Shalimar Curry House: North Indian Cooking in Columbia

What Shalimar Curry House serves and where to find it

Shalimar Curry House is a North Indian restaurant in Columbia that specializes in curries, tandoori dishes, and breads made fresh to order. The menu centers on the cooking of Punjab and the Mughal tradition—think butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, paneer tikka, and naan baked in a clay oven. The restaurant sits on Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area with galleries, shops, and other dining spots within a few blocks.

The dining room is modest and casual, with warm lighting and tables close enough that you can watch the kitchen work. Service moves at a relaxed pace, which gives you time to linger over drinks or tea. The space fills up during dinner hours, especially on weekends, so arriving early or calling ahead is worth doing if you're bringing a group.

Key Takeaways

• Shalimar serves North Indian curries and tandoori dishes, with vegetarian and meat options across a range of heat levels.
• The restaurant is located on Devine Street in Five Points, a neighborhood with nearby galleries, shops, and other restaurants.
• Naan and other breads are made fresh in a clay oven, and you can order them plain, garlic-topped, or stuffed with meat or vegetables.
• The menu includes lunch buffets on weekdays and dinner service most nights, with beer and wine available.

The curry menu and how to order by heat level

Shalimar's curry list runs from mild to very hot, and the kitchen will adjust the spice level if you ask. A butter chicken or korma stays creamy and gentle; a vindaloo or phaal brings real heat. Most curries come with your choice of chicken, lamb, goat, shrimp, or paneer (fresh cheese), and arrive with basmati rice or bread on the side.

If you're new to Indian food or prefer milder flavors, start with a tikka masala or a dopiaza—both are rich and flavorful without overwhelming spice. The kitchen also makes a saag paneer (spinach and cheese) and chana masala (chickpeas) that work well for vegetarians. Tell your server how much heat you want; they know the menu and can steer you toward dishes that match your tolerance.

Tandoori dishes and what makes them different

Tandoori cooking uses a clay oven that reaches very high heat, which chars the outside of meat or vegetables while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Shalimar's tandoori chicken comes marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked whole or in pieces. The result is smoky and slightly charred, with a different texture and flavor than a curry.

You can order tandoori chicken as a main dish with rice and bread, or as part of a mixed grill that includes lamb, shrimp, and paneer. Tandoori prawns are also available when in season. These dishes pair well with a cooling yogurt sauce called raita, which comes on the side.

Breads, rice, and sides that round out the meal

Naan is the star of the bread menu—soft, pillowy, and blistered from the clay oven. You can order it plain, with garlic and cilantro, or stuffed with paneer, lamb, or vegetables. Roti and paratha (layered flatbread) are also available and work well for scooping up curry sauce. Rice dishes include plain basmati, a fragrant biryani (rice cooked with meat or vegetables), and a lemon or coconut rice.

Sides like samosas (fried pastries filled with potato or meat), pakora (fried vegetable fritters), and papadum (crispy lentil wafers) come out before the main course. These are good for sharing and give you something to eat while you wait for your curry to arrive.

Lunch buffet and weekday timing

Shalimar runs a lunch buffet on weekdays, usually from around 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., though hours can shift seasonally. The buffet includes three to four curries, rice, bread, and a vegetable dish, all kept warm in metal containers. It's a low-cost way to try several dishes at once, and the pace is fast—you serve yourself and eat at your own speed.

Dinner service begins in the late afternoon and runs into the evening. Call ahead if you want to know what's on the buffet that day, or if you're planning a larger group and want to reserve a table or order ahead.

Drinks and what pairs well with Indian food

Shalimar has beer and wine on the menu, with options that pair well with spiced food. A cold lager or pilsner cuts through the richness of a butter chicken or lamb curry. Indian beers like Kingfisher are often available. Wine choices tend toward whites and lighter reds that won't overpower the spices.

Mango lassi—a yogurt-based drink blended with mango—is a traditional choice and works as both a drink and a palate cleanser. Chai (spiced tea) and regular tea are also available, and many people order them after the meal.

Parking and neighborhood context

Street parking is available on Devine Street and nearby side streets, though it can fill up during dinner hours. The Five Points neighborhood is walkable, with galleries, vintage shops, and other restaurants within a short walk. If you're exploring the area, you can park once and visit several places without moving your car.

The neighborhood has a relaxed, local feel—it's not a tourist strip, but a place where Columbia residents eat and shop regularly. Shalimar fits into that character: it's been in Five Points for years and draws a steady mix of regulars and newcomers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are not required for small groups, but calling ahead is a good idea if you're coming with six or more people or during peak dinner hours on Friday or Saturday. The restaurant can hold tables and give you an idea of wait time.

What should I order if I don't eat meat?

The vegetarian menu includes paneer tikka, saag paneer, chana masala, aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower), and vegetable biryani. You can also order any curry with paneer instead of meat, and most sides like samosas and pakora are vegetarian.

How spicy is the food if I ask for mild?

Mild at Shalimar is genuinely mild—creamy and flavorful without heat. The kitchen takes heat requests seriously. If you're very sensitive to spice, tell your server and they'll recommend dishes and adjust the level further if needed.

Can I order takeout?

Yes, takeout is available. Call ahead during busy times so the kitchen can have your order ready when you arrive. Curries travel well and taste good at home, though naan is best eaten fresh from the oven.

What's the price range?

Lunch buffet is inexpensive. Dinner entrees (curry with rice or bread) run moderate, and tandoori dishes are at the higher end of the menu. Beer and wine add to the bill. Most people spend between $12 and $20 per person at dinner before drinks.