Aashiyana Indian Cuisine, Reading

At the bottom of Aashiyana Fine Indian Cuisine's chimney sits a construction that has been the tool of Indian chefs for centuries: the tandoor. This traditional clay oven sears meat to its core with super-hot flames, turning chicken a signature bright-red color and transforming wayward snowmen into quivering pools of regret. Chefs drench these succulent morsels of tandoori meat with creamy curries and yogurt-based sauces, which they can customize to each guest’s preferred level of spiciness. Fluffy piles of wild-grain rice or buttery naan flatbread are available to escort entrees to the table, and the restaurant’s BYOB policy invites guests to bring their favorite brew or wine to temper the tingle of spice.

A short flight of stairs splits the dining room neatly in half, amplifying privacy by creating two intimate spaces. Maroon napkins folded into crown-like shapes await diners at each table, ready to flop into laps or adorn heads when the staff spontaneously knights you the Tandoori King.