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Kinara: Indian; Edgewater; 880 River Rd @ Hilliard; 20/14/$31; 201-313-0555; Excellent prepared dishes – better than the buffet; Dumpy outside but somewhat stylish interior; BYO a plus; Very authentic, not overly spicy- ask for hotter if you like that; Huge a la carte menu; Affordable. Pretty much offer anything you can think of. Safe bet for reliable Indian fare.

Bhoj: Indian; Elmwood Park; 430 Market St @ Caruth; 24/16/$32; 201-797-6800; This BYO Indian in a non-descript location has incredible food; Butter chicken, tikka masala, the Somosas, lamb curries- all great; Known for ultra friendly service for the genre; Weekend and weekday lunch buffet $11.95: 12:30-3:30pm; The service is outstanding and they go all out to create a pleasing meal.

India on the Hudson: Indian; Hoboken; 1210 Washington @ 12-13^th; 22/15/$29; 201-222-0101; Curries are very inexpensive- $10-$14 usually; Superb Nan and tons to choose from; Fairly standard Indian food- nothing life altering but overall solid. Try the lunch buffet. Excellent appetizer samplers; Even the vegetarian dishes are excellent.

Karma Kafe: Indian; Hoboken; 505 Washington @ 5^th-6^th St; 23/17/$27; 201-610-0900;  One of the best Indian restaurants in Jersey; $9.99 all you can eat lunch buffet; Have a Taj beer and Tiki Masala; Very tasty, well spiced cuisine;  Seats 50; Great value. Large menu; Same ownership as India on Hudson. Great value. Exotic flavors – they do a lot with the space they have. Very popular.

Mantra: Indian; Paramus; 275 Rt 4 W @ Bogert – Forest; 26/24/$42; 201-342-8868; High end Indian; Stylish lounge feel; Chic, romantic setting; While expensive for the genre- the exotic selections are sure to please; Great bar scene; Not the usual endless Indian menu- more ‘Table’ like (hotspot in Manhattan). The Rogan Josh and Chicken Bikani are tops; Incredible $10 lunch buffet…. A steal.

Gateway of India: Indian; Teaneck; 299 Queen Anne Rd @ DeGraw; 24/17/$35; 201-530-1111; Well cared for cuisine; $8.99 lunch buffet- 15 items; Diverse, large menu; Hidden gem in the area; Fabulous prices and pleasant décor; Top shelf option for well spiced food. BYO.