Bites Nearby: Copper Wok

A little of this, a bit of that, a lot of something else – a buffet is a treat for those of us who love food and a great way for those who are new to certain cuisines to taste what other cultures have to offer.

Copper Wok – the Hicksville-based restaurant offers an extensive buffet with at least 14 choices for lunch and more for dinner. Most of the dishes are Indian but some Chinese and Thai to add for an international flavor. One recent afternoon, some of the Indian choices were mushroom mutter (peas), paneer makhani (Indian cottage cheese cooked in a rich tomato/cream gravy), mixed vegetables pakora (vegetables dipped in chickpea batter and deep fried), three chicken dishes, tadka dal (lentil stew), brown and white basmati rice, plus Thai vegetable curry and Chinese Manchow soup. There was creamy rice pudding for dessert to cool down the palette in case some of the dishes were a bit too spicy.

The lunch buffet also includes tandoori oven chicken that is ordered at the table. The tandoor is a tradition clay oven, the insides of the heated pot are used for cooking the chicken that has been marinated in yoghurt and seasoning; when fresh from the oven, as it is offered at Copper Wok, it is very tender and succulent.

Indian cuisine is famous for wonderful flat breads that are perfect for scooping up curries and other soupy-like dishes. They bread helps cut down on the spiciness. A soft drink, beer or wine comes with the meal.

Neophytes needn’t worry about not knowing what the dishes are – the wait staff is very helpful in explaining what’s what.

16 W Marie St., Hicksville, NY 11801, 516-681-1947
Hours: open seven days a week from noon until 10:30 pm. Lunch buffet is from noon to 3 pm.
Prices: The lunch buffet is $10.95 Monday through Friday, and $11.95 on Saturday and Sunday – there are more choices on the weekend.