THE Place for Indian Food in Logan, Utah

In a place not known for its cultural diversity, a strange aroma drifts over the Sinclair gas station a block away from the Utah State University campus. And that aroma wafts from the general direction of an Indian tandoori (clay oven). And, even though the Royal Burger occasionally serves a special-order Indian dish, if you want Indian food, about the only place you can go is to the Indian Oven.

The Indian Oven is literally located in a back corner of the Logan Market, the convenience store that serves as the Sinclair gas station located on the corner of 700 East and 1000 North. It is near the University, and many of the locals and students enjoy popping in to enjoy some of the naan (the flatbread made in the tandoori) and maybe hit the buffet. Despite the indifferent set-up, the Indian Oven does good business. And this probably because the owners of the Sinclair station are, yes, Indian. So the food is authentic and delicious. And, since few people in Logan have the opportunity to try something so exotic (Chinese buffets hardly count as exotic any more), the Indian Oven remains one of the few places to get a taste of mystical lands.

The Indian Oven offers take out and dine in, and every evening (well, Monday through Saturday) a buffet from 4:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. The take out orders start coming in when the restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. and continue until 10:00 p.m. The entrée portions are generous, tasty, and range in price from $7.99 to $12.99. You will be asked to state your preference for the spiciness - the chef caters to some Americans' needs to have the hot factor turned down.

Among my favorites are the chicken tandoori, the chicken aloo, paneer tikka, shrimp biryani, and the fish vindaloo. And, of course, there are various curry dishes. Don't look for beef on this menu - in India, cows are sacred. Indian cuisine and beef just do not co-exist on the same plate. But the food is so good that you won't miss the fact that you aren't eating beef. Even the rice is good. Imported rice is generally more flavorful than the dull rice we are used to in America. Yes, in India, even the rice is aromatic. And many of the dishes are made with basmati rice, imported from beyond our shores.

So, if you are looking for something a little different, and reasonably priced, look no further than the Indian Oven. Oh, and they cater, too.