Chef’s Choice

A little–known restaurant in Naples just off Route 41 at the Pine Ridge Road intersection has completely captured the attention of local ‘foodies’, especially those who enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. Having enjoyed dinner there a few times, we understand why Le Indya Naples is quickly becoming very popular.  

The evening started off with samosas and some naan bread selections. The delectable dinner choices of Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, and Chicken Tikka Masala were melt–in-your–mouth delicious! The extensive menu was created by Chef Suman Chaniyil. Chef Suman is from Kerala in the southern part of India. It is known as the “Spice Capital of the World.” According to Chef Suman, “Spices growing in my region are in wide demand all over the world because of their distinct exotic flavors. I use spices imported from my own state in my dishes at Le Indya and in the other two restaurants our family owns and operates in Fort Myers: India’s Grill and Spice Club.” 

“Our extensive menu represents almost all the regional food of India,” Chef Suman explains, “including coconut–based dishes from my own state, like Fish Nirvana, which is fish simmered in coconut sauce with shallots, turmeric and ginger. Kerala Chicken Curry is one of my other favorite dishes as it uses those flavorful spices unique to my region of India.”

An extensive variety of traditional tandoor cooked dishes are on the menu as well. For those unfamiliar with tandoor, Chef Suman explained: “A tandoor is a traditional Indian clay oven fired with charcoal. Meat cooked in a tandoor retains its juiciness and flavor. The traditional naan bread is also cooked in a tandoor oven.”  

“The Kashmiri lamb chops are top–sellers in this restaurant. Our menu includes a wide range of vegan and vegetarian dishes which attracts lots of customers from Naples and beyond. We also offer a wide variety of seafood selections.” 

Chef Suman shared this with us: “The Atithi Devo Bhava, also spelled Atithidevo Bhava Sanskrit (अतिथिदेवो à¤­à¤µ) translates in English to: ‘You become the one who considers that guests are equivalent to God’. It describes the dynamic of the host–guest relationship which embodies the traditional Indian Hindu philosophy of revering guests!”  

Le Indya Naples is located at 975 Pine Ridge Road. Find Le Indya on Facebook or check out the menu on their website: www.leindya.com. For reservations or ordering online for pick-up, call 239–591-5156.