Saag Paneer
Traditional Indian dish that consists of onion, garlic, spinach, yogurt buttermilk, red chile powder, garam masala simmered with paneer or Indian cheese. Served with nan — Indian bread — or rice.
Good: Great India Restaurant
Better: Tandoori Mahal Indian Restaurant
Best: India Oven
Great India Restaurant
“Easy on the spices”
On the menu: “Vegetarian Specialties, Saag Paneer, fresh spinach cooked with cheese and herbs” Price — $ 6.95
Upon entering the restaurant, you will see golden flourished mirrors, lamps, glass tables and green chairs. The candlelight and Indian music create a cozy atmosphere. It’s a great place to dine on a quiet weekday night, as there is no wait for a table.
The waiter presents you with a complimentary Papadum – an appetizer that is thinner and crisper than a tortilla chip. You can select three sauces that include chutney sauce, mint sauce and tamarind sauce. This is definitely a plus in my book.
The waiter is kind enough to ask if you want your food mild, medium or hot. Rice comes with the dish, but not the nan. The serving portions are similar to the other restaurants and just as filling. I found the Saag Paneer a little too bitter. Try the other dishes like the cauliflower and vegetable samosa. It’s worth the trip if you diversify the selection.
6127 Geary Street (Between 25th and 26th)
San Francisco, CA 94121
415-751-4433
Open: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily
Tandoori Mahal Indian Restaurant
“Go buffet”
On the Menu: “Vegetarian Specialties #92, Saag Paneer, fresh spinach, cooked with cheese and herbs” Price — $ 7.95
There is a Taj Mahal theme throughout the restaurant. The doorway looks like an entrance to a castle, minus the marble. The quiet restaurant invites customers to glance at the Indian pictures of ceremonial eating and dancing. The moderate price is as inviting as the aroma of the spices.
For those who want to kick the spice habit, the Saag Paneer is subtle and mild. Tasty enough to finish a serving but may be too delicate for some. The nan is piping hot so be careful not to burn your fingers. I recommend the lunch buffet. The price is reasonable — maybe a few dollars extra but you can have a vast selection and fill up on different dishes.
941 Kearny (at Columbus)
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-951-0505
Open: 11:30 - 2:30 p.m., 4:30 - 10:00 p.m. daily
India Oven
“Yup, eat here”
On the Menu: “Saag Paneer, cubes of homemade cheese sauteed with spinach and spices.” Price — $ 8.95
Besides the butcher paper on the tables, the place is pretty elegant. Warm candlelight, a small vase with delicate flowers and attentive service justifies the prices.
Warning! Yuppie alert! You will be surrounded by a well-groomed, palm pilot-holding, cell phone-ringing crowd. Don’t be fooled by the drumming of the Indian musical beats and waiters uniformed in white shirts and vests with beadings. It’s a multi-ethnic crowd.
The portions are relatively small and the cheese chunks are large but the spices strike a nice balance. This is why it is this picky eater’s choice.
233 Fillmore Street (Between Haight and Waller)
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-626-1628
Dinner served daily 5 - 11 p.m.
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