It’s not easy running a restaurant in Westport.
Ask Carlos Pia, who closed De Tapas on Sunday, just 2 years after opening the Post Road gastrobar.
Or 190 Main, which departed a few months ago.
Both were downtown, in the center of Westport’s dining world.
It’s even more difficult when you’re off the beaten path.
The Post Road on the Norwalk line is not exactly Podunk. Yet it’s also not front and center on diners’ mental maps.
Just ask Raman Bindra and his sister Simi.
They own The Naan. Every day — except Tuesday, but including Thanksgiving, Christmas and all other holidays — they drive to Westport from Queens and Long Island.
Simi and Raman Bindra, at The Naan.
Their Indian restaurant has drawn raves, and a steady stream of regular customers.
But the lunch crowd has dwindled since COVID, as nearby offices are partially or fully closed. Dinners are sometimes slow.
Raman and Simi do all they can. They cater for schools and other organizations. They open their space for parties — birthdays, baby showers, prayer meetings — of up to 110 people (with or without Indian food; guests can even bring in their own). They curtained off the back, so the space feels more intimate.
And they continue to serve their excellent meals. Chicken tikka marsala, butter chicken, kebabs and sizzlers are special favorites. There is a full bar.
The large kitchen and location — formerly Kibberia, and before that John’s Best Pizza — appealed to Raman when he first saw it. He designed the space himself, and opened in 2018.
Mixed grill at The Naan.
COVID was of course difficult. The Naan closed for 2 months, then reopened with an emphasis on takeout.
Business picked up in 2021 and ’22. Last year, however, was much slower.
The Bindras are trying to get the word out. Simi is visiting businesses throughout Westport, Norwalk, Wilton and Fairfield, touting their full-meal $13 lunch platters (appetizer, entrée, naan bread, vegetable, rice).
They’re pushing delivery. But — as with many restaurants — the economics are daunting.
Uber, DoorDash and Grubhub take 30 to 35% of each order. Direct delivery — up to a 10-mile radius — is more profitable, but can take 60 to 70 minutes.
Raman hails his customers. “Westport people love Indian food,” he says. “We have regular guests from Shelton. A group of 20 people from New Haven stop in on their way to and from New York.”
They find their way to The Naan, on well-traveled-but-not-a-dining-destination Post Road West.
Raman and Simi are working hard, in hopes many others do too.
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Thank you, Dan, for writing about the Naan. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is comfortable and cozy, and Ramen and Simi are good hardworking people.
The Naan is without question the best Indian food in Fairfield county. It is always at the top of our list when deciding where to eat or order. Their indochinese selections are a rare treat and should not be missed. The sauces are rich and fresh, their saag paneer is a standout, and their namesake Naans are excellent. They are truly a cut above anything else in the area. If you are ordering in, try adding one of the less-familiar dishes you might not otherwise order – like the excellent paneer chili, the hearty Dal Makhni, or a lamb or goat curry – you’ll be happy you did. Good luck to the Bindras – we are rooting for you!!!
Best Indian food in the area hands down!!
Truly, superb food
I agree with the previous comments. Best Indian food I’ve found outside of NYC. I also enjoyed the Kibberia, and was a bit disappointed when it closed, but the disappointment turned into joy once I tried The Naan. II hope your post reaches those who haven’t tried it and reminds those who have just how good the food is and what gracious hosts Ramen and Simi are!
There are certainly other choices on our side of the river, particularly in Norwalk, but The Naan is our solid go-to whenever we’re in the mood for Indian. Ah, those soft, buttery garlic naans! We wish Raman and Simi continued well-deserved success!