Best of Cleveland 2015: Quick Indian Food

If the sights, smells and spices of classic Indian cuisine overwhelm you, Choolaah Indian BBQ makes choosing what to eat a nan-issue. "In the buffet, Indian-style, a lot of the food is kind of saucy and overpowering," says chief creative officer Jay Nesbitt. "Our menu is actually inspired by northern India in Punjab and has a lighter approach to the food." The Indian eatery offers simple, chef-driven dishes at a fast-casual pace — think Chipotle speed meets mom-and-pop restaurant quality. Diners can mix and match proteins such as chicken, lamb, salmon or paneer — a spongy, curd cheese — with grains or nan and exotic sauces such as tamarind apple or mint yogurt to create their own Indian delight. The proteins, as well as veggies, are cooked in tandoor clay ovens that reach nearly 700 degrees, and the only surface they touch is the skewer that holds everything together, allowing the fat to drip away. 27100 Chagrin Blvd., Orange Village, 800-459-8860, choolaah.com