Thali Express, Herndon

If the idea of a fast-casual Indian restaurant has you thinking about greasy, ghee-laden curries or over-salted stews, Thali express wants to change your mind. The eatery prides itself on crafting fresh Indian dishes fast, without sacrificing healthfulness. As a result, each curry, biryani, and batch of aloo puri is made using natural ingredients and fresh-milled spices, then served a la carte or on a platter with rice, vegetables, and fluffy naan.

Another thing that makes Thali Express stand out: its eye-catching array of Indian sweets. Available by the pound, the jewel-toned delicacies––which include coconut-flecked cham cham and cream-filled gulab jamun––look especially pretty when mixed-and-matched inside a box, displayed atop a cake plate, or blended into a smoothie.