Here is today's Drop-In Dining report. DID is a dining report about a new or new-to-us restaurant. Reporters drop in unannounced and sample the food, on the TNT’s dime, then report to you what the scene and food was like. Have a suggestion for a drop-in dining feature? E-mail us at tntdiner@thenewstribune.com.

India Mahal
Location: 1905 Bridgeport Way, University Place
Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and noon-10 p.m. Sundays
Phone: 253-564-2039
Price range: $

By Sue Kidd
sue.kidd@thenewstribune.com

The scene: A waft of Indian spices nails you before you can even pull open the front door. Small, cozy, welcoming and fragrant are the best descriptors for this restaurant.

Type of food: Indian food from the northern region of India, which includes traditional Punjabi dishes and specialties from other Northern India states.

Menu highlights: Flavor-punched is a great way to describe Northern-style Indian food. Although commonly described as spicy by some Americans, Northern Indian food is more flavorful than spicy hot. However, those with sensitive palates might find their delicate taste buds confused by the intensity of the flavors. If you’re skeptical, it’s best to start easy with a rice (biryani) dish and some naan.

Tandoori-cooked chicken and lamb ($11.95 to $14.95) also are a sure bet for an Indian food newbie. The Indian style marinated and barbecued meats are accessible to most palates.

Aromatic rice biranyi dishes ($11.95-$12.95) and favorites like Chicken Vindaloo ($11.95) and Butter Chicken ($12.95) will appeal to those who are familiar fans of Northern-style Indian food.

Another thought for those not familiar with the nuance of Indian cuisine: Go for overkill in the form of a feast. The Pride of Punjab Family Style Dinner ($39.95 for two or $19 per person for three or more for the meat version of the dinner; a vegetarian version of the dinner also can be ordered) comes with two appetizers, two main dishes, a vegetarian entrée, rice, naan, two desserts and more. It’s a great introduction to the food.

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I have to admit: I've never tried lutefisk. But those who do eat it love it. One of those folks is Jonathan Nesvig, an editor here at the TNT.

Nesvig told me that The Sons of Norway is putting on its annual Lutefisk Dinner Sunday, Oct. 12 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Normanna Hall.

The dinner will include lutefisk, meatballs, lefse "and all the trimmings," according to a flyer he handed me.

Lefse is a traditional Norweigian soft flatbread made from potatoes and other ingredients. Yes, I had to look it up in Wikipedia.

Normanna Hall is located at 1106 S. 15th Street in Tacoma. Adults are $16, ages 7-12 are $8 and six and under are free.

There will also be a bazaar with Scandanavian gifts, a bake sale and demonstrations.