MORE INDIAN OPTIONS

We visited three Honolulu Indian eateries — India Café, Cafe Maharani and Bombay's Curry in a Hurry — for this week's TGIF dining review. But that's not to say those are the only places on Oahu to find enticing South Asian fare. Here are some other choices.

BOMBAY INDIAN RESTAURANT

This celebrated Indian restaurant, with its sunset-colored decor, is a haven for rich, complex Indian curries, tandoor-grilled meats and a long list of traditional Indian flatbreads that go way beyond naan, including a variety of biryani (served with raita). Vegetarian dishes also available.

Bombay Indian Restaurant, Discovery Bay Center, 1778 Ala Moana, 942-3990

CAFE TAJMAHAL

With an exceptionally long and diverse menu, TajMahal offers something to satisfy every Indian craving. A chef's specialty — chicken jalfrezi ($11.99) — includes boneless cubed chicken with mixed vegetables and spices. For those who like spice, there's the lamb vindalo ($14.99), prepared in a red chili sauce.

Cafe TajMahal, 3036 Waialae Ave., 732-6496

HIMALAYAN KITCHEN

Specializing in Nepalese and Indian cuisine, this relatively new eatery at the 11th Avenue Atrium in Kaimukí offers a wide range of dishes, including staples like tandoori chicken ($17.95, full order) and aloo saag ($10.95), with spinach, potatoes and spices. There also are more intriguing choices like the Everest Choeela ($6.95) appetizer, with chicken tikka, jalapeños, onions and spices.

Himalyan Kitchen, 1137 11th Ave., 735-1122

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

It's not an Indian eatery per se, but Whole Foods offers various Indian dishes in its hot foods takeout buffet, including chicken tikka masala and samosas. ($8.99 per pound).

Whole Foods Market, Kahala Mall, 4211 Waialae Ave., 738-0820

SMALL BITES

POPPING TOPPINGS

Yogurt Mama’s (43 Oneawa St.; 263-3368) popping balls topping — which debuted a few weeks ago — come in lychee and mango flavors. Like ikura salmon roe, these burst with flavor when you catch them between your teeth. Half the fun is chasing them around your mouth. — Mari Taketa

NOW IN KÄHALA

Lanikai Juice, the beloved Kailua juice bar and smoothie shop, recently opened a second location in town, at the newly constructed retail complex at the corner of Kílauea and Waialae avenues. Just like its Windward sister, the Kähala outlet uses fresh, locally grown fruits like Hayden mangoes, Sunrise papayas and vine-ripened lilikoi in its many creations, including acai bowls, fresh juices and power smoothies. There's also a line of beverages made with soy milk, including the popular Waimanalo Blue, made with blueberries, bananas, dates, soy milk, granola and yogurt. Another of our favorites: The Acai Extravaganza with double acai, bananas, strawberries, apple juice, fresh berries and grated coconut. Double yum!

FOOD NEWS

Tropical Iceland just opened a second location at Ala Moana Center, next to Yami Yogurt. The dessert spot, which specializes in shave ice treats with real fruit toppings and condensed milk, has its original location at Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikïkï.
Purchase a $100 gift card at any of Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s five Hawaiçi locations before Dec. 31, and receive a $10 Ruth’s Chris certificate and a $5 certificate from Romano’s Macaroni Grill. When purchasing the gift cards, make a nonperishable canned food donation, and receive an additional $10 Ruth’s Chris certificate. The certificates may be used at any of Ruth’s Chris’ Hawaiçi eateries. Limit one per customer. Romano’s also will give out $5 dining certificates for every $25 gift card purchased at its two Hawaiçi restaurants, at Ala Moana Center and on the Big Island.
The Mäkaha Sons will hold their annual Christmas concert tonight at 7 at Chai’s Island Bistro at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Tickets are $80, and that includes a five-course meal for those dining inside the restaurant. The regular
a la carte menu and special prix-fixe dinner will be available in the outdoor area. Call 585-0011 for reservations.
On Christmas Eve, Halekulani’s Santa Claus will arrive via an outrigger canoe, catching a wave to land on the beach at about 4:30 p.m.