SOME OF the best restaurants you will ever eat at can be found in the most unexpected places, and Bowling Green’s India Oven is no exception. India Oven gained widespread recognition when TikTok creator Luke Collins, hailing from Cave City, recently shared a glowing review of the restaurant. His infectious enthusiasm quickly caught fire on social media, and it’s safe to say that Collins was spot-on — India Oven truly lives up to the hype.
India Oven exudes an unpretentious charm. While the restaurant maintains impeccable cleanliness, with tables adorned in white tablecloths, it unmistakably carries an air of familiarity that sets it apart from anything deemed overly fancy — except, of course, when it comes to the extraordinary quality of its food. Lucky for us here in Bowling Green because if this restaurant were located in Nashville or Cincinnati, you’d never be able to get a table.
My companions and I dined on lamb samosas, chicken vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, and butter chicken. The menu is extensive, with heat choices that range from ‘mild’ to ‘Indian hot.’ Your meal comes with complimentary papadums served with mint sauce and mango chutney. If you had your sights set on pairing your dinner with a classic gin and tonic — a libation originating from India — here’s a whimsical heads-up: India Oven amusingly doesn’t stock tonic water. Fear not, though, as they graciously permit patrons to bring their own.
The samosas were flaky and well-seasoned, served with a delicious tamarind sauce. The vindaloo is a deliciously spicy aromatic curry with a complex combination of heat, tanginess, and savory undertones. The chicken tikka masala has a slightly charred flavor, which offsets the creaminess of the tomato-based sauce nicely, and you can really taste the garlic and ginger in the dish. It’s fantastic.
You couldn’t think of a better dish than butter chicken for all you parents out there wanting to expose your kids to a palate that goes beyond McNuggets.
Do yourself a favor and order the garlic naan. And then order another. You can thank me later.
India Oven is one of the finest Indian culinary experiences this critic has ever encountered. The fact that this authentic and delectable restaurant is right here in Bowling Green is undoubtedly a stroke of luck for discerning diners. GN
