Popular Bethesda Indian restaurant Haandi has changed its name to Kadhai. Menus now describe the kitchen's offerings as "Boutique Indian Cuisine." Now, before you panic, don't worry: all of your favorite dishes are still on the menu. But many new ones have also been added.
What does Kadhai mean?
It refers to an Indian and Pakistani wok. A kadhai is an iron or steel wok that is deeper, thicker and more bowl-like than a Chinese wok. If I recall correctly, Haandi actually had a Chicken Kadhai dish already on the menu.
But many new items have been added, and I thank a very helpful reader for compiling a complete list of the new dishes (and for sending a great side-by-side photo of the Haandi/Kadhai menu covers) that I would not have been able to myself!
So, here is the list:
Palak Chaat -appetizer with baby spinach, tomato, onion in yogurt & tamarind sauce
Goat Biryani -bone-in goat meat in spices, then layered with rice flavored with saffron and nuts
Daal Tadka -Yellow lentils in mild spices
Channa Masala -Chickpeas in north Indian spices
Bhindi Masala -Okra, onion, tomatoes, spices
Goat Kadhai -bone-in goat with tomatoes, green peppers, onions
Hariyali Tikka Tandoori -Chicken marinated in cilantro, and baby spinach sauce
Lasooni Kabab -Chicken marinated in garlic & onion sauce
Goan Shrimp Curry -Jumbo shrimp in chef's medium coconut -milk-based sauce
Goan Fish Curry -Salmon fillet in coconut-milk-based sauce
Goat Curry -Bone-in goat meat with ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes, green chilies, Indian spices
As you can tell, it will take many visits to try them all. So begin new dining adventures at Kadhai, 7905 Norfolk Avenue, in downtown Bethesda. Reservations: 301-718-0121.
