Bites Nearby: Indian Food Court

This mini food court, located below the giant Indian Market at 315 Moody St. in Waltham, opened just about a year ago. It's made up of two different stations serving hot Indian and Middle Eastern dishes: samosas, pakora, kebobs, naan, tandoori, rice and chicken dishes and more. With keen competition from other nearby Indian restaurants with buffets, this latest venue can seem a bit sleepy in its spacious area. The food is good and authentic and the prices reasonable. It's worth a visit. (Note: One of the two stations may be changing in the near future to more American-style fare, so if you crave spicy vegetarian or chicken curry dishes over fragrant basmati rice, check it out soon.)  

What to eat: A regular Sri Lankan customer recommends getting one or two items from each of the two stations: for instance, dosas (there are seven different kinds) and lentil soup at one, and a chicken-and-rice or vegetarian dish at the other.

The vibe: Clean and quiet.

Cool factor no. 1: Since the food is laid out in warmers behind the counters, you can see exactly what you're ordering.

Cool factor no. 2: If you're not ready to eat in the moment, you can get the food in containers and a plastic grocery bag for takeout.

Cool factor no. 3: Just above the food court is the large Indian Market supermarket, which has a wide assortment of Indian and Middle Eastern pastries and other desserts.