Indian Restaurateur reimagines China Gorge in HR; Now Open

Mar 28

Babita Kainth shows of a delicious tray of offerings this afternoon, March 28, at her latest restaurant *Hindustani* in the former location of China Gorge in Hood River.

By Tom Peterson

Hood River, Ore., April 4, 2024 — Babita Kainth has done it again.

The quick-moving restaurateur just made the deal of a lifetime in Hood River opening her sixth Indian Food restaurant Hindustani at the well-located former China Gorge spot at the Corner of Highway 35 and Old Columbia River Drive.

It’s at the corner of skiing and downtown.

She held her opening this afternoon, March 28, with a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m.

The “Awesome” Temira, one of Babita’s best customers, did the honors of cutting the tape.

Babita’s winning recipe: “We dont sell food only We build relationships.

“If I had a business, I would want her to run it,” Temira said. “She gets things done.”

Kainth started with a food cart in Biggs Junction several years ago and now has a sit-down restaurant in Biggs, and food carts in The Dalles and Hood River.

“I’m blessed,” Kainth said after the celebration. “I’m happy to make people feel good with quality food. The customers are my ecouragement.”

Ornate tables, dimmed lighting call you out to take a seat and a journey into delicious Indian Cuisine.

Hindustani has a great vibe, elegant tables and of course the great view that Grace Su always had at her beck and call.

Masala dosa for Breakfast is one of the items available on the new breakfast menu - Masala dosa is a crispy, stuffed rice crepe filled with spiced potato filling, typically served with chutneys and sambar

The menu is also expansive and includes breakfast 7 a.m. to 10 :30 a.m. Lunch and dinner are served from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 541-300-9788

Paneer Tikka Kabab is a flavorful appetizer made of marinated paneer cubes, grilled or roasted to perfection, and served with chutneys and salad.

Hours are remain the same Wed. through Monday. They’re closed on Tuesday.

Paneer Tikka Masala is a flavorful dish made with grilled paneer cubes cooked in a rich, spiced tomato gravy, offering a smoky and creamy taste.

The Restaurant will also feature a full bar in weeks to come once she acquires her liquor license.

Kainth said she received a 10 year lease and never plans on leaving the location.

The happiness is spilling all over the gorge.

She operates Amayahs Cafe Food cart and store in Biggs Junction, Tadka India Ka Food Cart and Shawarma Hutch at the Sixth Street Station in The Dalles and Indian Bowl & Roll in Hood River in addition to the brand new Hindustani.

And just three months ago, she opened Indian Tadka in the Redmond Food Court in Oregon.

There is happiness in this food.

Babita, a native of Chandigarh, India said her moves are always toward bringing authentic Indian Food to the Gorge.

Indian Bowl and Roll is in the parking lot off of N. 2nd St. next to the green grass and picnic tables behind Ferment Brewing. The truck offers bites, veg and chicken biryani bowls, and veg and chicken rolls and is set to open in days to come.

”I love the Gorge; I am blessed and people are so nice. Their love makes me do whatever I can do for them in a better way. That means providing food at places closer to where they live.”