Whether you are seated at one of its cozy interior tables, enjoying the covered open air patio, or just enjoying a beverage at the bar, owner, chef, and menu curator Tashi Tamang has something very authentic and refreshingly spicy in store when you visit Tamarind.

Nestled into the corner of Main and West Streets (33 Main Street) in the shadow of Newtown’s iconic flagpole, one of the newest of the community’s growing number of eateries is waiting to serve up a satisfying lunch or memorable dinner six days a week. With a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, visitors will truly be able to taste the world without having to drive more than a few minutes off Interstate 84 or from points across Newtown and the region.

“Tashi,” as he is referred to by his many regular and familiar patrons, insists his broad array of menu selections is a step above other Indian restaurants in the region in part because he and his kitchen staff personally prepare the many authentic spices being used from scratch — guaranteeing only the freshest and most delectable flavoring.

“You will experience a meal like my grandma and grandpa used to make,” he said of each menu selection at Tamarind. “All our customers appreciate our homemade approach to every dish, and every spice we use here is ground here from fresh ingredients.”

While he is serving up fine Indian dining at Tamarind, Tashi has spent the better part of the last decade working as a chef in restaurants serving many different cuisines across New York’s Dutchess County.

“But my very first chef job was at an Indian restaurant, and I had an excellent mentor,” Tashi recalls. “His restaurant had diners who appreciated good Indian food, and he gave me the freedom to develop new and unique dishes.”

Some of Tamarind’s most popular dishes are Chicken Tikka Masala — breast meat grilled in tandoor and cooked in a creamy onion and bell pepper tomato sauce; and Chicken Labrador — with tandoori grilled chicken in a tomato, onion and cashew nut sauce.

Feeling more adventuresome? Tashi recommends sampling from one or more of the many Biryanis or clay pot prepared dishes prepared with traditional vegetables, marinated jackfruit, lamb, goat, or chicken. Tamarind’s special lunch menu offers lots of options, and each order includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert. And each lunch order comes with free nan or rice whether eating in or ordering to take out.

Patrons can bring their party to Tamarind, which has a capacity of 70-80 incorporating both its inside and outside seating from spring to fall, or a more intimate gathering of around 40-50 during the cold winter months. Tamarind can also cater activities for up to 200 at your residence or event location featuring the same menu options and bar service as the restaurant.

“And any Indian food for catering clients can be customized to create a truly one-of-a-kind menu,” Tashi adds.

The bar includes popular favorites along with Indian wine or beer, and specialty cocktails and mocktails. Refresh with Tamarind’s Jal jeera Paloma featuring tequila, Jal Jeera, Aperol, fresh lime and grapefruit.

Tamarind is open for lunch from 11 am to 2:45 pm, and for dinner from 5 to 10 pm, Tuesdays through Sundays. Drop in or call 203-491-2163 for reservations or catering queries — or visit tamarindct.com, and be sure to tell Tashi or your server you read about them in The Newtown Bee!