Aroma Spices Up a Rainy Friday
A rainy Friday is an opportune time to sneak away from obligations and go out for lunch, and I had been wanting to try Aroma (www.aroma-indiancuisine.com), the new(er) Indian restaurant at 200 Gorham Road in South Portland for a while now.

On Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 am to 3 pm, Aroma has a lunch buffet ($9.95 weekdays, $12.95 weekends), and the full dining room when we visited attested to the popularity of this option.  The room was set up for a buffet, and I will have to return some time and try their full-service dinner options.  The décor included a flat-screen television in the corner playing close-up images of Indian food, or as my husband called it, “food porn” and unfortunately the same carpeting that is in my neighborhood bowling alley, with bright stars and streaks.   They do have pleasing shades of red and yellow on the wall and comfortable, practical seating.  

The buffet included a list of Indian favorites, like Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Curry, and Tandoori Chicken, as well as items I had never heard of before.  There were vegetarian options like Carrot Puriyal and Daal Makhani (lentils cooked in butter with fresh onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, topped with coriander), as well as Navaratan Koorma (nine garden fresh vegetables, gently simmered in a spice-laced cream sauce).  In addition, warm Naan bread and white rice or Coconut rice is available.
Beer is also available, and judging from the large bottles of Taj Mahal on several tables, a popular option.

I started with a small cup of Mulligatawny soup (the other soup option was Sweet Corn soup), and my husband grabbed a handful of Punugulu, which are small fried dumplings or fritters.  Both were warm and well-spiced.

My husband chose the Navaratan Koorma, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Tandoori Chicken.  I had the naan bread, the chicken Tikka Masala and the Curry Chicken with coconut rice.  
The true test of a buffet is, of course, the second round.  My husband eliminated the Navaratan Koorma, but the Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandoori Chicken, and the underdog, Pungulu, all advanced to his second plate.  As for me, I went back for the curry chicken.   I didn’t think I had really eaten that much but I felt stuffed.  The sauces seemed heavy to me and I couldn’t find a vegetable in either one.  But they had a delicious flavor and for me, just the right amount of spice.  

Aroma is a nice addition to the growing number of Indian dining options in greater Portland.  Although I’m not a “buffet person,” the format does allow the diner, especially someone new to Indian food, to try different options.  It would have been nice if they had put explanations of the ingredients next to each dish, because they were unfamiliar to me.  Throughout our meal, the wait staff was friendly and attentive, offering drinks and clearing plates.

Aroma specializes in South Indian cuisine, so in addition to all of their options, they have eleven choices that are specific to the region.  With so many choices – some of which appear completely exotic and fun to try (Chillibajji or rice crepes, anyone?) – I will venture back and order from the menu.

AROMA
Authentic Indian Cuisine

200 Gorham Road , Suite # 8

(Adjacent to Olive Garden Restaurant)

South Portland , Maine- 04106

Ph: 207-512-2200

Open Tuesday to Sunday -- Lunch Buffet 11:00 am to 3:00 pm -- Dinner 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm