Best Indian food in DFW: A guide by someone who grew up on it

I'm Indian-American, grew up eating home-cooked Indian food, and I've been to every Indian restaurant in the metroplex. Here's the real list.

North Indian / Punjabi:

• Tandoor (Richardson, 675 N Central Expy) — The naan comes fresh from the tandoor every 90 seconds. Butter chicken is benchmark. $13-18 entrees.
• India Palace (12817 Preston Rd, North Dallas) — Lunch buffet is the best Indian buffet in DFW. $15.99 weekday.

South Indian:

• Saravanaa Bhavan (Richardson, 101 S Coit Rd) — Dosa heaven. The masala dosa is 2 feet long. $11-14.
• Madras Pavilion (Richardson, 101 S Coit Rd) — Vegetarian South Indian. Uthappam is perfect.

Indo-Chinese:

• Chaat Corner (Richardson) — Gobi Manchurian, hakka noodles. $8-12.

Street food / Chaat:

• Mint Indian Bistro (multiple) — Pani puri and dahi puri done right.
• Bombay Chopsticks (Plano) — Pav bhaji that tastes like Mumbai street stalls.

Biryani:

• Bawarchi (multiple DFW locations) — Hyderabadi biryani. The goat biryani is the best version in DFW. $14-16.

Best value: Saravanaa Bhavan lunch thali — $12.99 for a complete meal with rice, sambar, rasam, 3 curries, dessert.

Sources:

• Google Reviews — all restaurants 4.0+ with 500+ reviews
• Eater Dallas — Indian food guide
• D Magazine — "Best Indian Restaurants"
• Dallas Morning News — ethnic dining features