Touch of Indian Tandoori Restaurant in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re craving authentic Indian flavors in Atlanta—especially smoky, clay-oven tandoori dishes—Touch of Indian Tandoori Restaurant is the kind of spot many locals and visitors look for: casual, flavorful, and focused on classic North Indian favorites.
While individual menus and details can change over time, this guide explains what you can typically expect from an Indian tandoori restaurant in Atlanta, how to get the most out of your visit, and how it fits into the city’s broader international cuisine scene.
Where Touch of Indian Tandoori Fits into Atlanta’s Food Scene
Atlanta’s restaurant landscape has grown into a diverse mix of global cuisines, and Indian food has a solid presence across the metro area—from Decatur and Midtown to suburbs like Alpharetta and Duluth.
A place like Touch of Indian Tandoori Restaurant generally falls into the category of:
- Casual, sit-down Indian restaurant
- Focused on tandoori and curry dishes
- Often offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery
- Usually family-friendly, with flexible seating and a relaxed atmosphere
If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or the Perimeter area, a tandoori-focused Indian restaurant is typically easy to work into your plans—either as a lunch stop or a relaxed dinner.
What “Tandoori” Means (and Why It Matters)
A tandoor is a traditional clay oven used across North India and parts of Central and Western Asia. In Atlanta Indian restaurants, it’s the source of some of the most popular dishes.
You can expect a restaurant with “Tandoori” in its name to highlight:
- Tandoori chicken – Chicken marinated in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices, then cooked in the tandoor for a smoky, charred edge.
- Chicken tikka – Boneless pieces of marinated chicken, often served as an appetizer or in a sauce.
- Seekh kebab – Minced meat shaped on skewers and cooked in the oven.
- Paneer tikka – Cubes of Indian cottage cheese marinated and grilled; a common vegetarian favorite.
- Fresh naan breads – Soft, slightly charred flatbreads slapped onto the inside of the tandoor to bake quickly.
If you’re used to Atlanta’s barbecue or grilled dishes, tandoori cooking has a similar appeal: char, smoke, and spice, but with distinct Indian flavors and aromatics.
Typical Menu at an Indian Tandoori Restaurant in Atlanta
Menu details vary by restaurant, but most Indian tandoori spots in Atlanta follow a similar structure.
1. Starters & Street-Food Style Snacks
Expect things like:
- Samosas – Fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
- Pakoras – Fritters made with vegetables like onions, spinach, or cauliflower.
- Tandoori wings or tikka – Perfect if you want something familiar but with Indian spices.
- Chaat – Tangy, crunchy, sweet-and-sour snacks (not every restaurant has these, but it’s common in more street-food–inspired spots).
These are good to share if you’re dining with a group in Atlanta and want to try multiple flavors without committing to a full entrée each.
2. Tandoori Specialties
This is where a place like Touch of Indian Tandoori Restaurant is likely to shine:
- Tandoori Chicken (on the bone or half/whole)
- Chicken Tikka or Malai Tikka (creamier, milder option)
- Lamb Seekh Kebab
- Fish Tikka (often salmon or tilapia)
- Paneer Tikka for vegetarians
These usually come with grilled onions, lemon wedges, and sometimes a side salad. They pair well with naan and a cooling raita (yogurt sauce).
3. Curries and Gravies
Even at a tandoori-focused place, you’ll typically find a full lineup of North Indian curries, like:
- Butter chicken (often called murgh makhani)
- Chicken tikka masala
- Saag paneer (spinach and paneer)
- Chana masala (chickpeas in a tangy tomato-onion sauce)
- Dal tadka or dal makhani (lentil dishes)
- Lamb rogan josh or lamb curry
Many Atlanta diners use these curries as their main comfort-food choice, especially with naan or basmati rice.
4. Breads, Rice & Sides
A major part of the experience:
- Naan (plain, garlic, butter, or stuffed like keema naan with minced meat)
- Roti or chapati (thinner, usually whole wheat)
- Biryani (spiced rice with vegetables, chicken, lamb, or goat)
- Jeera rice (cumin-flavored rice)
- Raita, pickles, and chutneys
If you’re splitting dishes at the table—a common approach among groups in Atlanta—order a mix of breads and rice so everyone can sample.
5. Desserts & Drinks
Common Indian desserts:
- Gulab jamun – Fried milk dumplings in sugar syrup.
- Kheer – Rice pudding with cardamom.
- Rasmalai – Soft cheese patties in sweetened milk.
Drinks often include:
- Mango lassi – Yogurt-based mango drink.
- Salted or sweet lassi
- Masala chai – Spiced Indian tea, sometimes served hot in the evening.
Typical Location Patterns in Atlanta
While the exact address for Touch of Indian Tandoori Restaurant may vary over time, Indian tandoori restaurants in Atlanta tend to cluster in:
- Decatur & North Decatur – Popular for a range of international cuisines, including Indian.
- Chamblee–Doraville corridor – Known for diverse Asian and global restaurants.
- Alpharetta / Johns Creek / Duluth – Strong South Asian communities and multiple Indian options.
- Midtown & Buckhead – More limited in number but often convenient for visitors staying in central Atlanta.
If you’re staying downtown or near major landmarks like the Georgia Aquarium or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, plan for a short drive or rideshare out to neighborhoods with more Indian options.
Price Range and What to Budget
Most tandoori-focused Indian restaurants in Atlanta fall into the moderate price range:
- Appetizers: Often in the lower-double-digit range for shareable portions.
- Tandoori entrées: Typically priced higher than simple vegetarian dishes but still within a casual-dining bracket.
- Curries: Generally priced per dish; sharing among 2–3 people with sides is common.
- Breads and rice: Usually ordered separately, so factor those into your total.
If you’re dining with 2–4 people and sharing:
- Plan for one appetizer, 2–3 mains, bread and rice, plus drinks.
- Many Atlanta diners find that family-style ordering stretches the value and gives more variety.
Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Vegan, and Halal Options
Atlanta’s Indian restaurants, including tandoori-centered ones, often cater to a range of diets.
Vegetarian
Indian cuisine naturally includes many vegetarian options:
- Paneer dishes (saag paneer, paneer tikka masala)
- Vegetable korma
- Chana masala
- Aloo gobi (potatoes & cauliflower)
- Dal (lentils)
Most vegetarian dishes are clearly marked on menus.
Vegan
For vegan diners in Atlanta:
- Look for items like chana masala, aloo gobi, and some dals.
- Ask the staff to confirm if ghee (clarified butter) or cream is used.
- Many kitchens can adjust spice and dairy levels if you ask politely.
Halal
Some Indian restaurants in the metro Atlanta area offer halal meat, but it is not universal.
- If halal is important to you, call the restaurant directly and ask whether their chicken, lamb, or goat is halal and how it’s sourced.
- Ask if any dishes mix meats or share fryers with non-halal items, if that matters to you.
How Spicy Is the Food?
Indian restaurants in Atlanta are accustomed to a broad customer base and usually offer customizable spice levels:
- Mild – More focus on flavor than heat; usually safe for those new to Indian food.
- Medium – A bit of a kick, but usually manageable for people who like typical Atlanta hot wings or spicy tacos.
- Hot or extra hot – Best for diners used to strong heat from chilies.
When you order, especially at a place like Touch of Indian Tandoori Restaurant, be clear about your comfort level. If you’re not sure, you can:
- Ask for mild with chili on the side (green chilies or chili flakes).
- Start mild for curries but try tandoori items at medium—the yogurt marinade often softens the perceived heat.
Ordering for Takeout or Delivery in Atlanta
Many Indian restaurants in Atlanta, particularly those emphasizing tandoori, are set up for takeout and delivery.
Tips for takeout:
- Tandoori items travel fairly well; they might lose a bit of crispness but retain flavor.
- Curries usually reheat easily and can even taste better after resting.
- Ask for naan to be well-done or slightly crispy if you’re worried about it softening in transit.
- If you’re picking up, plan your route to avoid peak Atlanta traffic (typically weekday late afternoons and early evenings).
Family-Friendly and Group Dining
A restaurant like Touch of Indian Tandoori often works well for:
- Families – Many kids enjoy naan, rice, and milder dishes like butter chicken.
- Small groups or work outings – Easy to share platters and try multiple dishes.
- Visitors to Atlanta – Offers a flavorful introduction to Indian cuisine without feeling too formal.
If you’re bringing a group:
- Call ahead to ask about group seating or approximate wait times during peak evening hours.
- If anyone has allergies (nuts, dairy, gluten), mention it clearly; many Indian kitchens can recommend safer options.
Parking, Access, and Getting There
Accessibility depends on the specific location, but for Indian tandoori restaurants in Atlanta you’ll often find:
- Strip-mall or shopping-center locations with surface parking
- Side-street parking in more urban areas like Decatur or Midtown
- Occasional proximity to MARTA bus routes or stations, especially near major corridors
If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta traffic:
- Allow extra time during weekday rush hours.
- If the restaurant is in a busy corridor (such as areas around Buford Highway, Perimeter Center, or Midtown), consider rideshare to avoid parking stress.
Quick Reference: What to Expect at an Atlanta Tandoori Restaurant
| Aspect | What You’ll Typically Find in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Cuisine focus | North Indian dishes, especially tandoori grilled items and curries |
| Atmosphere | Casual, comfortable, often family-friendly |
| Diet options | Many vegetarian, some vegan-friendly; ask about halal if needed |
| Spice levels | Usually customizable: mild, medium, hot |
| Service style | Dine-in, takeout, and often delivery |
| Best for | Shared meals, group dinners, trying multiple Indian dishes at once |
| Good first-time picks | Tandoori chicken, butter chicken, garlic naan, mango lassi |
Practical Tips Before You Visit
A few Atlanta-specific pointers to make your visit smoother:
- 📞 Call ahead if you’re visiting at prime dinner time (Friday or Saturday evenings) to ask about wait times.
- 🌶️ Start mild if you’re new to Indian food, then adjust up on future visits.
- 🍛 Share dishes—order a mix of tandoori items, one or two curries, and assorted breads/rice.
- 🚗 Check parking in advance if the restaurant is in a busy district or near major shopping areas.
- 📍 If you rely on GPS, double-check the restaurant name and address; Atlanta has multiple international plazas where several Indian spots can be in the same complex.
By understanding how a place like Touch of Indian Tandoori Restaurant typically operates within Atlanta’s food scene—what it serves, how to order, and what to expect—you can plan a meal that fits your tastes, schedule, and budget while enjoying some of the city’s richer international flavors.