Bites Nearby: Baluchi's Indian Food

Would you like to experience exotic India without having to trek all the way to Jackson Heights? Try at 113-30 Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills.

Located at the boulevard's intersection with 76th Road, this restaurant offers a wide array of traditional North Indian dishes cooked in a tandoor oven, as wells as curries, kebabs and biryanis (meat or vegetables with basmati rice). Of course, all meals should include a specialty bread made in a tandoor oven, such as Naan with garlic, onions and various cheeses ($3.95).

Multi-colored glass lanterns and lighting from pink sconces set a mellow tone, aided by soft Indian music in the background. Paintings of Rajistani royalty and sitar players adorn the stucco walls, which emit a warm, terra cotta hue. Don't forget to feed the white marble wishing well at the entrance.

If a patron's mouth is watering for some chicken curry, there are five different entrees to chose from, and they all cost $13.95. At that juncture, it comes down to the desired sauce: tomato and cream, almond cream, dry masala, vinegar with hot chilis or spinach with spices.

On the more adventerous front, Kerala Boatman's Crab Curry, which is prepared with black peppercorn, fiery red chilis , mustard seeds and coconut, is one of the most expensive items at $16.95. Meanwhile, the Tandoori Quayle is the most adventurous, and the most expensive, at $17.95.

The vegetarian options — such as Aloo Gobhi (potato and cauliflower cooked with cumin seeds and spices), Mutter Paneer (cottage cheese and peas cooked in a light yellow sauce) and Channa Saag (puree of spinach cooked with chick peas) hover at at about $12. Lamb, goat, red snapper, salmon, catfish and yellow lentils anchor other dishes, all of which cost around $15.

The menu also offers a $14.95 special featuring one appetizer with one entree (Naan is included, but mango chutney, spicy pickles and green chilis are by request only).

The main dish doesn't make the meal, though, and patrons should consider ordering a Mango Martini or a Chocolate Martini ($10 each) to start things off. And to wind down at the end, spend $4.95 and try the traditional ice cream dishes, Pistacchio Kulfi or Mango Kulfi.

Located: 113-30 Queens Blvd.

Call: 718.520.8600.

Open: Sunday to Monday, noon to 9:45 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10:45 p.m.

Prices: Except for a combination platter, all appetizers cost less than $10. Most entrees run between $11.95 and $15.95 with a few more expensive and less expensive options. Breads, which are highly recommended as a side dish, vary from $2.95 to $3.95.