Bengal Tiger
144 East Post Road • White Plains • New York • (914) 948-5191


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REVIEWS



The New York Times - M. H. Reed     (March 2, 2008)
     "Over the past 33 years Simpson Kalathara, chef and owner of Bengal Tiger, has never left delicious well-enough alone.  He is and always has been exploring new combinations from the myriad flavors provided by India’s rich culinary tradition."

The New York Times
M. H. Reed
SUNDAY MARCH 2, 2008
"DELECTABLE INDIAN,
WITH DIETARY GUIDANCE"
Rating: EXCELLENT

Anderson Guide to Enjoying Greenwich, Connecticut     (7th Edition)
     "... it is a great place to introduce a guest to Indian cuisine."

The Scarsdale Inquirer - Judie Dweck     (June 1, 2007)
     "Bengal Tiger continues to offer great Indian cuisine."

Zagat 2007/08
     "consistently wonderful ...."

Bronx News - Morris Gut     (July 13-19, 2006)
     "Simson Kalathara, the pioneer owner-chef of Bengal Tiger's Indian Restaurant in White Plains, founder of greater Westchester's original Indian dining establishment more than 30 years ago, continues to serve up an exciting mix of regional specialties and colorful decor espousing the history, art and folklore of his native country."

The Journal News - Deven Black & Jill Rovitzky Black     (June 9, 2006)
     "Flavors at Bengal Tiger's are like the ragas of Indian classical music; complex and arranged to allow instruments to enhance each other."

Crain's New York Business - Bob Lape     (March 6, 2006)
     "Bengal Tiger's culinary prowess (is) matched by loyalty of kitchen staff."

WCBS News Radio 880 - Bob Lape reporting     (February 15, 2006)
     "Bengal Tiger, the full-range, full-flavored Indian restaurant in WHite Plans, is an exceptional place to experience the cuisine at its best ....is hands down the most pleasing Indian dining outside the city."

The New York Times
Guy Henle & M. H. Reed
SUNDAY JUNE 4, 1978 SUNDAY APRIL 13, 1980 SUNDAY NOV 3, 1985
"SPICY
WITH A DASH
OF THE EXOTIC"
"A ROARING
INDIAN
SUCCESS"
"INDIAN SPOT
CELEBRATING
10TH YEAR"
Rating: very good Rating: very good Rating: very good
   
SUNDAY APRIL 8, 1990 SUNDAY JAN 17, 1993 SUNDAY MARCH 24, 1996
"SUBTLE FLAVORS
OF INDIA
IN WHITE PLAINS"
"TRADITIONAL
INDIAN CUISINE
IN NEW DECOR"
"FLAVORFUL
INDIAN CUISINE
IN WHITE PLAINS"
Rating: very good Rating: very good Rating: excellent

Plate - Toni Lydecker     (January / February, 2006)
     "Indian restaurateurs tend to think of Northern foods as more refined and more suitable for a Western restaurant than the homey cooking of the South.  Simson Kalathara, owner of Bengal Tiger's.... served an entirely Northern Indian menu for the first 25 years in business.  Five years ago, (Simson Kalathara) was finally able to get a South Indian chef who knows the food and techniques.  Since then, he's introduced a South Indian brunch buffet and gotten good feedback"

Co-Op City News     (September 10, 2005)
     "A selection of fine wines, Indian beers and assorted beverages are available to complement your meal."

Bronx Parkchester News     (September 9, 2005)
     "The tasty housemade breads are perfect for scooping up the gravies ...."

Bronx News - Morris Gut     (September 8-14, 2005)
     "Bengal Tiger is a stately setting for the enjoyment of fine Indian cuisine .... highlighted by photographs of historic Indian figures and colorful artifacts. The multi-color ceiling tent will make you feel like you are on a long exotic journey."

White Plains Watch - Debbie Rotolo     (July 2005)
     "Simson Kalathara has made sure that the Bengal Tiger's diverse menu has grown continuously over the years and it now boasts more than 100 exceptional dishes for customers to try.  Whether you stick with your tried-and-true favorites or decide to 'walk on the wild side' and experiment with the new specials, your evening at the Bengal Tiger is sure to leave you happy, sated and ready for next time!"

India in New York - George Joseph     (July 22, 2005)
     "After 30 years in the restaurant business, Simson Kalathara looks back with satisfaction.  There aren't many Indian restaurants in the city who have been in the business for that long.  Bengal Tiger has grown into one of the finest restaurants in New York"

The Scarsdale Inquirer - Judie Dweck     (July 8, 2005)
     "Bengal Tiger in White Plains is celebrating its 30th anniversary.  Simson Kalathara has created many new and exciting dishes to enhance the already exotic menu."

Malayalam Weekly Newspaper     (June 29, 2005)
     

Westchester Magazine - Nelly Edmunson Gupta     (June 2005)
     "Bengal Tiger prides itself on producing authentic Northern Indian flavors and classics....and turns to Southern Indian roots when it comes to the restaurant's nightly specials."

Zagat 2005
     ".....'you're in good hands' with 'marvelous owner-host' at this 'dependable' 'upscale' White Plains 'favorite'......'outstanding cuisine including 'perfect' poori"

The New York Times   M. H. Reed
CRITIC'S CHOICE
1999
January 2, 2000
Where Service Counts
"...remain(s) among the first and the best in the county."
1998
January 3, 1999
The Year's Finest Dining
"...solid old-timers, like Bengal Tiger, continue(s) to deliver tasty preparations and add interesting regional dishes."
1997
December 28, 1997
Best of Dining Out in '97
"The very best remains Bengal Tiger in White Plains."
1996
December 29, 1996
New Dining Trends
"With every year.... a few more interesting dishes...."
1995
December 31, 1995
Vigor Abounds
"Bengal Tiger's menu is now more comprehensive than ever...."

The New York Times - Jeff Grossman     (September 2004)
     "A meal served in Bengal Tiger restaurant is prepared just as it would be in India."

Food Product Design     (December 2002)
     Simpson Kalathara, who runs the Bengal Tiger restaurant, is an expert on regional Indian cuisine.  Bengal Tiger's original menu was north Indian, but through the years... introduced dishes from all parts of India and balti dishes from London.  "Some Americans who don't know the difference between north and south Indian dishes think that south Indian dishes are hot and spicy, but this is not necessarily so.  Bengal Tiger has introduced mild south Indian dishes.  Likewise, not all north Indian dishes are mild.  While ... attempt to accommodate customers' heat preferences, some curries cannot be made hot and be authentic, because this will change their flavor profile.  Similarly ... cannot make vindaloo mild since it is a hot curry."

White Plains Watch - Renee Marks Cohen     (January 2001)
     "...Bengal Tiger offers more than special Indian food and cordiality. The restaurant is an exotic treasure of Indian décor, art, sculpture, and photographs."

Zagat 2001
     ".....remains 'on an upward trend' with 'flavorful, well-prepared' food"

The Scarsdale Inquirer - Judie Dweck     (December 2000)
     "The gift of mixing spices in the right proportions for each dish is the sign of a fine chef. This talent has been flourishing in White Plains for 25 years at Bengal Tiger."

Zagat 2000
     "Still the taste of India in Westchester...."

Message from 1998 PGA Champion Vijay Singh
     Vijay Singh

Wining & Dining In Westchester - M. H. Reed     (1999/2000)
     "It's difficult to add comment to a restaurant that has been in successful operation for 22 years and shows no sign of letting up"

White Plains Watch - K. Kawaguchi     (March 1998)
     "...Bengal Tiger offers possibly the best value in town."

Zagat 1998
     "If you want Indian, this is the place...."

The New York Times - M. H. Reed     (October 1997)
     "...even on Sundays when downtown businesses are closed and streets empty, Bengal Tiger's brunches play to a packed house."

Westchester Weekly - Lisanne Elkins     (January 1997)
     "Bengal Tiger's menu also features many excellent vegetarian dishes."

Joan Lunden's Healthy Cooking - Joan Lunder and Laura Morton
     ".... my favorite Indian restaurant: the Bengal Tiger in White Plains, New York."

Gannett - Rob Ryser     (August 1997)
     "Bengal Tiger... specializes in Balti cuisine ...."

The New York Times - M. H. Reed     (March 1996)
     "Still delightful after 22 years...."

Gannett - Barbara Nachman
     "At the Bengal Tiger, there are no limits to these serve-yourself-culinary treasure hunts."

Goodlife - Stephen and Zara Janson
     "The Bengal Tiger seats about one hundred people. The interior of the restaurant is every bit as exotic as the food."

WFAS AM1230 - Host Joe De Matteo
     "EXCELLENCE AWARD"

Suburbia Today - Sidney Stanton
     "... a colorful restautant where the spices whisper or growl, as you desire."

CUE Magazine - Hermene Friedman
     "Here you have the opportunity to experience the delicate fragrances and subtle flavors of truly authentic Indian cuisine."

Westchester Magazine - John Mariani
     "Lamb Vindaloo - if you ask the kitchen at Bengal Tiger to make it authentically you will savor one of Asia's most delectable entrees."

The Reporter Dispatch - Pamela Markham
     "Culinary trend watchers say more and more Americans are becoming acquainted with Indian cooking."

Gannett - John Mariani
     "... current owner Simson Kalathara is one of the most cordial hosts around."

Westchester Rockland Newspapers - Sydney Stanton
     "Grab Bengal Tiger's tail for a culinary adventure."

The Evening Star - Franz Eichenauer
     "Ancient sages believed food is a 'Gift of the Gods' and in India its preparation is a form of prayer."

Westchester Business Journal - Alec Burgess
     "Want an exciting culinary experience? Well, here it is, par excellence...close by for Westchesterites, and worth traveling to for others..."

Westmore News - Jesse Brodey
     "While there are some mild dishes available, the Bengal Tiger offers a cornucopia for the adventurous diner who dotes on hot, spicy cuisines."

Westchester Magazine - Abigail Kirsch
     "This is truly one of the outstanding ethnic restaurants in our county."

The Lead Line - Audax Manger
     "This preamble is only to say that we can all enjoy first rate Indian cuisine at the Bengal Tiger in White Plains."

Westchester Illustrated - Sylvia Fine Craft
     "For anyone new to the varieties of Indian cooking, the Bengal Tiger in White Plains offers an easy-to-understand menu outlining the mainstays of the kitchen."

Westchester Magazine - C. R. Cascio
     "I can't wait to return to sample other items on their exciting menu."