At this nondescript Dot. Ave. storefront, the samosas and crispy mixed-vegetable pakoras are deep-fried pockets of pillowy goodness. And while we love getting takeout (the creamy shrimp saag travels exceptionally well), hunkering down in the tiny dining room also offers its rewards — namely, the excellent tandoori dishes. Charred to order in the 900-degree oven, they hit the table still sizzling.

Shanti | 1111 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA