Small Business Spotlight: Clay Oven
Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 8:36AMArticle by Becky Fillinger, photos provided
Diljit KhosaThe Mill District has a new restaurant for all of us who love Indian food. We spoke to Diljit Khosa (DJ), the owner of the Clay Oven, about his background in the restaurant business and several items that are a must try on the menu. Make plans to visit this gem at 1027 Washington Avenue S.
Q: Please tell us your background as a restaurateur.
A: I have been in the restaurant industry for over 20 years. I opened my first restaurant India Palace (Roseville) and very quickly fell in love with the restaurant industry. I have since then expanded to several other locations of other Indian restaurants and most recently Clay Oven!
Q: Please describe your menu to our readers – what will we experience?
A: Our menu is a testament to the exquisite flavors and aromas that arise from traditional clay oven cooking. The dishes are carefully prepared and cooked to perfection in our clay ovens, known as tandoors. We believe in preserving the heritage of tandoor cooking and wanted to bring that exceptional experience to the Cities. Our menu showcases a diverse range of dishes, each thoughtfully crafted to highlight the unique qualities of clay oven cooking.
Q: One portion of the Clay Oven menu is devoted to Street Foods of India. Please tell us about this idea.
A: India is renowned for its bustling streets filled with food vendors offering an array of flavorsome and quick bites. We were eager to bring that culture here and share it with the Minneapolis community. You can explore options such as the iconic "Pani Puri," which features crispy hollow puris filled with a tangy tamarind water and a potato filling. By offering this dedicated section of our menu, we aim to transport you to the lively streets of India, where the aroma of spices fills the air and the vibrant street food scene brings people together in celebration of flavors.
Pani Puri
Chicken Tikka
Q: Everyone has their favorite Indian foods that they return to time and again – for me it is the Masala Dosa. What is one food you hope diners will venture to try at Clay Oven?
A: My favorite dish has always been Chicken Tikka, you can find this dish under the "From the Clay Oven" section on the menu. All these dishes are made directly inside the clay oven so you will never find the smoked flavor anywhere else - the dishes are then served on hot sizzlers. The marinated chicken is skewered and cooked to perfection in a clay oven. As it cooks, the heat from the clay oven imparts a smoky and charred essence to the chicken, enhancing its taste. The result is a dish that boasts a delightful combination of juicy and tender chicken with a bold and aromatic flavor profile.
Q: Do you have daily specials? Happy Hours?
A: At the Clay Oven, we strive to provide our guests with a consistent and exceptional dining experience. While we do not offer daily specials or happy hours, we ensure that our regular menu is carefully curated to showcase a wide range of flavorful and delicious dishes.
Q: How may we follow your news?
A: To stay updated with our latest news and updates, we invite you to follow us on Instagram. You can find us by searching for our handle "@MnClayOven". For personal inquires you can contact us as G.Clayoven@gmail.com or catering at Dj.Clayoven@gmail.com!
