I felt like Rip Van Winkle returning home. He fell asleep for a century, and everything changed around him. I moved away for 30 years and now, coming back to Athens, I see the city has transformed dramatically.
Walking down West Clayton Street, I revisited old places with my daughter, who rolled her eyes at my nostalgia. We decided to try Tikka Nation, a new Indian restaurant. Both of us love Indian food and had heard positive reviews.
I don’t claim to be an Indian cuisine expert, but I appreciate good food. Tikka Nation has a cool vibe, offering fast-casual dining instead of traditional waiter service or buffets. They have two menus: one traditional with classic dishes like kebabs and tikka masalas, and another with Western fusion options. I focused on the authentic fare.
We ordered a variety from the traditional menu: lamb samosas, samosa chaat, paneer tikka masala, Afghan chicken kebab, garlic naan, and chai. The owner, Shiva Walia, served the chai warm and sweet, blending sugar, caffeine, and cardamom perfectly. It was hard to resist asking for another cup.
Though the Afghan chicken took longer, we didn’t mind the wait. The lamb samosas arrived piping hot and needed a moment to cool down. The samosa chaat was like an Indian spin on a pot pie, mixing potatoes, peas, and chicken with spices that brought a unique twist to the dish.
We got two versions of paneer tikka masala. My daughter’s was sweeter than expected, lacking spice. The takeout version for my wife, however, was a delightful surprise. Shiva asked if we wanted it spicy, and it delivered — a perfect blend of heat and flavor. It gave that endorphin boost that keeps you coming back for more.
The lamb samosas, once cooled, were crispy and well-fried. While the filling was good, I felt they could’ve used more seasoning. On the other hand, the Afghan chicken was the star of the meal. Choosing chicken thighs over breast meat made all the difference. The dry curry rub was spot on, creating tender, charred pieces that were a pleasure to eat. The garlic naan was freshly baked and delicious.
For dessert, we ordered a mango lassi. It was rich and creamy, a meal in itself. Unlike the thinner versions from other places, this one was thick and packed with flavor from real mango. I wished we hadn’t cleared our table so quickly to enjoy every last bit.
Both my daughter and I agreed it was an excellent meal. We can’t wait to return to Tikka Nation, which is located at 142 West Clayton St. and is open daily for dine-in or takeout.
For those interested in the growing popularity of Indian cuisine, a recent survey suggests that nearly 30% of Americans have tried Indian food in the last year, reflecting its rising appeal. With places like Tikka Nation in Athens, the trend is likely to continue. You can explore more about the benefits of Indian cuisine and its impact on American food culture at National Geographic.
