Anyone who has taken the Joey from Davis Square to Tufts this year has probably noticed a relatively new addition to the route: Masala. Located in Teele Square, Masala offers a delightful blend of Indian and Nepali cuisine.
Masala is not a formal dining experience with an extensive staff on hand or a chic and trendy new restaurant. But the casual environment lends itself to a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere — perfect for catching up with a friend over a drink and flavorful meal.
In addition to offering a buffet−style lunch everyday — $7.95 on weekdays and $10.95 on weekends — and an extensive dinner menu, Masala also boasts a bar with a long list of drinks. And 21−year−olds on tight budgets should definitely try their exceptionally cheap $3 Masala Margarita!
I visited with my friend on a Tuesday night, and — unsurprisingly — we were seated immediately. Though the bar remained empty for our entire meal, most of the tables were occupied at one point or other. If you plan on going on a Friday or Saturday, bear in mind that the wait might be a bit longer.
On entering the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm palette of colors that adorned the space, from the golden yellow walls to the deep red fabric cushioning of the booths and chairs.
Though a bit generic in their design, the rich colors nicely paralleled the intense flavors of the Indian and Nepali cuisine, and they added to the overall charm of the restaurant.
Once my friend and I were seated, the waiter brought over some papadum and three types of chutney — one mango, one line and one spicy.
First, we ordered the khasi ko sekuwa appetizer, which consisted of marinated goat meat served with popped rice. The dish came nicely arranged, with bite−size pieces of meat laid out on a circular design of sliced tomatoes and a small bowl holding the rice. The goat was incredibly tender, and with each bite, a burst of lemon mixed with the sweet juices of the meat to create a clash of flavors that was perfectly disharmonious. I was disappointed with the popped rice, however, as it was bland and added little to the dish.
Our entrees came next, in a timely fashion. We got the chicken korma, an Indian dish, and the jhingay macha, a Nepali dish, which were served with a bowl of basmati rice to share. We also ordered garlic naan to accompany our entrees.
The chicken korma sauce had a wonderfully rich and creamy flavor, with the perfect pureed consistency. Bits of onion and cashew added to the pungency of the sauce, melding to create a buttery yet slightly spicy flavor. The chicken was succulent — fairly lean but not too dry. Mixing spoonfuls of chicken korma over the Basmati rice created an interesting mix of textures and neutralized — but didn't deter from — the dish's overall flavor.
Our other entree, the jhingay macha, offered a tasty contrast to the chicken korma. This Nepali specialty consisted of shrimp cooked in a thinner, but just as flavorful, sauce. The shrimp was pleasantly crispy, firm and fresh.
Though I preferred the chicken korma, the sauce for the jhingay macha was more delicate and piquant, yet still created an eruption of savory zest when drizzled over a spoonful of rice.
The flavor of the garlic naan was subtle and paired well with the other two dishes. The warm, doughy texture may be off−putting to some, but I found it an appetizing indicator that the bread was freshly made.
Our meal at Masala was a delicious experience that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys Indian or Nepali cuisine. It is true that the surrounding area of Tufts already offers many options for South Asian food, and to be honest, Masala doesn't differ much from Yak and Yeti or Diva. But if you are seeking a change of scenery — or need a cheap margarita — I highly recommend taking the stroll over to Teele Square and relaxing with a simple and wonderfully crafted meal.
