Ghandi's is a red plywood building sitting where Central Avenue and Washington Avenue join. It looks a little shady from the outside: kitschy curtains, odd smells, and a dark interior. You ask yourself, "Can they really fit a restaurant in that . . . hovel?"
Yes.
I've gone with one person, and I've gone as a group of 10. We were all welcomed in this restaurant (which seats maybe 30 people total as long as they promise not to fart) by the servers.
They have a buffet at lunch, but I much prefer to order á la carte. And I get the whole shebang. You just have to.
A lassi (a yogurt drink, to cool the spiciness), naan (bread, for eating), a samosa (an appetizer of pastry-wrapped potatoes and peas), and an entrée (normally off of the vegetarian menu) costs about 15$ to 18$. Some entrées could run a little over $20. And if you go with a friend, you can split your naan.
I’m just warning you that the samosas are addictive. If you're sharing, you might want to order an extra portion, just in case.
I enjoy the curried cauliflower and potatoes, as well as the curried chick peas and spinach. I apologize for not knowing the proper names for them, but the menu explains it all very well. Except for one appetizer, under which is written, "Too difficult to explain in English." My best friend, born in Sri Lanka, laughed when I asked her to explain it. She said, "It's just that. Just try it." I regret not getting around to trying it now. So if you're adventurous, go for it. My friend said it was good (wink).
I always went home with lots of leftover food, which is very nice when you're a poor college student. And it's great cold. The vegetarian selection is very, very wonderful and big, but for you carnivores, there's plenty of lamb, beef, and shellfish.
A trip to Albany is not complete unless I have had dinner there once. On weekend evenings, it's busy, so you might want reservations then. Other than that, they just help. Plus, they deliver, even on the snowiest of days. Just be nice and tip the driver well, please.