Naan at Northwoods: Casual Indian Dining in Columbia

What to expect at Naan at Northwoods

Naan at Northwoods is a casual Indian restaurant in Columbia's Northwoods shopping area that focuses on bread-based dishes and curries made to order. The space is small and unpretentious—think quick-service counter ordering rather than table service—but the kitchen takes time with each dish. You order at the counter, find a seat in the modest dining area, and wait while your naan comes hot from the tandoor and your curry simmers to the right consistency.

The restaurant's name signals its specialty: naan, the Indian flatbread cooked in a clay oven, arrives blistered and warm. Most people build a meal around naan paired with one of the curries, dals, or vegetable sides. The menu leans toward North Indian cooking, with familiar dishes like chicken tikka masala and paneer curries alongside less common options. Prices run moderate for the portion size and quality—a naan and curry combo typically costs between $12 and $16.

Key Takeaways

• Naan at Northwoods specializes in freshly made naan bread baked in a tandoor oven, paired with curries and vegetable dishes cooked to order.
• The restaurant operates as counter service with a small casual dining area, so expect to order at the counter and wait for your food.
• The menu includes both vegetarian and meat options, with North Indian curries, dals, and rice dishes alongside the signature naan.
• The location in Northwoods shopping center makes it accessible from central Columbia, with parking available in the lot.

The naan and how it's cooked

The tandoor—a cylindrical clay oven that reaches high heat—is the heart of what makes the naan here worth the trip. Dough is slapped onto the inside wall of the oven, where it cooks in minutes and develops the characteristic char and blister. You can watch the process from the counter, and the bread arrives at your table still warm enough that steam rises from it.

Beyond plain naan, the kitchen makes garlic naan brushed with ghee and minced garlic, and peshwari naan filled with coconut and raisins. Some days they offer keema naan, topped with spiced ground meat. The bread is substantial enough to be a meal component on its own, but it's meant to scoop curries and soak up sauce. If you're new to naan, start with garlic naan and a mild curry to understand how the bread's slight chew and char complement the spices.

Curries and main dishes

The curry menu rotates slightly but typically includes chicken tikka masala (tomato-cream sauce), butter chicken (similar but often slightly sweeter), lamb vindaloo (hot and vinegary), and paneer tikka masala for vegetarians. Paneer—fresh cheese curds—holds its shape in sauce better than many proteins and absorbs flavor well. The kitchen also makes chana masala, a chickpea curry that works as a main dish or a side, and various dals (lentil dishes) that range from mild to spiced.

Curries come in mild, medium, and hot; the heat levels are honest, so ask if you're unsure. The sauces tend toward the aromatic side rather than aggressively spiced—you taste cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger alongside the heat. Most people order one curry and one naan to share, or one of each per person depending on appetite. Rice is available if you want it alongside, though naan is the more natural choice here.

Vegetarian and vegan options

The menu has genuine vegetarian depth beyond paneer. Aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower) is a dry curry that works well with naan for scooping. Chana masala (chickpeas) and various dal preparations offer protein without dairy. Vegetable biryani—rice cooked with vegetables and spices—is available some days and makes a complete meal on its own.

Vegan diners should ask which curries are made without ghee or cream; many of the dals and vegetable dishes can be prepared that way. The kitchen is accustomed to dietary requests and will adjust. Naan itself is typically vegan unless it's brushed with ghee, so plain naan or garlic naan (ask if the garlic version uses ghee) pairs well with a vegan curry.

When to go and what to know before you arrive

Lunch and dinner hours are the busiest times, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings. The small space means waits can stretch during peak times, though the counter moves steadily. Weekday lunches tend to be quieter. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly if you're thinking of a specific day.

Parking is in the Northwoods lot, and the restaurant is easy to spot from the parking area. There's no table service, so you order, pay, and find a seat. The dining area is casual and clean but not designed for lingering—it's a place to eat and enjoy, not to spend hours. The restaurant does not take reservations, so you arrive and order when you get there.

How it fits into Columbia's Indian food scene

Columbia has several Indian restaurants, but Naan at Northwoods fills a specific niche: casual, counter-service, and focused on bread and curries rather than a full fine-dining menu. It's the kind of place you go when you want good Indian food without ceremony, and you're willing to wait a few minutes for it to be made fresh. The tandoor oven and made-to-order approach set it apart from places that rely on steam tables.

The restaurant draws a mix of regulars who know exactly what they want and newcomers exploring Indian food. The staff is patient with questions about heat levels and ingredients, which makes it a reasonable entry point if you're new to the cuisine. It's also a solid choice if you live or work nearby and want lunch that's better than a chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order naan without a curry?

Yes. Naan with a simple side like raita (yogurt sauce) or a small dal makes a light meal. Some people order multiple types of naan and share them as an appetizer or snack. The kitchen is flexible about how you combine items.

How spicy is the food if I don't like heat?

Ask for mild when you order. The mild curries have flavor and spice from aromatics like cardamom and ginger without the sharp burn of chili peppers. The kitchen can adjust heat levels, so communicate what you're comfortable with.

Is there a kids menu?

There's no formal kids menu, but the kitchen will make mild curries and plain naan for children. Butter chicken and paneer curries are often mild enough for kids who like mild flavors. Ask the staff what they recommend for younger diners.

Do they have dessert?

Dessert options vary. Some days there's gulab jamun (fried dough balls in syrup) or kheer (rice pudding). Ask when you order, as availability changes. Many people finish with chai or mango lassi instead of a sweet.

Can I call ahead to order?

Call the restaurant to ask about their phone order policy. Some counter-service places take advance orders to reduce wait time, while others prefer you order when you arrive. It's worth asking if you're planning to come during a busy time.