When all the contestants are fried, the dipping sauce can carry the day.
Samosa Week went to Thailand for Bangkok Garden's curry puff appetizer, and the first note was the sweet, cucumber-flavored sauce. The sauce, which comes with chopped onion and sliced jalepeno, certainly distinguishes the Columbia restaurant from Indian joints.
But the curry puff actually makes the "best samosa" list on its own. The filing was a puree of chicken, potato and herbs. That's as much flavor as an Indian samosa with the same profile of spiced, but not spicy. Even more impressive, the pastry was perfect. Crunchy and thick like an Indian samosa, but dry to the touch. There is so little grease that it almost looks baked.
The Thai samosa is not a crazy pick. I was surprised when I first read about curry puffs on Good for the Palate, but Bangkok Garden delivers on all three dimensions -- filing, pastry and sauce -- and contrasts the fried puffs nicely with fresh, lighter stirfries. It's a new kitchen since the place was sold earlier this year, and definitely one worth visiting.
This is part of the Samosa Week -- a celebration of savory pastries from India and beyond. We're highlighting the best of Howard County's fried appetizers in all kinds of flavors.
I'm glad there is a place that serves curry puffs. Usually, I've only had them at Thai pot luck dinners.
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