When it comes to savoring authentic Indian cuisine in Portland, Daawat A Ishq stands out as a culinary gem that beautifully marries tradition with innovation. The menu at Daawat A Ishq reflects a deep passion for rich flavors, aromatic spices, and time-honored recipes, offering an immersive dining experience that transports guests straight to the heart of India.
Whether you’re a fan of classic tandoori dishes or crave the delicate nuances of regional specialties, this restaurant’s menu offers something for every palate. The vibrant array of options is carefully curated to cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians, ensuring that each dish bursts with flavor and authenticity.
The atmosphere at Daawat A Ishq complements the menu perfectly, providing an inviting setting where food is celebrated as an art form. The chefs’ dedication to quality ingredients and meticulous preparation shines through in every bite.
From appetizers that tease the senses to desserts that provide a sweet finale, the menu is a journey of taste and texture designed to delight. Whether you are dining with friends, family, or enjoying a quiet night out, the carefully crafted selections promise a memorable experience filled with the warmth and richness of Indian culinary heritage.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer section at Daawat A Ishq offers a vibrant introduction to the meal, focusing on bold flavors and fresh ingredients. These dishes are perfect for sharing and set the tone for the culinary journey ahead.
Each starter is thoughtfully prepared to balance spices and textures, offering a delicious preview of what’s to come.
Among the most popular starters is the Paneer Tikka, featuring marinated chunks of cottage cheese grilled to perfection. The smoky aroma combined with the subtle tang of yogurt and spices creates an irresistible flavor profile.
Another standout is the Chicken 65, a spicy and crispy fried chicken delicacy that’s a favorite among spice enthusiasts.
Vegetarian options are equally enticing, with dishes like Vegetable Samosas that boast a crispy exterior and savory filling. These appetizers are paired wonderfully with a variety of chutneys, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Popular Starter Highlights
- Paneer Tikka: Grilled cottage cheese marinated with yogurt and spices
- Chicken 65: Deep-fried spicy chicken bites with a crispy crust
- Vegetable Samosas: Pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes and peas
- Onion Bhaji: Crispy fried onion fritters served with mint chutney
“Appetizers at Daawat A Ishq are crafted to awaken your palate, blending traditional spices with modern techniques.”
Main Courses: A Symphony of Flavors
The main courses at Daawat A Ishq showcase the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine, offering an extensive range of dishes from various regions. The menu caters to diverse tastes by including rich curries, tandoori specialties, and vegetarian delights, each crafted with attention to detail and authenticity.
Signature dishes like Butter Chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh highlight the restaurant’s mastery over meat preparations. The butter chicken is known for its creamy tomato-based sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and spice.
Lamb Rogan Josh, with its fragrant blend of Kashmiri spices, provides a robust and savory experience.
Vegetarians are not left behind with options like Chana Masala and Baingan Bharta, which bring traditional flavors to the forefront without compromising on richness or texture. These dishes pair excellently with a variety of breads and rice, making for a satisfying meal.
Comparative Overview of Popular Main Courses
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Spice Level |
| Butter Chicken | Chicken, Tomato, Cream, Butter | Creamy, Slightly Sweet, Mildly Spicy | Medium |
| Lamb Rogan Josh | Lamb, Yogurt, Kashmiri Spices | Rich, Aromatic, Spicy | High |
| Chana Masala | Chickpeas, Tomato, Onion, Spices | Earthy, Tangy, Medium Spicy | Medium |
| Baingan Bharta | Roasted Eggplant, Onions, Tomatoes, Spices | Smoky, Savory, Mild | Low |
Tandoori and Grilled Specialties
Daawat A Ishq’s tandoori and grilled section is a showcase of expertly cooked dishes that highlight the smoky, charred flavors imparted by the traditional clay oven. This cooking technique brings out a unique depth in meats and vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors while adding a delightful crispness.
The Tandoori Chicken is a signature dish here, marinated overnight in a mixture of yogurt and spices before being cooked to juicy perfection. The charred exterior and tender interior make it a perennial favorite.
For those seeking something different, the Seekh Kebabs offer a spicy minced meat option that is flavorful and juicy.
Vegetarian diners can enjoy the Tandoori Paneer, where cubes of paneer are marinated in herbs and spices, then grilled to a smoky finish. This dish pairs beautifully with freshly baked naan or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Tandoori Menu Highlights
- Tandoori Chicken: Juicy chicken marinated in spices and yogurt, grilled in a clay oven
- Seekh Kebabs: Spiced minced meat skewers cooked over high heat
- Tandoori Paneer: Grilled cottage cheese with aromatic herbs and spices
- Tandoori Prawns: Succulent prawns marinated and charred to perfection
“The tandoor cooking method is central to Indian cuisine, enabling flavors to meld while creating a signature smoky aroma.”
Breads and Rice Accompaniments
No Indian meal is complete without the perfect bread or rice accompaniment, and Daawat A Ishq excels in offering a variety of these staples. The breads are freshly baked in the tandoor, ensuring a soft, fluffy texture with just the right amount of char.
Classic options like Garlic Naan and Butter Roti are crowd favorites, providing an ideal vehicle for scooping up curries and sauces. For rice lovers, the menu features fragrant Basmati Rice and flavorful Jeera Rice (cumin rice), which complement the rich main dishes beautifully.
Specialty rice dishes such as Vegetable Biryani and Chicken Pulao offer a complete meal experience on their own, combining rice with spices, vegetables, and proteins in a harmonious blend.
Bread and Rice Choices
- Garlic Naan: Soft flatbread infused with fresh garlic and herbs
- Butter Roti: Whole wheat flatbread brushed with butter
- Jeera Rice: Basmati rice cooked with cumin seeds
- Vegetable Biryani: Aromatic rice cooked with mixed vegetables and spices
| Item | Description | Best Paired With |
| Garlic Naan | Leavened bread with garlic and butter | Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka |
| Jeera Rice | Basmati rice with cumin seeds | Lamb Rogan Josh, Chana Masala |
| Vegetable Biryani | Spiced rice with mixed vegetables | Raita, Pickles |
Desserts: Sweet Endings
The dessert options at Daawat A Ishq provide a delightful conclusion to the meal, featuring traditional Indian sweets that balance sweetness with texture and aroma. Each dessert is crafted to complement the bold flavors of the main courses, offering a satisfying finale.
Gulab Jamun is a classic favorite—soft, syrup-soaked dumplings that melt in your mouth. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by a hint of cardamom, making it a comforting treat.
Another highlight is the Kheer, a creamy rice pudding infused with saffron and garnished with nuts, which offers a smooth and comforting texture.
The menu also includes Ras Malai, soft cheese patties soaked in sweetened milk flavored with rose water and pistachios. These desserts are excellent for those seeking a taste of traditional Indian sweets with a contemporary presentation.
Dessert Favorites
- Gulab Jamun: Fried milk balls soaked in rose-flavored sugar syrup
- Kheer: Creamy rice pudding with saffron and cardamom
- Ras Malai: Soft cheese patties in sweetened milk with nuts
- Mango Kulfi: Traditional Indian ice cream with mango flavor
“Indian desserts at Daawat A Ishq offer a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, creating a memorable finale to your meal.”
Beverages and Refreshments
Beverages at Daawat A Ishq are thoughtfully curated to complement the rich and diverse flavors of the food menu. Whether you prefer refreshing non-alcoholic drinks or carefully selected alcoholic options, there’s something to suit every taste.
Signature drinks include the traditional Mango Lassi, a creamy yogurt-based drink that balances spice with sweetness. The Masala Chai is another beloved choice, blending strong tea with aromatic spices such as cardamom and cinnamon.
For those looking to unwind, the menu also features a selection of Indian-inspired cocktails and a carefully chosen wine list.
Non-alcoholic options include freshly squeezed juices and soda-based drinks infused with Indian spices, providing refreshing alternatives that pair well with the meal’s bold flavors.
Beverage Selection
- Mango Lassi: Sweet yogurt drink with mango puree
- Masala Chai: Spiced Indian tea brewed with milk and spices
- Indian-inspired Cocktails: Creative blends featuring traditional spices
- Fresh Juices: Seasonal fruit juices with a hint of spice
| Beverage | Description | Pairing Suggestions |
| Mango Lassi | Sweet, creamy mango yogurt drink | Spicy Curries, Tandoori Dishes |
| Masala Chai | Tea blended with cinnamon, cardamom, and milk | Desserts, Light Snacks |
| Indian-inspired Cocktails | Cocktails infused with spices like cumin and ginger | Appetizers, Grilled Specialties |
Special Dietary Options
Daawat A Ishq understands the importance of accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions, ensuring an inclusive dining experience. The menu contains thoughtful options for vegetarians, vegans, and those requiring gluten-free meals.
Vegetarian dishes are plentiful and crafted with as much care as the meat options, featuring ingredients like paneer, lentils, and fresh vegetables. Vegan diners can enjoy many of these same dishes with slight modifications, such as omitting dairy-based ingredients.
The kitchen is also experienced in creating gluten-free alternatives, particularly in breads and sauces.
Staff at Daawat A Ishq are knowledgeable and willing to assist guests in customizing their orders to meet specific dietary needs without compromising flavor or authenticity. This dedication to inclusivity enhances the overall dining experience and makes the restaurant a welcoming place for all.
Dietary Highlights
- Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: Wide selection with clear labeling and options for modification
- Gluten-Free Choices: Including rice-based dishes and specially prepared breads
- Allergen Awareness: Staff trained to handle common allergens and cross-contamination concerns
- Customizable Dishes: Flexibility to adjust spice levels and ingredients on request
“Inclusivity in dining is a priority at Daawat A Ishq, where every guest can enjoy authentic flavors tailored to their needs.”
Conclusion
Daawat A Ishq in Portland offers a menu that is both a celebration of Indian culinary tradition and a showcase of innovation. Every section—from appetizers to desserts—reflects a deep commitment to quality, authenticity, and the vibrant flavors that define Indian cuisine.
The variety ensures that diners of all preferences and dietary needs can find something truly satisfying and memorable.
The attention to detail in preparation and presentation elevates each dish beyond just a meal, turning dining into an experience. Whether indulging in the smoky richness of tandoori specialties, savoring the complex spices of regional curries, or enjoying a sweet treat to finish, guests are treated to a harmonious blend of taste and culture.
In addition to the thoughtfully crafted food, the welcoming ambiance and attentive service make Daawat A Ishq a top destination for Indian cuisine enthusiasts in Portland. With its diverse menu options and dedication to guest satisfaction, the restaurant promises a flavorful journey that leaves a lasting impression and invites diners to return time and again.
