Merzi...Indian Chipotle?

After going to the Newseum (if you haven't been I strongly suggest it) my friend and I decided that we would get a bite to eat. After wandering around for a little bit we came across Merzi, basically an Indian Chipotle (however it is not affiliated with Chipotle).

It starts with the same premise as Chipotle, you pick your base. In Merzi's case rice, naan, chaat, salad or roti. Then you pick you protein: chicken, lamb, tandoori chicken, beef, shrimp or veggie. After you decide on those two, its time to decide on your veggies and sauces.

I got rice with beef (bottom photo) with an assortment of toppings. I tried the Warm Medium Creamy Tikka Masala and the Cold Cilantro Mint chutney...both delicious. My friend got the lamb with the Spicy Onion Tomato Masala, both good as well. 

The concept of Merzi is very cool, the food is made up of all quality ingredients, and everything tasted very good. My only complaint (and this could be in part because of the way I picked my dish) was that there were too many flavors going on. Maybe I am seeing it like a Chipotle where if I pile on all the veggies/salsas they all taste amazing meshed together. Everything at Merzi was good, but I felt like there were too many competing flavors. 

If you have never had Indian food before and you are hesitant to try it, this is a great way to get your foot in the door. 



415 7th Street NW
Washington, DC