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Curries · Vegetarian

Where to eat Dal Tadka in the DMV

Yellow lentils finished with sizzling ghee and spices. We found Dal Tadka on 78 DMV menus, and 73 more places usually serve it.

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Dal tadka: yellow lentils with a tempered topping in a clay bowl
A typical Dal Tadka. Each restaurant makes its own version.

About Dal Tadka

Dal tadka is yellow lentils, usually toor or moong dal, cooked until soft and finished with a tadka: ghee or oil sizzled with cumin, garlic, chili and spices, poured over just before serving.

Regional versions

Every region has its own dal. Dal fry is cooked with onion and tomato, sambar is the South Indian version with tamarind and vegetables, and Gujarati dal is slightly sweet.

What to order with it

Order it with jeera rice or roti. It is a lighter choice next to rich curries like butter chicken or malai kofta.

On the menu: 78 places

Alexandria, VA

Arlington, VA

Fairfax County, VA

Dish photo: Chicken Tikka Masala♡ SaveBollywood Bistro3955 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VARestaurantOn their menu: Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Kadai♡ SaveAditi Indian Dining5926 Kingstowne Towne Ctr, Alexandria, VARestaurantOn their menu: Dal Tadka (yellow lentils)Full menuDish photo: Chole Bhature♡ SaveIndAroma6548C Little River Tpke, Alexandria, VASweets and bakeryOn their menu: Yellow Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveAroma Restaurant Bar & Banquet12821 Fair Lakes Pkwy, Fairfax, VARestaurantOn their menu: Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Vada Pav♡ SaveBollywood Bistro Caterers11215P Route 29, Fairfax, VACatererOn their menu: Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Momos♡ SaveSaravana Palace11725 Route 29, Fairfax, VARestaurantSouth IndianVegetarianOn their menu: Tadka DalFull menuDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveHimalayan Spice & Grill5872 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VARestaurantNepali and IndianOn their menu: Yellow DalFull menuDish photo: Chole Bhature♡ SaveMumbai Central7505 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VARestaurantMumbai and street foodListed on their menu as dal tadkaFull menuDish photo: Momos♡ SaveBollywood Bistro9853 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VARestaurantOn their menu: Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Saag Paneer♡ SaveA2B Indian Veg645 Elden Street, Herndon, VARestaurantSouth IndianVegetarianListed on their menu as dal tadkaHours not confirmedDish photo: Momos♡ SaveAdyar Ananda Bhavan A2B645 Elden St, Herndon, VARestaurantSouth IndianVegetarianOn their menu: Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Pani Puri♡ SaveChai Wyy298 Sunset Park Dr, Herndon, VAChaat and street foodOn their menu: Dal Tadka Lunch, Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Kadai♡ SaveClay Pot3061 Centreville Rd, Suite C, Herndon, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiOn their menu: Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Pani Puri♡ SaveDesi Chowrastha905 Herndon Pkwy, Herndon, VAChaat and street foodMumbai and street foodListed on their menu as dal tadkaFull menuDish photo: Tandoori Chicken♡ SaveMaharani Palace Indian Cuisine & Bar1030 Elden St, Herndon, VARestaurantOn their menu: Punjabi Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Saag Paneer♡ SaveSai Saravana Bhavan490 Elden St, Herndon, VARestaurantSouth IndianVegetarianOn their menu: Dal Tadka (Tomato/ Spinach), Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Masala Dosa♡ SaveSangeethas Bhavan364 Elden St, Herndon, VARestaurantSouth IndianVegetarianOn their menu: Dal Tadka (Tomato), Dal Tadka ( Spinach)Full menuDish photo: Chicken Tikka Masala♡ SaveTristate Indian Cuisine1230 Elden St, Herndon, VARestaurantSouth IndianOn their menu: Yellow Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveIndaroma2010 Corporate Rdg, Mclean, VARestaurantOn their menu: Yellow Dal Tadka GF, Yellow Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveRasoi2674I Avenir Pl, Vienna, VARestaurantOn their menu: Dal FryFull menuDish photo: Goat Biryani♡ SaveParadise Biryani Pointe11274 James Swart Cir, Fairfax, VARestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiOn their menu: Biryani Pointe dal fryHours not confirmedDish photo: Tandoori Chicken♡ SaveSaathi Indian Restaurant6280 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VARestaurantOn their menu: Yellow Dal TarkaHours not confirmed

Frederick County, MD

Howard County, MD

Loudoun County, VA

Montgomery County, MD

Dish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveDelhi Spice4925 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MDRestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiOn their menu: Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Goat Biryani♡ SaveTikka Masala4929 Elm St, Bethesda, MDRestaurantOn their menu: Yellow DalFull menuDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveVirraaj Indian Cuisine4914 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, MDRestaurantOn their menu: Dal TadkaHours not confirmedDish photo: Idli♡ SaveChennai Hoppers136 Paramount Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MDRestaurantSouth IndianOn their menu: Iyer Yellow DalFull menuDish photo: Idli♡ SaveHot Breads Bakery / Dosa & Chaat70 Market St, Gaithersburg, MDSweets and bakeryMumbai and street foodSouth IndianVegetarianOn their menu: Dal FryFull menuDish photo: Masala Dosa♡ SaveMadras Palace74 Bureau Dr, Gaithersburg, MDRestaurantSouth IndianVegetarianOn their menu: Yellow DalFull menuDish photo: Chole Bhature♡ SaveRoyal Tandoor Indian Cuisine820 Muddy Branch Road, Gaithersburg, MDRestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiListed on their menu as dal tadkaFull menuDish photo: Momos♡ SaveSpicelife128 Ellington Boulevard, Gaithersburg, MDRestaurantOn their menu: Yellow daal tadkaHours not confirmedDish photo: Goat Biryani♡ SaveIndia Palace Bar Tandoor19743 Frederick Rd, Germantown, MDRestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiOn their menu: 29. Dal TadkaFull menuDish photo: Chicken Tikka Masala♡ SaveEggmaniaGaithersburg, MDChaat and street foodOn their menu: Double Dal TadkaHours not confirmedDish photo: Momos♡ SaveMirchi Dhaba18280 Contour Road, Montgomery Village, MDRestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiOn their menu: Dal Tadka, Yellow Dal Tadka CateringHours not confirmedDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveBiryani City4830 Boiling Brook Pkwy, Rockville, MDRestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiOn their menu: Dal FryFull menuDish photo: Masala Dosa♡ SaveBombay Bistro98 W. Montgomery Ave, Rockville, MDRestaurantListed on their menu as dal tadkaFull menuDish photo: Momos♡ SaveCommonwealth Indian11610 Old Georgetown Rd, Rockville, MDRestaurantOn their menu: Dal Tadka (Yellow Dal)Full menuDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveJewel of India10151 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MDRestaurantOn their menu: Tadka Yellow DalFull menu

Prince George's County, MD

Prince William County, VA

Washington, DC

Usually served: 73 more

We have not seen these menus yet, but places like these normally make Dal Tadka. Call to check.

Dish photo: Idli♡ SaveDiya Indian Cuisine218 North Lee Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiSouth IndianNepali and IndianFull menuDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveTandoori Kabob and Grill8792H Sacramento Dr, Alexandria, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveLassan6413A Shiplett Boulevard, Burke, VARestaurantIndian and PakistaniHours not confirmedDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveRaaga Tandoor6030F Burke Commons Rd, Burke, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiDish photo: Chole Bhature♡ SaveIndian Ocean5639 Stone Rd, Centreville, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiHours not confirmedDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveBawarchi Indian Kitchen13949 Metrotech Dr, Chantilly, VARestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiFull menuDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveBiryani Bites13955 Metrotech Dr, Chantilly, VARestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveBiryani Point at India Bazaar13961 Metrotech Dr, Chantilly, VARestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiDish photo: Chole Bhature♡ SaveDwaraka's Bawarchi Indian Kitchen13949 Metrotech Drive, Chantilly, VARestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiHours not confirmedDish photo: Tandoori Chicken♡ SavePunjabi By Nature13955 Metrotech Dr, Chantilly, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiDish photo: Veg Biryani♡ SaveNawabi Hyderabad House Indian Restaurant11274 James Swart Cir, Fairfax, VARestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveHyderabadi Biryani Corner2415 Centreville Road, Herndon, VARestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiHours not confirmedDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveMirch Dhamaka2443 Centreville Rd, Herndon, VARestaurantFull menuDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveParadise Biryani Pointe12976 Highland Crossing Dr, Herndon, VARestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiFull menuDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveSpice Village2501 Centreville Road, Herndon, VARestaurantHours not confirmedDish photo: Chole Bhature♡ Save7Spice1379 Beverly Rd, McLean, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiHours not confirmedDish photo: Tandoori Chicken♡ SaveBombay Velvet12100 Sunset Hills Rd, Reston, VARestaurantModern and fine diningDish photo: Veg Biryani♡ SaveCasa Blanca Tandoori Nights6963 Hechinger Dr, Springfield, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveCasablanca Tandoori Nights6963 Hechinger Drive, Springfield, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiHours not confirmedDish photo: Chole Bhature♡ SaveChopathi India KitchenTysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiHours not confirmedDish photo: Chole Bhature♡ SaveAroma Indian Palace5732 Buckeystown Pike Unit 1, Frederick, MDRestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiDish photo: Tandoori Chicken♡ SaveBawarchi Biryanis5010 Buckeystown Pike Ste 132, Frederick, MDRestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiHours not confirmedDish photo: Chicken Tikka Masala♡ SaveBombay Kitchen7894 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MDRestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiDish photo: Tandoori Chicken♡ SaveMintColumbia, MDRestaurantHours not confirmedDish photo: Seekh Kebab♡ SaveSpice n CurryColumbia, MDRestaurantHours not confirmedDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveThe Mint RoomEllicott City, MDRestaurantModern and fine diningHours not confirmedDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveLondon Curry House7502 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MDRestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiDish photo: Veg Biryani♡ SaveAsian Fusion44260 Ice Rink Plaza, #106, Ashburn, VARestaurantIndo-ChineseHours not confirmedDish photo: Chicken Tikka Masala♡ SaveAura Indian Food Paradise44630 Waxpool Rd, Ashburn, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiIndo-ChineseDish photo: Goat Biryani♡ SaveBawarchi Biryanis Ashburn44640 Waxpool Rd, Suite 150, Ashburn, VARestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveCelebration by Rupa Vira44260 Ice Rink Plaza, Suite 120, Ashburn, VARestaurantModern and fine diningDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveDiya Bistro44121 Leesburg Pike, Ashburn, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiFull menuDish photo: Tandoori Chicken♡ SaveIndian Taverna44050 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Suite 191, Ashburn, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiHours not confirmedDish photo: Vada Pav♡ SaveJanatha Bar & Biryani43761 Parkhurst Plaza, #124, Ashburn, VARestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiMumbai and street foodHours not confirmedDish photo: Tandoori Chicken♡ SaveSaffron Indian Cuisine43170 Southern Walk Plaza, Suite 108, Ashburn, VARestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveSpice Circle Desi Tadka42864 Truro Parish Dr, Ashburn, VARestaurantIndian and PakistaniNorth Indian and PunjabiDish photo: Tandoori Chicken♡ SaveBaba Jaan25387 Pleasant Valley Rd, Chantilly, VARestaurantIndian and PakistaniHours not confirmedDish photo: Chicken Tikka Masala♡ SaveBiryani GrillAshburn, VARestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiHours not confirmedDish photo: Seekh Kebab♡ SaveKabob & Chicken45591 Dulles Eastern Plaza, Sterling, VARestaurantIndian and PakistaniHours not confirmedDish photo: Chicken Tikka Masala♡ SaveShalimar Charcoal Kabob46000 Old Ox Rd, Sterling, VARestaurantIndian and PakistaniHours not confirmedDish photo: Veg Biryani♡ SaveTurmerica by Tanvi Modi22034 Shaw Rd, Suite 103, Sterling, VARestaurantHours not confirmedDish photo: Chicken Tikka Masala♡ SaveCharcoal Grilles8521 Manassas Drive, Manassas Park, VARestaurantIndian and PakistaniHours not confirmedDish photo: Veg Biryani♡ SaveRangoli10223 Nokesville Road, Manassas, VARestaurantHours not confirmedDish photo: Veg Biryani♡ SaveBiryani Joint Indian Cuisine15504 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MDRestaurantBiryani and HyderabadiDish photo: Seekh Kebab♡ SaveRoyal Indian Cuisine15504 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MDRestaurantHours not confirmedDish photo: Seekh Kebab♡ SaveHouse of Curry9805 Main street , Suite 207, Damascus, MDRestaurantDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveMiyaji Kebab & Rumali Rolls674 Quince Orchard Rd, Gaithersburg, MDRestaurantDish photo: Veg Biryani♡ SaveCurry Z13525-A Clopper Road, Germantown, MDRestaurantDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveZAIQA BBQ & Karahi12945 Wisteria Drive, Germantown, MDRestaurantIndian and PakistaniDish photo: Veg Biryani♡ SaveShangri-la7345 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MDRestaurantHours not confirmedDish photo: Veg Biryani♡ SaveSpice N Tadka11910 Parklawn Drive, Suite O, Rockville, MDRestaurantDish photo: Veg Biryani♡ SaveIndia Express11315 Fern Street, Silver Spring, MDRestaurantDish photo: Seekh Kebab♡ SaveCurry Place11229 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MDRestaurantDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveJewel of India10151 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MDRestaurantFull menuDish photo: Chicken Tikka Masala♡ SaveIndian Express11315 Fern St, Wheaton, MDRestaurantDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveMaurya Indian Cuisine11436 Cherry Hill Rd Ste A, Beltsville, MDRestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiHours not confirmedDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveRasoi Restaurant8601 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MDRestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiDish photo: Chicken Tikka Masala♡ SaveSapphire Restaurant13304 Laurel Bowie Road, Laurel, MDRestaurantHours not confirmedDish photo: Butter Chicken♡ SaveCurry LeafSouth Laurel, MDRestaurantHours not confirmedDish photo: Chicken Biryani♡ SaveMaryland Tandoor8150 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MDRestaurantNorth Indian and PunjabiHours not confirmed

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How this list is made

We started from public records, OpenStreetMap and Overture Maps, searched town by town for places those records miss, and read each restaurant's menu from its website or online ordering page. Places whose opening hours we could not confirm recently say so, and we check them again every month. Dishes marked "on the menu" come from the restaurant's own website or ordering page. "Usually served" is our best guess from the style of the place, so call ahead if you have your heart set on it.

Missing a place, a dish or a closure? Tell us and we will fix it.

Place data in part © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and Overture Maps Foundation (CDLA Permissive 2.0).