by Chuck Munson
I’ve been exploring the numerous Indian restaurants around Overland Park lately, but I’ve been very excited about the recent opening of Flavor of Himalaya in Raytown, Missouri. Much of this excitement was about the opening of a new restaurant with more northern Indian and Nepalese cuisine. It was also encouraging to see them opening in Raytown, which really deserves more family-owned, non-chain restaurants.
I have visited Flavor of Himalaya twice with Dining Companion #1. They were so impressed that they took their family to the restaurant for a third visit.
Dining Companion #1 and I like to sample a restaurant’s offerings “family style.” We order several entree dishes and share. My preference is still vegetarian or vegan items on menus, though I will try seafood dishes. But we have our favorites like saag paneer and channa dal. The latter is a favorite dish of mine and it has become my baseline comparison dish to compare Indian restaurants.
I like that the restaurant is colorful, yet simple. The staff are friendly and the food is quick to appear, even when there are other big parties in the restaurant.
The Saag Paneer landed perfectly with this critic. Tasted fresh, wasn’t oily, with lots of flavor. If I were to change anything about it, it would be the addition of a few more cheese cubes.
Aloo Gobi always feels like one of the healthiest dishes on Indian restaurant menus. Cauliflower, potatoes, tomato-based sauce, and spices. Hard to get this dish wrong, but Flavor of Himalaya’s version was wonderful.
We were very happy with their breads. Their garlic naan is so good, that I’m ordering that format more at other Indian restaurants. I’ve been a big fan of puri since my years living in the Washington, DC area. I’ve gotten a few friends hooked on that bread.
Their menu is extensive, so you will probably find your favorites on it. And plenty of dishes to try for the first time. They have a variety of biryanis and fried rice entrees. A large selection of goat dishes, which is a protein that is harder to find around Kansas City.
They have all of my favorite vegetarian entrees. Koftas, curries, and masalas. I need to try their pan-fried oka and their vegetable korma.
Given the number of times we’ve visited Flavor of Himalaya, I can say that you will be pleased and satisfied after a visit to this awesome restaurant.
5220 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133
Closed on Mondays and Sundays.
