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I love Indian food. There, I said it. It’s bold, fragrant, playful and deeply satisfying.
When I first heard whispers about the atmosphere at Khana Grill in Fayetteville, a spot illuminated by Moroccan lanterns and infused with the vibrancy of deep jewel tones, I couldn’t get there fast enough. One bite, one glance, and I was captivated.
When I recently discovered that my niece had become obsessed with “Mira, Royal Detective,” a Disney show featuring an Indian girl sleuth, I knew the perfect way to expand our shared adventures: a trip to Khana Grill to celebrate flavors, culture, and the joyful curiosity of trying something new.
Because let’s be honest: watching someone experience something for the first time is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether it’s a new hiking trail, a fresh local museum or a dish that makes their taste buds dance, I live for the moments when I can share that magic. Khana Grill is one of those places—consistently enchanting, endlessly generous and always full of delicious surprises.
From my father-in-law to my adventurous aunt, from coworkers to my niece with her Mira-inspired excitement, I’ve been spellbound at the table, watching them take that first bite. The anticipation is almost overwhelming. Will they pause in wide-eyed wonder? Will they rush back in for another forkful? That smoky, creamy bite of tikka chicken; the first chewy pull of garlic naan; the zingy sip of Indian soda. The flavors are alive—and somehow, so are we.
Soggy samosas, let’s dig in.
What’s to Love About Indian Food?
Indian food is an explosion of warmth, spice, and contrast. Creamy sauces meet crispy dough, while sweet chutneys balance smoky heat. Every bite is layered with history, hospitality, and heart.
You’ll taste cardamom and clove, ginger and garlic, turmeric and tamarind – often in the same dish. It’s vibrant. It’s comforting. It’s soul-stirring. And it’s meant to be shared and savored.
But beyond the flavors, Indian food is a celebration of culture that invites you to slow down, savor and connect with both your tablemates and a heritage spanning centuries. At Christmas, when I enjoy sharing cultural experiences with my family, this is always an easy starting point; something very approachable that feels quite different from our daily experiences.
New Foods, New Mindset
Introducing children to global cuisine is like giving them a passport for their minds.
Trying new foods teaches bravery, openness, and empathy. It nudges children out of their comfort zones and into something colorful and aromatic with new textures, and maybe even messy. It sparks curiosity, not just about what’s on the plate, but about the people, places and traditions behind it.
As my niece sipped her mint limeade and declared the samosas “like spicy hot pockets,” I recognized that something wonderful had clicked. They were not exactly what she expected, but this wasn’t just a silly dinner; it was exploration. It was memory-making. Whether she ever ate this food again, we had shared a moment, and her scavenger hunt had decoded a new experience!
Khana’s Greatest Hits
Let’s call this section: “What to Order When You Want to Try Everything.”
The beauty of Khana Grill is that the team WANTS you to ask questions. Don’t know the difference between tikka and malai? Wondering if paneer is spicy? Not sure how to pronounce “kathi roll”? They’ve got you. And they’re happy to explain it all with kindness and contagious enthusiasm….just ask!
Here are my go-to favorites:
Garlic Naan
If a meal doesn’t include garlic naan, I simply don’t understand. Warm, chewy, slightly crispy at the edges, and buttery with roasted garlic -it’s the bread that dreams are made of. I save mine to scoop up every last drop of sauce or order a shareable appetizer while we wait for the main course.
Samosas
These golden, flaky triangle pockets are filled with potatoes, peas and spices, then fried to perfection. The tangy-sweet tamarind and smoky cilantro sauces take me right back to the first time I tasted this flavor at a middle school sleepover at a friend’s house. It’s nostalgic and new all at once. Ask questions, as many main dishes come with a samosa on the side.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Creamy, tomato-based sauce infused with warming spices and tender grilled chicken – this is next-level comfort food. It’s mild enough for spice-sensitive palates yet complex enough to impress any foodie. Plus, the crunchy bits, like Indian corn nuts, provide plenty of reasons to order extra.
Chicken Coconut Malai
This dish is a hug in a bowl. The coconut milk adds subtle sweetness and creaminess, while the spices bring complexity without heat. It’s silky, satisfying, and a must-try. It also provides a great opportunity to switch up protein options if you want to try something new.
Kathi Rolls
Think of these as the Indian version of a wrap or gyro—flaky flatbread filled with spiced meats, paneer, onions, sauces, and greens. They are portable, flavorful, and perfect for lunch on the go or a lighter dinner.
Paneer Options + Vegan Choices
If you’re skipping meat, don’t worry. Paneer, a mild, firm Indian cheese, absorbs flavors like a sponge and works beautifully in curries or grilled dishes. Its texture is chewy like cubed chicken thighs, so you won’t be thrown off by mouthfeel. Khana also offers vegan-friendly options that don’t sacrifice flavor. Their menu welcomes all types of diners.
Family-Style Dining & Combo Platters
Sharing is where it’s at! If your crew is open to going family-style, the combo platters or family meals offer you a little of everything. It’s a great way to sample multiple dishes without decision fatigue.
Drinks Worth Sipping
I often choose a unique Indian soda—sweet, fizzy and unexpected. However, on warmer days, mint limeade or a canned fruity drink is a game-changer. It is cool, refreshing and perfect for balancing bold spices.
The Magical Atmosphere
You know those places that feel like you’ve stumbled onto a movie set? That’s Khana.
The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by rich colors, bold patterns, lanterns and floral arrangements that make the room glow. It’s equal parts cozy and enchanting—like stepping into a scene from “Aladdin”, where the curtains are pulled back to reveal a new world. The ordering counter exudes street food vibes, the walls hum with energy and even the bathrooms are destinations in their own right, to see the patterns, mirrors and wall decorations.
It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience.
Come Hungry, Leave Glowing
I just love this spot. Truly. It doesn’t get in our rotation often enough.
Khana Grill has become one of my favorite gems in Fayetteville, not just because the food is consistently good, but because the experience feels joyful, fresh and deeply human. It’s a place where kids can learn to try new things, grandparents push themselves toward bold flavors, and you can travel the world without leaving town.
So next time you’re wandering the Fayetteville food scene, craving something new or nostalgic, head to Khana Grill. Come hungry. Ask questions. Savor the flavors. And maybe bring a friend to watch their eyes light up, too.
Khana Indian Grill
2101 N College Ave
479-287-4376
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Order Online
Hours:
Mondays – 4-8pm
Tue.-Thur. | 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri.-Sat. | 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday | 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
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