Tikka Masalaa Indian Cuisine is a restaurant in Tampa, located in the Town and Country area at 10029 W Hillsborough Ave. The restaurant opened on July 4, 2019, and recreates the charm of a traditional clay oven, or tandoor, with a menu built around tandoori dishes featuring lamb, seafood, chicken, breads and vegetables.
The menu is wide enough to suit both meat lovers and vegetarians. Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken and Chicken Biryani appear among the chef specials, while the vegetarian and vegan side includes Chana Masala, Paneer Butter Masala and Brussel Sprouts Bhaji. If you want a sense of the range before you sit down, the menu is organized by these two groups.
What to Expect at Tikka Masalaa Indian Cuisine
The kitchen leans on the tandoor, so expect dishes that come straight from the clay oven. Boneless chicken breast is marinated and grilled before it goes into a creamy tomato sauce for the Chicken Tikka Masala. The Chicken Biryani is cooked with basmati rice, mint, cilantro, nuts and raisins, and it is served with raita.
The restaurant pairs its curries with a broad selection of appetizers. Samosa and Ragada Chaat come with chickpeas, yogurt, mint chutney and tamarind chutney. Gobi or Baby Corn Manchurian gives you an Indo-Chinese option, cauliflower or baby corn fried in a corn flour batter and tossed with onions and bell peppers in a spicy sauce.
Reviewers on the restaurant's guestbook often mention the service. Staff are described as attentive and friendly, and one visitor noted that the lunch buffet includes several vegan options, with staff willing to point them out when you arrive.
Planning Your Visit: Hours and Contact
Tikka Masalaa Indian Cuisine is open seven days a week from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Hours can change, so call (813) 443-2433 to confirm before you go. Reservations are available for lunch or dinner by phone or through the Book Now option on the website at tikkamasalaa.com.
The restaurant is at 10029 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33615, in the Town and Country area. Plan to call ahead if you are coming for a late meal, since the kitchen's posted hours run until 1:00 a.m.
Tips Before You Go
If you are deciding between dishes, the Chicken Tikka Masala and the Chicken Chutney Wala are two that past diners have singled out as memorable. Reviewers also mention the spicy, smoky flavor of the Biryani, which is a good pick if you want something different from other Indian restaurants in the area.
For a vegetarian meal, the Paneer Butter Masala and Chana Masala both fit well into an order with naan. Ask when you arrive about the vegan options if you plan to visit the lunch buffet, since staff can point them out.
Before you visit, check the menu on the website at tikkamasalaa.com for current items and prices, and call (813) 443-2433 if you have questions about hours or takeout.