCH is the stereotype for California living. In somewhat of an abrupt, yet appropriate, clash to the stereotype is an Indian restaurant located in tandem with a Day’s Inn. Although the outside might seem very casual, like your parents use to say, “It’s what’s on the inside that matters.” This restaurant is Bombay Tandoori.
When you step inside, you don’t expect what you see. The place is cool and refreshing like the coast winds, and warm hues of red, green, and mahogany welcome you into the restaurant. A rich aroma of spices fill your nostrils as you take in the scenery. The staff, a busy group of well groomed servers, welcome you in loud and vocal embraces. They seat you down at a table and right away, they know what you’re eyeing: the buffet.
If you’ve never had Indian buffet before, it can be very daunting. The selection has names you would never know of and condiments most would never fathom unless familiar with Indian cuisine. Luckily, each dish has a description to what is being served. From delicious samosas (deep fried stuff pastry with potatoes, onions, peas, and lentils) to their assortment of curries, they got it down. The one thing that might be a bit disappointing is the size of the buffet. With only about three stations placed back to back, it is not a huge buffet compared to American standards; still, it’s the quality that matters, not the quantity. The things to definitely try are their “chix wings” (almost like a tandoori style of buffalo wings except much more savory), chicken tikka masala, and their vegetable pakora (vegetables deep fried in a sweet, yet savory, chickpea dough). Nowhere else will you find a place that makes such delicious cauliflower. Also, an endless supply of naan and garlic naan (Indian style flatbread) goes perfectly with each plateful.
An honorable mention has to go the wait staff. They are blazing fast in their service. As soon as you finish a plate, they are right there to clean it up for you. Need water? Wow, they are filling your glass. Never invasive, but always there for you. Just like a good friend.
Without a doubt, Bombay Tandoori is one of the best Indian restaurants in the South Bay. If you’re craving something different, yet still uniquely Californian, this is the place. Native Californian John Steinbeck once wrote (while traveling): “This journey has been like a full dinner of many courses, set before a starving man. At first he tries to eat all of everything, but as the meal progresses he finds he must forgo some things to keep his appetite and his taste buds functioning.” Your experience at Bombay Tandoori will be just the same: at first, the marveling of such a wonderful bounty. Then the sampling and gorging of said bounty. Finally, near the end of the meal, you realize what you truly like and you end your meal with only the best and satisfied.
Bombay Tandoori & Banquet
4111 Pacific Coast Highway
Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 303-3185
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