India K'Raja

Henrico County's first Indian restaurant, India K' Raja, has been locally owned and operated by the Sappal family since its opening in 1995. A passion for serving healthful, delicious food in an authentic atmosphere has created in central Virginia a deep appreciation for "classic Indian cuisine beyond curry." Most of the recipes at India K' Raja have been passed down through family. Others are chef/owner Tony Sappal's original creations like chicken pasanda (a delicious creamy mango sauce); crab masala (a special crab delicacy with Indian flavors); and lamb rangeela (a zesty tomato spinach sauce). Depending on the dish, you may distinctly taste coconut, lemon, mango, cumin, fennel, tamarind, mustard, fenugreek, peppers, tomatoes, onions and more. Traditional Indian desserts are made from scratch and Indian breads are baked fresh to order in a clay oven. "Taste is a very personal experience, like sight, sound and touch. No one can experience it for you," says Tony, "and I love watching our guests enjoying that experience at India K' Raja." His wife, Alka, adds: "The business aspect is secondary as long as the feelings are conveyed through our offerings. We love to serve you."