Such Good Heights: Adams Morgan's Himalayan Heritage

I'd walked past Himalayan Heritage several times, but had not yet ventured inside until this past week, when - spurred by Tom Sietsema's recent positive review - Jason and I decided to check it out for dinner. As we stepped inside the Nepalese-Indian eatery, we were greeted by a friendly hostess and led to our table. Soon after we sat down, a complimentary small plate of marinated soybeans appeared, which we quickly devoured.

We started with drinks (a glass of sparkling white wine for me, and a Taj Mahal beer for Jason), and appetizers. At Tom's recommendation, we ordered the Gobi Manchurian, cauliflower mixed with a corn flour batter, deep fried and dipped in a spicy hot and sweet soy sauce cooked with capsicum, ginger and green chile. The cauliflower, golden-hued and addictively crunchy, was delicious, but not as spicy as its description would suggest. We also tried the Himalayan Choe-La appetizer, cubes of boneless chicken breast marinated with mustard oil, Himalayan herbs and spices, and grilled in a charcoal oven. The Choe-La was tasty, but again, not as flavorful as I expected. (Perhaps the kitchen tones down the heat for Western palates.)

Our entrees were a more richly flavored. I ordered Lamb Kadai, tender pieces of lamb cooked with fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic and spices, garnished with coriander and ginger. The lamb was well-spiced and perfectly cooked, enhanced by the gravy created from its cooking juices. Jason's goat curry was a nicely complex blend of flavors, the deep meatiness of the goat blending with the sweetness of the onion sauce that accompanied it.

Unsurprisingly, given Himalayan Heritage's good write-up in the Post, the secret is definitely out; the place was packed by the time we finished our meal. As a result, it took a good while to flag down our server for the check, and to have our credit cards returned. As Jason noted, the staff seemed overwhelmed by the time we left. However, until that point, service was very friendly, accommodating, and prompt. The staff, though very busy, seems determined to ensure a positive experience for patrons.

In any case, it's great to have another casual, but good dining spot in the neighborhood. (Not that Adams Morgan is lacking in dining establishments, but it's always nice to have more choices.)

Good to know:
Himalayan Heritage is located at 2305 18th Street, NW, on the corner of 18th and Kalorama in Adams Morgan. Diners were dressed in everything from jeans and sneakers to suits and ties, and no one looked out of place.

Photo by the Washington Post's Olivia Boinet.