Food: Tarka Indian Kitchen Opens in Round Rock

More than a few Indian-food lovers are going to be up on the new Tarka like cheese on macaroni. Or, better yet, like daal on rice.

This will be the second location for Tarka Indian Kitchen. The original location, which opened a few years ago on Brodie Lane, already has a devoted following. Tarka number two opened up in Round Rock this past December, and we expect it will be equally successful.

For those who might not have visited yet, Tarka bills itself as "the faster, more casual version" of its sister restaurant, the Clay Pit. It also lives up to the claim: you run in, place your order, grab your number placard, and food is delivered to you (at your table) pretty instantaneously.

When we visited, we found that what Tarka lacked in atmosphere -- the place definitely has a cafeteria feel -- it made up for in speed, quality and price.

All menu items are under $10, and the food is tasty without being heavy. Chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, curries, biryanis, lassis and samosas all get good reviews from customers.

Tarka's strengths make it the perfect place for a quick dinner before a movie, or a group outing with a passle of kids involved and/or staggered entrances and exits.

The restaurant's eco-conscious efforts offer an added bonus. From their website, "We recycle our used cooking oil, glass, aluminum, plastic, paper & cardboard, and compost our food waste. Our take-out packaging is eco-friendly, most of made from either recycled paper or made from corn that is grown in the United States."

Hot tip: if you like your Indian food real spicy, you need to specifically mention that when you order.

The new location of Tarka India Kitchen is at 201 University Blvd Ste 580 in Round Rock. Hours are Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 9 pm and Fri-Sat 11 am - 10 pm. Phone is (512) 246-1922.

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