SWARAJ INDIA Restaurant (Santa Clara )

Dal Makhani

Slow-simmered black lentils that develop a deep, smoky richness — the benchmark dish to judge any North Indian kitchen by.

Butter Chicken

Tender chicken in a velvety tomato-cream sauce with enough spice backbone to keep it from going saccharine.

Palak Paneer

Fresh-pressed paneer cubes in a vibrant spinach gravy that stays green and bright rather than gray and overcooked.

Tandoori Chicken

Bone-in chicken with genuine tandoor char and a deeply marinated interior — one of the better versions in the South Bay.

Garlic Naan

Pillowy with blistered edges and a generous hit of butter and garlic — a reliable companion to the gravies.

Samosa

Crisp fried pastry filled with spiced potato and peas — a solid starter that sets the tone for what's to come.

Chana Masala

Chickpeas in an assertively spiced tomato-onion gravy with good acidity and depth — a reliable vegetarian workhorse.

Chicken Biryani

Fragrant basmati layered with spiced chicken — on the milder, aromatic end rather than fiery, best ordered with raita.

Gulab Jamun

Soft milk-solid dumplings soaked in rose-scented syrup — the standard finish and done competently here.