Clay Oven - Frederick, MD

July 9, 2008


When my wife and I began eating Indian food in Frederick some years ago, we'd go to Bombay Grill, on Market Street, downtown. For variety, we then tried Nilgiris off of Rt. 85 and that became our go-to Indian place. Earlier this month, we tried Clay Oven on Rt. 40 and had a good lunch.

Our preferred meal for Indian is lunch buffets, due to the selection, price, and how many Indian dishes (which are slow-cooked in sauces) excel when kept hot for long periods of time . Clay Oven's lunch buffet and dining room are smaller than those of the aforementioned competitors. One thing we appreciated was the consistent and noticeable spiciness of the food at Clay Oven. Perhaps in an attempt to appeal to a wider crowd, sometimes the chili peppers seem a bit buried at Bombay Grill and Nilgiris. Another (surprising) difference was the inclusion of a beef dish at Clay Oven's lunch buffet.

Most of the dishes really worked well at Clay Oven. The chef's use of spices (not just chilis), created many flavorful offerings. I enjoyed the chicken tikka makhani, chicken curry, navratan korma ("fresh vegetables simmered in a spiced creamy sauce with nuts"), and baigan bhurha (eggplant and onions). On the other hand, the dal makhani, a lentil dish, was one of the few bland dishes, needing more spice and more salt. The vegetable samosa was dense and unpleasant. The naan was acceptable.

In comparing my one visit to Clay Oven with my multiple visits to Nilgiris, Clay Oven's dishes were generally better seasoned. Most of Clay Oven's dishes were well spiced and appropriately creamy and rich. On the other hand, the chef(s) at Nilgiris can sometimes have a heavy hand with the oil and the salt. Yet the buffet at Nilgiris has an ever-changing variety of dishes (often including goat!) while Bombay Grill and Clay Oven seem to play it safer with their offerings. Perhaps this is why we tend to see more Indian patrons at Nilgiris. Nilgiris also has great naan, blistered from the hot oven and brushed with butter.

This was my first lunch at Clay Oven and I look forward to returning. I also need to return to Bombay Grill - it's been awhile.