AM: In terms of ambiance, what can guests expect when they come in to dine?
DD: A large bar, open kitchen and 20-person communal table — mingling encouraged — are set for a party vibe. You'll also see more tucked-away booths and a mural by local artist Patrick Owens.
AM: Tell us about Edit Lab at Streetsense who designed this space!
DD: As a friend of Brian Miller, I’ve always admired his unique approach to design. At Edit Lab at Streetsense, Brian and his team are renowned for creating immersive environments that reflect a brand’s personality and enhance the guest experience through thoughtful architectural details and material choices. Their collaborative process with chefs and restaurateurs ensures every element feels intentional and cohesive, demonstrating creativity, cultural sensitivity, and meticulous attention to detail, which makes us trust them implicitly.
For Tapori, Edit Lab has been dedicated to crafting a vibrant atmosphere. The design features hip neon accents reflected off mirrored walls, wood paneling, intimate booths, and banquette seating, contributing to a lively and warm dining experience.”
AM: Your menu reflects and takes culinary inspiration from different regions in India.
DD: Yes, we will be pulling from regions from the Himalayas, Mumbai, and Kerala for example.
AM: Can you tell us about the regions that you pull from and the kinds of dishes and ingredients/spices that come from those areas?
DD: At Tapori, the culinary inspiration comes from vibrant regions of South Asia, particularly Nepal and India, featuring dishes like momo (dumplings) and various Indian street foods enriched with spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The restaurant also embraces Indo-Chinese fusion, incorporating bold flavors and fresh ingredients to create an exciting and memorable dining experience.
AM: How important is it to offer dishes that include vegetarian, seafood, and various meat options?
DD: South Asian cuisine is so diverse, and one of the best things about it is how it brings everyone to the table. You can have vegetarians, vegans, and meat lovers all chilling together, and each one will find something they love. It’s all about the flavors and options that make sure everyone leaves happy and satisfied!
AM: What are 3 appetizers that we should be thinking about when we come in to eat with friends and family?
DD: Lotus Root Chaat features crispy lotus root tossed with gram flour, drizzled with sweet yogurt and a sprinkle of black salt for a delightful crunch and tang.
Cauliflower 65 delivers a spicy and savory experience with oven-roasted cauliflower, enhanced by roasted garlic, aromatic curry leaves, mustard seeds, and served with a rich Kashmiri chili mayo.
Buff Chili combines tender buffalo, stir-fried with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, timur, and onions, all topped with crispy puffed rice for an exciting texture and taste.
AM: In terms of small plates, what are 3 that you suggest that we should have in mind?
DD: Calamari Kuttu features tender stir-fried squid seasoned with aromatic black pepper, fennel, and a tangy tamarind sauce for a bold flavor profile.
Jhol Momo offers bison dumplings nestled in a fragrant stew enriched with nutmeg and infused with chili garlic oil for a warming and savory delight.
Gunpowder Masala Dosa presents a crispy fermented rice lentil crepe filled with spiced aloo masala, served alongside sambar, coconut chutney, and tomato chutney for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
AM: What are 3 main dishes that we should have in mind?
DD: Goat Pakku Biryani is a fragrant dish featuring tender slow-cooked goat infused with saffron, nutmeg, and black pepper, layered with aromatic basmati rice and mace for depth of flavor.
Bhatiki Bater highlights tandoori quail marinated in bold Kashmiri chili and garam masala, served with creamy yogurt and a drizzle of mustard oil for a deliciously spicy kick.
Seabass Kebab showcases succulent seabass blended with sundried tomatoes, green chili, and carom seeds, served with a creamy mint labneh and a hint of Amritsar spice for a fresh and zesty taste.
AM: What are 3 desserts that are a great way to complete our meal when we're sharing with the table?
DD: Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian dessert consisting of small, soft balls made from khoya (milk solids) soaked in fragrant rose syrup, offering a rich and sweet delight.
Rasgulla features spongy, white cheese balls cooked in light sugar syrup, delivering a refreshing and satisfying sweetness that's perfect for any occasion.
Kheer is a creamy rice pudding made from basamati rice, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts, creating a comforting and indulgent treat.
AM: What are 3 cocktails that you recommend that we should have?
DD: Tapori Cocktail - A tamarind flavored take on a classic Boulevardier.
Achari Martini - A take on a Dirty martini using a brine made for Achar, a south asian pickle used as a condiment.
The Pineapple-Timur Daiquiri is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, featuring acidified pineapple that adds a bright, tangy sweetness in place of traditional lime juice. This vibrant drink combines the tropical essence of fresh pineapple with the unique, slightly spicy notes of timur (Sichuan pepper) tincture.
AM: Do you have a Happy Hour and if so, please tell us about this!
DD: We will be offering a varieties of cocktails, beer and wine at happy hour eventually.
AM: Are there any events coming up in the Spring that we should keep an eye out for?
DD: Yes, Look out for a fun collaboration with Service Bar, Albi, Martiny’s (NYC) and Angel Share (NYC) on April 7th!
IG @tapori.dc
PHOTO CREDITS | Deb Lindsey