For years, Chattanooga had one Indian restaurant. Today, with the recent opening of The Curry Pot, we have three within a couple of miles of each other on Lee Highway.

I’m often surprised to hear people say they don’t like Indian food because it is too spicy. It can be, if you order it that way. Some people also might find the menu items unfamiliar or intimidating. That’s why buffets are a good way to go, and The Curry Pot offers the largest selection in town.

Whether it’s a chicken, shrimp, lamb or vegetarian dish, I’ve found most Indian dishes to be rich in flavor, and every bite seems to offer something new.

The Menu

The Curry Pot specializes in the cuisines of North and South India.

South Indian cooking uses rice as a base and is generally hotter. Southern chutneys and dals are a little soupier than those prepared in the northern part of the country.

The curries of North India are thicker, and dried fruits and nuts are commonly used.

The Curry Pot menu reflects the variety of the country, and the daily buffets offer a good way to sample something new. I’ve found that buffets, especially those featuring an unfamiliar cuisine, are a good way to be adventurous.

For those who are scared off by spicy foods, buffets are also a fairly safe way to sample, as most restaurants put out milder foods on buffets in an attempt to satisfy a variety of tastes. You can always heat up your meal with chutneys.

On the day I visited, the buffet included 11 entrees, salad fixings, two soups, dessert, nan bread and pakoras.

Part of the fun of eating Indian food is experimenting with how certain chutneys enhance certain dishes, and The Curry Pot offers several on its buffet. You can sweeten and/or heat up almost any dish with the right combination.

The Lamb Palak was very good with tender chunks of lamb cooked with spinach. The Chicken Tandori, which is cooked in a clay oven, was flavorful, though a little bony and dry.

Best bets: Masala Dosa, Chicken Tika salad, Lamb Palak and Chicken Tika Masala.

The Service

Arriving early in the lunch hour, I had my choice of places to sit in the large dining area. My drink order was taken immediately, and I was shown the buffet. The same waitress/cashier made sure my water glass was refilled.

The Verdict

I was impressed with the variety and selections, though I was less than inspired by a couple of the items, which were a little bland for my taste. The Chicken Tika Masala and the Lamb Palak were worth the visit alone, however. Overall the meal was very good and, at under $8 for lunch, a good bargain.