I have been a fan of Indian cuisine since I used to indulge with clients in Southern California. It is amazing how many ways vegetables can be prepared in exotic sauces that taste great.
Mint Indian Bistro, with three locations in the valley, offers traditional dishes with modern twists. The Henderson location, previously home to various restaurants, is in a small mall. This one should stick.
They are also one of the only places locally that have a buffet on the weekends. Most sites usually leave that for weekdays. Mint only charges $18.99 for the all-you can eat affair and it will keep you happy for the rest of the day.
The place is pleasing for both meat lovers and vegans as there are separate choices for both. On the carnivore side are lamb shish kebabs accompanied with mint and garam masala baked in a special clay oven.
Traditional chicken tikka is marinated for 24 hours and then baked. Of course, there is chicken tandoori that is rubbed in Indian spices that gives the bird a sensual taste.
Some restaurants offer a variety of tandoori meats but that is not the case here. Chicken is the star and they are proud of it.
For lovers of the green a wide range of options await. Vegan Samosa Chaat is topped with garbanzo beans and two chutneys (mint and tamarind).
Tikka Masala is a popular entrée featuring veggies or paneer cubes that are slowly simmered in a creamy, butter tomato sauce that is blended with Indian spices. Korma features creamy liquid that is sprinkled with cashew nuts and assorted home ground spices. Matter Paneer is another flavorful option featuring green peas in a creamy sauce.
Rice is an Indian staple, and a large menu of favorites are ready to order. Jeera is the simplest version of basmati that is pan cooked with cumin. Vegan veggie fried rice is accented with soy sauce, ginger garlic and fresh veggies.
Table sharing sides include mixed vegetable raita with creamy yogurt that is mixed with grated carrot and cucumber. A veggie salad has sliced tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, onions, chilies and lemon wedges.
For those who really want to spice it up the Inferno Menu is available and comes with a warning waiver. One of the choices is the Inferno Curry Challenger that is marinated with the hottest chilis in the world.
Finish the menu challenge to earn a spot on the wall and a $50 gift card. Biryani and Dosa are also part of the challenge fare.
Lassis are refreshing drinks that cut the spices in the food. Mint takes it a step further as they prepare cocktails that are enhanced with juices, syrups, tinctures and tonics. Martinis and a citrus fizz are fitting adult libations.
Mint will satisfy your craving for great Indian cuisine.
Mint Indian Bistro, 19740 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson. 730 E. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas. 4246 S. Durango, Las Vegas. www.mintbistro.com.
