Tarka Indian Kitchen Introduce
In a city known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, Tarka Indian Kitchen stands out by offering a modern, fast-casual approach to traditional Indian cuisine. This Houston gem is not your typical sit-down restaurant; it's a place that combines authentic flavors with a clean, light, and airy atmosphere. The concept is simple yet effective: provide high-quality, flavorful Indian food in a convenient setting, making it accessible for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a healthy meal on the go. Tarka caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, proudly offering an extensive menu that is clearly labeled for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, making it a reliable and inclusive choice for the Houston community.
The food at Tarka is a celebration of rich, aromatic flavors. From a customer perspective, the dishes are described as "excellent" and "very flavorful." A review highlights the "tender" and herb-infused Lamb Kabob, the "flaky and crunchy" Vegetable Samosas, and the "fluffy and garlicky" Naan. The Chicken Biryani is also a standout, praised for its tender chicken and flavorful basmati rice. Tarka's menu is designed for customization, allowing guests to choose their preferred protein and spice level for their curries and kabobs, ensuring a personalized and satisfying meal every time. This attention to detail and commitment to authentic taste profiles, even in a fast-casual format, is what has earned Tarka a loyal following in Houston. It's a place where you can find comfort in familiar dishes while also exploring new and exciting flavors from various regions of India.
Beyond the food, Tarka Indian Kitchen provides a dining experience that is both efficient and welcoming. The counter-service model is praised for its speed, making it an ideal spot for those with limited time. The staff is consistently described as "friendly" and "helpful," ready to assist guests with menu choices or dietary questions. This combination of fast service and warm hospitality creates an atmosphere that feels both professional and personal. For Texans who are used to a variety of fast-casual options, Tarka offers a refreshing and flavorful alternative that proves you don't have to sacrifice quality for convenience. The commitment to fresh, healthy ingredients and a wide variety of options ensures that everyone, from the seasoned Indian food enthusiast to someone trying it for the first time, will find something to love.
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Location and Accessibility
Tarka Indian Kitchen is located at 3701 S Shepherd Dr Suite A, Houston, TX 77098. This prime location in the Upper Kirby area makes it a convenient stop for residents and those working in the vicinity. The restaurant’s modern design, with its light and airy feel, creates a welcoming atmosphere. Accessibility is a key feature of this location, with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. This ensures that every member of the community can enjoy a comfortable dining experience. The availability of both a free parking lot and free street parking makes it easy for guests to visit without the stress of searching for a spot. The outdoor seating provides a great option for enjoying a meal on a pleasant day, adding to the restaurant's appeal as a relaxed and inviting space.
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Services Offered
Tarka Indian Kitchen offers a variety of convenient services to suit a modern, busy lifestyle. These services include:
- Outdoor Seating: The restaurant provides a comfortable outdoor seating area for guests who prefer to dine in the open air.
- Delivery: Customers can have their favorite dishes delivered directly to their doorstep through various delivery platforms.
- Takeout and Curbside Pickup: The counter-service model is designed for efficiency, making it simple to place an order for takeout or use the curbside pickup option.
- Dine-in: The casual and trendy atmosphere with booths, tables, and bar-height seating is perfect for a relaxed dine-in experience.
- Catering: Tarka offers catering services, making it a great option for corporate events, parties, and family gatherings that require a flavorful and healthy meal.
- Counter Service: The quick and friendly counter service ensures that customers are served promptly, ideal for a quick bite during a lunch break.
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Features / Highlights
Tarka Indian Kitchen has several features that make it a standout choice for anyone in the Houston area. These highlights include:
- Authentic and Flavorful Menu: The food is praised for its rich, authentic flavors, with a wide selection of biryanis, kabobs, and curries.
- Dietary Accommodations: The menu is clearly labeled for a wide range of dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. This makes it easy for individuals with food restrictions to find a delicious and safe meal.
- Fast Service: Customers consistently praise the fast and efficient service, making it an excellent option for a quick, high-quality meal.
- Modern and Casual Atmosphere: The restaurant’s modern, clean, and light-filled space offers a trendy and comfortable environment for dining.
- Family-Friendly: With a dedicated kids' menu, high chairs, and a welcoming atmosphere, Tarka is a great place for families to dine together.
- Freshly Made Breads: The fresh breads, such as the fluffy Garlic Naan, are a highlight and a must-try for any guest.
- High-Quality Ingredients: The emphasis on "chopped-in-shop" ingredients and fresh preparation ensures that every dish is made with care and attention to detail.
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Contact Information
Address: 3701 S Shepherd Dr Suite A, Houston, TX 77098, USA
Phone: (832) 582-7102
Mobile Phone: +1 832-582-7102
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What is worth choosing
For Texans looking for an Indian dining experience that is both convenient and exceptional, Tarka Indian Kitchen is a worthy choice. What sets it apart is its unique combination of fast-casual efficiency and the high quality of authentic, flavorful food. The menu's commitment to accommodating various dietary needs—be it vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free—makes it a truly inclusive restaurant that stands out in the Houston food scene. Customers can enjoy a wide array of delicious dishes, from tender Lamb Kabob to a hearty Vegetable Samosa, knowing that the food is not only flavorful but also prepared with fresh ingredients.
The overall experience at Tarka is defined by its speed, quality, and friendly atmosphere. The clean, modern interior is a pleasant change from a typical restaurant, and the counter-service model ensures that you get your food quickly without sacrificing quality. This is particularly appealing for busy professionals and families who need a delicious meal without the long wait. The consistent praise for the staff's helpfulness and friendliness also adds a personal touch to the dining experience, making you feel welcome and cared for. In addition, the a customer review that praises the food as "awesome" and the garlic naan as "excellent" solidifies its reputation as a place that delivers on its promises. Tarka Indian Kitchen is not just a place to get Indian food; it is a place that has perfected the art of serving authentic and delicious cuisine in a fast, modern, and friendly environment, making it a must-try for anyone in the Houston area.
Tarka Indian Kitchen Menu
Biryanis
- Shrimp Biryani (GF) $14.35
Basmati Rice stir fried with shrimp, garlic, ginger, onion, and whole spices. Served with yogurt blended with roasted cumin, seasoning and finely minced vegetables.
- Paneer Biryani (GF) $13.25
Basmati Rice stir fried with paneer, garlic, ginger, onion, and whole spices. Served with yogurt blended with roasted cumin, seasoning and finely minced vegetables.
- Vegetables Biryani (GF) $12.00
Basmati Rice stir fried with vegetables, garlic, ginger, onion, and whole spices. Served with yogurt blended with roasted cumin, seasoning and finely minced vegetables.
- Chicken Biryani (GF) $14.35
Basmati Rice stir fried with chicken, garlic, ginger, onion, and whole spices. Served with yogurt blended with roasted cumin, seasoning and finely minced vegetables.
- Beyond Keema Biryani (GF) (V) $15.50
Basmati Rice cooked with plant-based ground meat, green peas, garlic, ginger, onion, and whole spices.
- Lamb Biryani (GF) $15.50
Basmati Rice stir fried with lamb, garlic, ginger, onion, and whole spices. Served with yogurt blended with roasted cumin, seasoning and finely minced vegetables.
Sides
- Small Side Tikka Sauce $1.00
- Side Vegan Mint Chutney $0.75
- Side Mint Chutney $0.75
- Side Saag $4.75
Pureed spinach sauteed with garlic and onions, delicately spiced and enriched with cream.
- Large Side Tikka Sauce $4.75
- Side Korma Sauce $4.75
- Side Raita $0.75
- Onion Plate $1.50
- Side Desi Ranch $0.75
- Side Veggies $3.60
Lightly seasoned and sautéed zucchini, cauliflower, carrots & green beans.
- Large Hot Sauce $3.50
- Side Achar $1.25
- Side Kabob Veggies $3.60
Lightly seasoned zucchini, bell peppers and red onions, grilled on a flat-top.
- Small Hot Sauce $0.00
- Side Rice $3.00
Fresh Bread
- Garlic Naan $3.50
Leavened flatbread brushed with garlic & basil
- Roti (V) $3.00
Unleavened whole wheat bread
- Cheese Naan $5.00
Freshly baked Naan topped with Mozzarella cheese, melted to gooey perfection with a dusting of masala. Served with your choice of Tikka sauce, Desi Ranch or Raita.
- Naan $3.15
Leavened Indian flatbread
- Pav (V) $3.00
Freshly toasted vegan sweet yeast rolls
Specials
- Chicken & Cheese Samosa-Nadas $5.00
Two flaky pastry shells stuffed with minced curried chicken, cheddar jack cheese, cabbage & onions, delicately spiced and fried to golden brown. Served with choice of chutney.
- Iced Chai $4.75
Home-brewed Black Tea infused with Cardamom, Cinnamon & fresh Ginger. Sweetened with Agave & poured over Ice with Oat Milk. Dairy Free!
- Pina Colada Lassi $5.00
A refreshing Indian concoction of yogurt and/or coconut milk freshly whipped with ripe pureed pineapple.
- Aloo Gobi (V) (GF) $12.00
Braised cauliflower, potatoes & green peas cooked with a fragrant blend of spices. A traditional north Indian favorite! Served with basmati rice.
Vegetarian
- Yellow Daal (V) (GF) $12.00
Yellow & red lentils cooked with Indian spices and finished with a tarka of onions, tomatoes, cumin and crushed coriander. Served with basmati rice.
- Aloo Gobi (V) (GF) $12.00
Braised cauliflower, potatoes & green peas cooked with a fragrant blend of spices. A traditional north Indian favorite! Served with basmati rice.
- Mattar Paneer (GF) $13.25
Paneer cheese and green peas simmered in an onion curry with a touch tomato sauce and cream. Served with basmati rice.
- Malai Kofta $13.25
Savory vegetable dumplings cooked in a rich tomato-onion curry sauce. Served with basmati rice.
- Kofta Korma $13.25
Savory vegetable dumplings cooked in a rich cashew-almond-pistachio cream sauce. Served with basmati rice.
- Saag Channa (GF) $12.00
A flavorful combination of our garbanzo bean curry & pureed spinach sautéed with garlic & onions. Served with basmati rice.
- Beyond Keema Curry (V) $15.50
Plant-based ground meat with green peas & red potatoes, seasoned with coriander, dried chilis & Indian spices, served with freshly toasted vegan sweet yeast rolls.
- Channa Masala (V) (GF) $12.00
Zesty garbanzo bean curry with sautéed onions, tomatoes, garlic & ginger, garnished with cilantro. Served with basmati rice.
- Daal Makhani (GF) $12.00
Black lentils & kidney beans slow cooked with butter & cream, garlic, ginger & tomatoes. Not available mild.
Starters
- Samosa Chaat $6.00
Samosa topped with Channa Masala, onions, mint & tamarind chutneys, raita, & sev/boondi (chickpea crisps). Classic Indian street fare!
- Vegetable Samosas (V) $6.00
Flaky pastry puffs (2 per order) stuffed with seasoned potatoes and green peas. Served with mint-tamarind-yogurt chutney. Vegan chutney available upon request.
- Chicken Pakoras (GF) $6.50
Tender chicken strips dipped in a seasoned chick pea flour batter. Served with mint-tamarind-yogurt chutney.
- Tikka Masala Fries (GF) $4.20
Perfectly fried & tossed with our special masala seasoning mix. served with tikka sauce or make it vegan with ketchup or agave-tamarind sauce.
- Vegetable Pakoras (V) (GF) $5.65
Potatoes & onions dipped and fried in a gram flour and roasted cumin batter. Served with mint-tamarind-yogurt chutney. Vegan chutney available.
- Chicken & Cheese Samosa-Nadas $5.00
Two flaky pastry shells stuffed with minced curried chicken, cheddar jack cheese, cabbage & onions, delicately spiced and fried to golden brown. Served with choice of chutney.
Lassis
- Mango Lassi $5.00
A refreshing Indian concoction of yogurt freshly whipped with ripe pureed mango.
- Strawberry Lassi $5.00
A refreshing Indian concoction of yogurt freshly whipped with ripe pureed strawberries
- Sweet Lassi $4.50
A refreshing Indian concoction of yogurt freshly whipped with sugar
- Pina Colada Lassi $5.00
A refreshing Indian concoction of yogurt and/or coconut milk freshly whipped with ripe pureed pineapple.
Special Beverages
- Mango Lemonade $3.50
- Sparkling Water $3.25
Sparkling Mineral Water
- Iced Tea $3.25
- Kids Strawberry Rose Lemonade $2.00
- Soft Drinks $3.25
- Strawberry Rose Lemonade $3.50
- Iced Chai $4.75
Home-brewed Black Tea infused with Cardamom, Cinnamon & fresh Ginger. Sweetened with Agave & poured over Ice with Oat Milk. Dairy Free!
- Apple Juice $2.00
- Kids Mango Lemonade $2.00
- Chai $3.25
Desserts
- Mango Cheesecake (GF) $5.25
Light & moist cheesecake, bursting with flavor from the king of fruits
- Gulab Jaman $4.25
A traditional deep fried milk pastry served warm in a rosewater-honey syrup.
- Ras Malai (N) $4.25
Delicate cheese patties served in sweetened cream infused with cardamom.
Kabobs
- Lamb Kabob (GF) $15.50
Juicy boneless lamb marinated in yogurt with fresh garlic and ginger, roasted cumin, herbs & spices.
- Chicken Kabob (GF) $14.35
Tender chicken breast delicately seasoned in our chef’s special marinade. Served with mint-tamarind-yogurt chutney.
- Combo Kabob (GF) $15.50
Can't decide? Get the best of both worlds with chicken and lamb kabobs. Served with a choice of chutney.
Soup/Salad
- Green Salad (V) (GF) $4.75
Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, chickpeas & gluten free masala crisps.
- Mulligatawny Soup (GF) $3.60
Flavorful vegetables, lentils & minced chicken, infused with lemon juice, curry powder & coconut milk.
- Madras Soup (V) (GF) $3.30
Tomato-Coconut Soup cooked with Indian spices & finished with an aromatic tarka of onions, cumin & garlic.
- Chicken Kabob Salad (GF) $13.00
Freshly grilled chicken atop mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, garbanzos & gluten-free masala crisps.
Kid's Menu
- Kids Chicken Pakoras (GF) $7.75
Fried chicken strips served with rice or masala fries, & choice of drink.
- Kids Biryani Rice Bowl (GF) $7.75
Basmati rice stir-fried Indian style with chicken, veggies or paneer. Served with choice of drink.
- Kids Curry Bowl (GF) $7.75
Chicken, veggies or paneer in mild Tikka Masala curry over basmati rice. Served with a choice of drink.
- Kids Kabob Bowl (GF) $7.75
Chicken or Lamb Kabob served over basmati rice or masala fries, with mint-tamarind chutney. Served with choice of drink.
Curries
- Saag (GF) $0.00
Pureed spinach sauteed with garlic and onions, delicately spiced and enriched with cream. Served with basmati rice.
- Coconut Curry (V) (GF) $0.00
Smooth onion sauce infused with fresh ginger and garlic, finished with coconut milk & potatoes. Served with basmati rice.
- Mirchy Mirch Curry (GF) $0.00
A fiery curry made with sauteed garlic, ginger & whole spices, simmered with chilies, mint & coriander. Not available Mild.
- Korma (N) (GF) $0.00
Rich cashew almond pistachio cream sauce. Served with basmati rice.
- Vindaloo (GF) $0.00
Tangy onion and tomato sauce sauteed with bell peppers & potatoes, finished with tamarind chutney. Served with basmati rice.
- Yellow Daal Curry (V) (GF) $0.00
Yellow & red lentils cooked with Indian spices & finished with a tarka of onions, tomatoes, cumin & coriander
- Tikka Masala (GF) $0.00
Mouthwatering creamy tomato curry infused with fresh herbs and ground spices. Served with basmati rice.
Tarka Indian Kitchen Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Halal food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Tarka Indian Kitchen Photos
Tarka Indian Kitchen Location
Tarka Indian Kitchen
3701 S Shepherd Dr Suite A, Houston, TX 77098, USA
Tarka Indian Kitchen Reviews
tikka masalagarlic naankabobkidsfast casualmalai koftalemonadeindian fast foodveggie samosaslamb biryani
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We ordered out the chicken biryani, vegetable samosa, kabob lamb, and garlic naan.Kabob lamb had an excellent hint of herbs and spices, and it was tender! Vegetable samosa was filled to the brim with green peas and potatoes! Very crunchy and flaky! Garlic naan was excellent, fluffy and garlicky! Chicken biryani was very flavorful, tender basmati rice. Tomato curry was awesome! Overall, loved it. Wished I had more time to try the other dishes!
August 18 · Yaj XouThis place has a modern, light and airy feel to it. It's counter service with booths, tables, and bar height seating to choose from. There's a kids' menu and lots of options to pick different spice levels. The menu is clearly labeled for people with food restrictions. Helpful, friendly staff.
August 18 · Caroline HackneyGreat tasting fast Indian food. Service was decent. I really like their choices of sodas and teas. Lots of flavors. I edited the vanilla cream soda. Naan is fabulous. We got the Tikka Masala and Yellow Daal Curry. Delicious.
May 24 · David DuezThis is like a fast food Indian Cuisine, like Chipotle is To a mexican Restaurant. Not bad at all for 1st time Customer. It's really tough to enjoy deci Food with Pepsi products..
May 03 · ray rendonI really enjoyed my experience here. I had the chickpea curry. It was spicy, hot to the touch, and flavorful. And the bowl was plenty. Couldn't eat it all. Great customer service. There was no wait. It was slow at the time of my visit. I would eat there again.
February 24 · GabbyKat Creations
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