Cinnamon Kitchen, Asheville

India is a country with nearly 20 different languages and countless dialects. Just like its vernacular, the country's food varies greatly from region to region, too. Cinnamon Kitchen makes a humble attempt to create some of the most-popular dishes from the northwestern states of India. Although they don't arrive at tables on limited-edition plates signed by the chef, every dish on the restaurant's menu is unique and features its own flavor and aroma—traits that stem from masterful blends of fresh-ground spices that get mixed onsite. Diners can taste these ancient spice-mixing techniques in chicken, lamb, and seafood dishes, as well as vegetarian creations such as chili paneer sautéed with garlic, ginger, onions, and green peppers.