Montana is often referred to as “Big Sky Country,” with its wide open spaces and reputation for safety. The phrase was thought up by A.B. Guthrie, Jr., who titled his 1947 novel The Big Sky. The state’s highway department embraced the title and it stuck ever since, and for obvious reasons – the region is home to a whopping 55 state parks! The famous Whitefish Lake, Lone Pine, and Wayfarers are among these parks.
But did you know there’s way more to Montana than just beautiful views, epic hikes, shimmering lakes, and roaming wildlife? If you head on down to Missoula, you’ll find a vibrant world of spices and flavors simmering in the town’s tastiest Indian and Arabic spots.
Nestled amongst the mountains and rivers, the city of Missoula flaunts a surprisingly diverse and satisfying Indian and Arabic food scene. If you’re ready to ditch that boring brewpub’s burgers and fries and embark on a culinary adventure, get ready to explore Missoula’s best Indian and Arabic restaurants.
From Curry Houses to Culinary Fusion: The Evolving Landscape of Indian and Arabic Food in Missoula
The early days of Indian and Arabic food in Missoula likely revolved around small, family-run restaurants offering familiar curries, tandoori dishes, and basic shawarma plates. These restaurants served as a comforting taste of home for Indian and Arabic immigrants and a chance for curious locals to explore a new cuisine. But over time, the scene has understandably evolved.
Entrepreneurs like the owners of Masala, one of Missoula’s first Indian restaurants, paved the way for a more diverse range of offerings. Today, alongside classic favorites, you’ll find restaurants like The Silk Road, pushing boundaries with playful fusion cuisine, incorporating Indian spices with global influences. This willingness to experiment reflects not only the creativity of Missoula’s chefs but also the city’s openness to new flavors and experiences.
Let’s jump in and get a taste!
Masala
At a Glance
- Location: 206 W Main St, Missoula, MT 59802 (Open in Google Maps)
- Cuisine Focus: Authentic Indian dishes with a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients.
- Price Range: $$
- Ambiance: Cozy and relaxed, with warm lighting and open kitchen views
- Menu Highlights Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, Naan (choose from a variety of flavors), seasonal chutneys
- Additional Information: Some lunch-only deals, such as the shawarma
- Why We Chose It: Masala is Missoula’s pioneering Indian restaurant and a true local favorite. They set the bar with their dedication to fresh, authentic flavors and a welcoming dining experience. They also hire refugee chefs and partner with International Rescue Committee.
Let’s Talk About the Food
Eating at Masala is about more than satisfying your taste buds – it’s about an immersive experience. You’re greeted by a symphony of aromas the moment you walk in – warm cumin, vibrant turmeric, a hint of spicy-sweet ginger.
Imagine stepping into a spice market somewhere far across the ocean – it’s as close as you can get in Missoula! The menu might feel like exciting, uncharted territory on your first visit, but remember, it’s an adventure!
If you’re a spice lover, go bold with their vindaloo, a fiery dance of flavors that will leave your tastebuds tingling. Craving something rich and creamy? The chicken tikka masala is like a warm hug in a bowl, with tender morsels of chicken bathed in a velvety, tomato-based sauce.
And you will never go wrong with their fresh-baked naan bread – pillowy warm clouds perfect for scooping up every last bit of flavorful sauce. Masala invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and let yourself be transported by the tantalizing flavors.
The Silk Road
At a Glance
- Location: 700 SW Higgins Ave #100a, Missoula, MT 59803 (Open in Google Maps)
- Cuisine Focus: Fusion cuisine blending Indian and Nepalese flavors with other global influences.
- Price Range: $
- Ambiance: Modern and trendy, with a bustling atmosphere
- Menu Highlights: Tandoori chicken tacos, Kid Nu Gosht lamb, sherried mushroom saute
- Additional Information: Great spot for groups and those seeking a unique Indian-inspired dining experience. Menu alternates and changes depending on the seasonal availability of items.
- Why We Chose It: If you’re up for something a little different, The Silk Road adds a playful twist to traditional Indian flavors. They add and subtract new dishes from their revolving menu, so it’s always a bit surprising!
Where East Meets… Everywhere
Get ready for a culinary adventure at The Silk Road, a quirky Missoula haunt where vibrant Indian and Asian flavors embark on a world tour. Their menu is a little playful, a little whimsical, and helps you enjoy those familiar Indian spices and masalas while boldly remixing them with flavors from all over the globe.
Imagine smoky Tandoori chicken bursting from crisp taco shells, each bite a fiesta of textures and tastes. Or a classic Thai massaman curry infused with a hint of local Montana flair.
The Silk Road doesn’t stop at the food! Even their cocktail menu joins the fusion fun, think chai-infused martinis or mango margaritas with a kick of chili. Each dish is a surprise that invites you to leave your expectations at the door.
Kamoon Arabian Cuisine
At a Glance
- Location: 1016 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802 (Open in Google Maps)
- Cuisine Focus: Arabic specialties, highlighting dishes from the region.
- Price Range: $$
- Ambiance: Bright and inviting, with colorful decor.
- Menu Highlights: Homemade hummus, falafel wrap, chicken and beef shawarma, pistachio baklava
- Additional Information: Great option to explore Arabic cuisine, including lots of homemade sauces, hummus, and more
- Why We Chose It: If you haven’t explored Arabic food, Taste of India is a delicious introduction.
A Journey to North Africa and the Middle East
If terms like sambosa, baklava, and shawarma spark a sense of curiosity within you, Kamoon Arabian Cuisine is your passport to the gorgeous flavors of North Africa and the Middle East. Get ready to discover a whole new world of textures and tastes! Their homemade hummus – creamy dip made from cooked chickpeas, hand-crafted tahini, and fresh lemon – arrives at your table with a shimmering tan gleam. Get ready to put this on everything!
The falafel – deep-fried chickpea and fava bean balls blended with aromatic spices – offer a comforting warmth and a delicate flavor. If this culinary landscape is new to you, don’t hesitate! The staff at Kamoon Arabian Cuisine are often delighted to guide you through their menu, offering recommendations and sharing the stories behind each dish. Prepare to embark on a delicious journey to a lesser-known, yet utterly delightful, corner of cuisine.
The Allure of Indian and Arabic Food: Unveiling the Spice Factor
One of the things that might hold some people back from exploring Indian and Arabic food is the fear of spice. While it’s true that some Indian and Arabic dishes pack serious punches, the beauty lies in these cuisines’ range of options, as well as customizability.
Most restaurants allow you to choose your spice level, from very mild to fiery. This way, even those with a more sensitive palate can enjoy the complex flavors of Indian and Arabic cuisine.
And, when it comes to spice, it’s not always about heat. These cuisines incorporate a symphony of spices, from the earthy warmth of cumin to the bright citrus notes of coriander, creating a depth of flavor that goes beyond the simple notion of “spicy.”
Conclusion
Whether you’re a Missoula local seeking a break from the ordinary or a visitor craving exciting flavors, remember the city holds a delightful culinary secret – its thriving Indian and Arabic food scene. This is just a taste (pun intended!) of what Missoula has to offer.
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and explore. Your next favorite meal might be waiting behind a door you’ve never opened before.