Dan H.
Yelp
Indian food can be a bit questionable for some people because it is a different cuisine, but it's delicious and worth trying. And if you need someone to get over their Indian food phobias, you take them to The Oven.
While I wouldn't go as far as to call The Oven upscale, it is a step above casual. It can be a bit dark, especially in the evening, but it's a fun atmosphere. There are creative masks on the wall and fun statues placed throughout the restaurant, making it feel comfortable yet different from the normal Lincoln dining experience.
The flavors are very approachable. The menu is divided up into different proteins (chicken, seafood, lamb, and vegetarian), and each dish is described in great detail so diners know exactly what they're getting. If you need more information, the friendly waitstaff is more than willing to help.
Whatever entree you order, you HAVE to start with an order of naan bread. Cooked in the tandoor oven, it's a bit chewy and has a nice, singed texture that creates bubbles and provides a bit of pleasant bitterness. It's delicious on its own, but it maxes out when paired with the restaurant's creamy mint chutney sauce. It can also be order stuffed with chicken, cheese, and/or vegetables.
The portion sizes are huge, and I've never been disappointed. I'm a big fan of the lamb vindaloo, a spicy dish, but this time tried the Kadai Gosht. The lamb was succulent and perfectly tender, easily pulled apart with a fork. The tomato sauce was slightly sweet and, while I didn't catch much heat from the jalapeños, the dish was a true pleasure when served on a bed of rice.
My wife's order of Shrimp Jalfrazie was even better. This dish combines jumbo shrimp with mild spices and is sautéed with fresh tomatoes. The shrimp were downright brilliant. They were enormous and delicate and brought just the right combo of sweet and savory. The onions, peppers and tomatoes soaked up the broth, which is buttery and delicious.
I know it can be difficult for some diners to step out of their culinary comfort zones, but some restaurants are worth the effort. The Oven is one of those, and it's an absolute must-visit.