3 new Indian fusion spots to try in the St. Louis area

When it comes to Indian restaurants, business is a-boomin' with several spots opening recently, from Black Salt and Red Chili in Chesterfield to the popular chain restaurant Honest, which opened in St. Peters late last year. Now, a new wave has opened in the past few months and they all have one thing in common: fusion.

Amrut Fusion
The standards are safe bets here, from pillowy soft garlic naan to charred and juicy tandoori shrimp. But fun is where the fusion is, and at Amrut Fusion that usually involves cheese: The dosa quesadilla, a traditional rice flour crepe served with mint sauce and tamarind sauce, comes stuffed with American cheese; the paneer gulistani tikka sees melted mozzarella served between slices of charred paneer squares, all coated with a zesty sauce flavored with grilled peppers and onions. Meanwhile, the crispy momos (fried veggie dumplings), an assortment of chaat snacks and loaded french fries all partner well with the bourbon-focused bar program. 
17392 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, 636.778.9380, amrutfusion.com

Taco Twist
This West-Coast chain just opened its first location in the Central West End. They have some fun traditional snacks like the pani puri – crisp little rounds of hollowed fry bread stuffed with potatoes and served with mint water, but that's not why you're here. You're here for the tawa noodles burger. Choose your pick of a veggie, chicken or spicy veggie masala patty, served on a toasted bun with a heaping pile of hakka noodles on top. These stir-fry noodles are a popular Indo-Chinese stir-fry dish and add a delicious, bouncy texture with each bite. 
15 N. Euclid Ave., Suite A, St. Louis, 314.635.0033, tacotwist.com

Tikka Tangy
Start your order here with the naan tacos. Two fresh pieces of naan are stuffed with your entree of choice – we recommend the rich dal tangy masala (lentils in masala curry) or the chana masala (chickpeas in gravy) – and topped with crisp veggies. It’s not exactly a taco, more a simplified way to eat naan with a delicious saucy curry. Other interesting fusion dishes include the Mediterranean nachos with housemade tortilla chips, cheese, pickled jalapenos, chicken and a drizzle of garlic sauce. Also on the menu is a samosa burger where, you guessed it, they smash a cooked samosa, put it on a bun, dress it up with Tikka Tangy tamarind chutney and yogurt-mint chutney and top it with tomatoes and onions.
13441 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield, 314.682.6066, tikkatangy.com