AROMA Indian Grill & Bar in Columbia: Tandoori, Curries, and Cocktails

What to expect at AROMA Indian Grill & Bar

AROMA Indian Grill & Bar is located in Columbia and serves North Indian cuisine alongside a full bar program. The restaurant focuses on tandoori preparations—meats and breads cooked in a clay oven—and a range of curries from mild to spiced. The dining room is designed for both casual meals and special occasions, with table service and a cocktail menu that includes Indian-inspired drinks and standard spirits.

The kitchen handles dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requests. Lunch and dinner service run on separate menus, with lunch typically featuring smaller portions and lower prices. The restaurant also offers takeout and delivery through third-party apps.

Key Takeaways

• AROMA specializes in tandoori cooking and North Indian curries, with options ranging from mild to heavily spiced.
• The restaurant has a full bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and Indian beverages like mango lassi and chai.
• Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners can find dedicated menu sections and modifications for most dishes.
• Lunch service offers smaller portions and lower prices than dinner, making it a budget-friendly option for midday meals.
• Takeout and delivery are available through the restaurant directly and through third-party apps.

The tandoori menu and signature dishes

Tandoori preparations are the foundation of AROMA's cooking. Chicken tikka, paneer tikka, and lamb are marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in the clay oven until charred on the outside and tender inside. These dishes arrive with a side of basmati rice and sliced onion and lemon. Tandoori breads—naan, garlic naan, and peshwari naan (stuffed with coconut and raisins)—come hot from the same oven and are meant for tearing and dipping into curries.

Beyond tandoori, the curry menu includes butter chicken (tomato cream sauce), palak paneer (spinach and cheese), chana masala (chickpeas), and lamb vindaloo for those who want serious heat. Biryani—a layered rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables—is available as a complete meal. Most curries come with rice or bread; you order them separately if you want both.

Drinks and the bar program

The bar serves beer (domestic, imported, and craft), wine by the glass and bottle, and a spirits selection that includes Indian rum and whisky. Cocktails on the menu often feature cardamom, mango, or tamarind—flavors that pair with the food. Non-alcoholic options include mango lassi (yogurt drink), sweet or salted lassi, Indian chai, and soft drinks.

Happy hour pricing, if offered, typically applies to beer and select cocktails during early evening hours. Check the restaurant's website or call ahead to confirm current drink specials.

Vegetarian and vegan options

AROMA maintains a separate vegetarian section on the menu with paneer tikka, vegetable tandoori, chana masala, dal makhani (lentil cream), and aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower). Paneer—fresh cheese—appears in multiple dishes and can be substituted into many curries. Vegan diners can request dairy-free versions of most vegetable dishes; the kitchen will use oil instead of ghee and skip the cream.

Breads like plain naan and roti are vegan by default. Rice dishes and most vegetable curries are naturally vegan or easily modified. It is worth asking the server about specific dishes if you have concerns about hidden dairy or ghee.

Dining room, reservations, and timing

The restaurant seats parties at tables rather than booths, with a layout that works for both intimate dinners and groups. Reservations are recommended on weekends and for larger parties. Walk-ins are usually accommodated during off-peak hours (early lunch, mid-afternoon, early evening on weekdays).

Dinner service is busier than lunch, and wait times can stretch during peak hours on Friday and Saturday. If you are ordering takeout, call ahead rather than ordering through an app—direct orders often move faster and you can confirm any special requests with the kitchen.

Location, hours, and how to order

AROMA is in Columbia; the exact address, current hours, and phone number are best confirmed by searching the restaurant's name online or calling ahead, as hours shift seasonally and for holidays. The restaurant's website or social media pages often post updates about specials, new menu items, or temporary closures.

You can order for dine-in by arriving and being seated, or call to place a takeout order. Delivery is available through apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, though ordering directly from the restaurant may offer better pricing and accuracy.

What to order if you are new to Indian food

Start with tandoori chicken or paneer tikka—both are mild, familiar in flavor, and show off the oven's effect on the food. Pair it with garlic naan for bread. For curry, butter chicken is creamy and not spicy; palak paneer (if you like spinach) is earthy and mild. Avoid vindaloo and anything labeled "extra spicy" on your first visit.

Order rice on the side and ask the server which curry they recommend for someone new to Indian food. Most servers at Indian restaurants are used to this question and will steer you toward something flavorful but not overwhelming. Mango lassi is a good dessert drink—sweet, cold, and a natural finish to a spiced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I modify dishes for allergies or dietary restrictions?

Yes. Tell your server about allergies (nuts, shellfish, dairy) or dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free) when you order. The kitchen can usually accommodate these, but it is important to be specific. Gluten-free bread may not be available, so ask before ordering.

How spicy are the curries?

Mild curries like butter chicken and palak paneer have little to no heat. Medium curries have noticeable spice but are not painful. Vindaloo and dishes marked "extra spicy" are genuinely hot. Ask your server to describe the heat level of any curry you are unsure about.

Is there a kids menu?

Many Indian restaurants offer smaller portions of mild dishes for children, though a dedicated kids menu may not be printed. Call ahead or ask your server what options work for younger diners. Mild tandoori chicken and rice are usually safe choices.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are not required for small parties on weekdays, but they are a good idea for weekends or groups of six or more. Call the restaurant to book, or ask about their reservation policy when you arrive.

What is the price range?

Lunch entrees typically cost less than dinner entrees at the same restaurant. Tandoori dishes and curries fall in the mid-range for restaurant dining. Appetizers, breads, and drinks are additional. Check the menu online or call for current prices.