The layers of flavors at this Bala BYO take our Indian favorites up a notch, starting with the rice: Light, fluffy, and infused with the restaurant’s namesake spice, it’s the perfect starchy building block to a delicious meal. Don’t miss the saag paneer, in which the brilliantly spiced spinach—what is that smoky note?—shines (rather than the cream, for a change), or the tandoori-kissed lamb cubes in the house special boti kebab.

Saffron Indian Kitchen | 145 Montgomery Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA | (484) 278-4112 | http://www.saffronofphilly.com/