Tarka Indian Kitchen felt like a fast casual chain which surprised me when I checked it out because there is only one location. It’s owned by the Clay Pit people and is a fast-casual version of that restaurant with cozy chairs and an appealing atmosphere but without the special dining experience feel.

After enjoying a fantastic tasting meal in a comfortable and relaxed environment, I found myself not minding the idea at all of finding a Tarka in mini-malls across the land.

My friend Addie and I wanted to try everything on the menu but there was just two of us so we each got soup — mulligatawny for me and madras for her, along with veggie samosas. The soup was wonderfully warming which I needed on this freezing Austin day and the samosas were the second best I’ve had in Austin (best are sometimes available for takeaway at Whole Foods, judge me if you will).

There was plenty of garlic naan in the one order we got and we paired that with a lamb korma that sent me into a state of ecstatic bliss.

The service was friendly and it’s great for a work lunch because you pay first and then sit and eat and can leave as soon as you’re done. Something I was thankful for as someone like me with small supplies of both time and patience.

Most of the Indian restaurants in town are way north of the river so I know Tarka is a welcome addition to the south Austin dining scene.