News Summary
Boston foodies are in for a treat as IndiHen, a new Indian fried chicken pop-up, debuts in the city. Founded by culinary enthusiasts Tarun Bangalore and Micah Hetrick, IndiHen aims to bring the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to locals, featuring mouthwatering dishes like buttermilk-brined fried chicken sandwiches and flavorful sides. Following a successful initial pop-up event, the duo plans more activities for the summer, aiming to establish IndiHen as a permanent fixture in Boston’s vibrant food scene.
Boston Welcomes IndiHen: The New Indian Fried Chicken Pop-Up That’s a Must-Try
Boston foodies, hold onto your taste buds because IndiHen has officially landed in your city! This exciting new Indian fried chicken pop-up has burst onto the culinary scene, tantalizing locals with its unique flavors and crispy delights.
Bringing Together Culinary Dreams
The mastermind behind this innovative concept is Tarun Bangalore, a native of Framingham, who has teamed up with Micah Hetrick, a fellow culinary enthusiast from Pennsylvania. Their culinary friendship blossomed during their time at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City.
After earning his degree, Tarun made his way back to Boston, honing his skills at the trendy restaurant Toro, owned by renowned chef Ken Oringer, whom he admires greatly. He later took the reins as a manager at Mistral until the COVID-19 pandemic altered the course of his career, prompting him to move back in with his parents—immigrants from India in the 1980s.
A Culinary Adventure During Quarantine
Lockdown brought a wave of challenges, but it also sparked creativity! While staying with his family, Tarun explored various South Indian recipes and cooking techniques acquired in culinary school. This led to the inception of small pop-up events across New England, allowing locals to have a taste of his culinary explorations.
The IndiHen Experience
IndiHen’s mission is clear: to make the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine accessible to everyone, especially those unfamiliar with its spices and cooking styles. The star of the show? A mouthwatering buttermilk-brined fried chicken sandwich. This succulent chicken is marinated in a delightful ginger-garlic paste, brined for 24 hours, fried to golden perfection, and brushed with a delicious spicy oil blend. You won’t want to miss out!
Each sandwich is topped with a refreshing raita ranch slaw and pickles, all served on a soft potato roll that adds to the experience. Can it get any better? Of course! The pop-up also features sides that will have you coming back for more, including saag greens made with kale and spiced to perfection, and tadka mac and cheese that’s infused with flavors like cumin, garlic, and kasuri methi.
First Impressions and Future Plans
The buzz surrounding IndiHen is palpable! Their initial pop-up event at Toro on March 30 was an overwhelming success, with nearly all pre-orders flying off the shelves. The duo is eager to test the waters of Boston’s food scene, fine-tuning their offerings while planning additional pop-ups throughout the summer and beyond.
Though Micah is currently deployed with the Coast Guard, he’s set to return soon, allowing the team to ramp up their activities. The goal is to build interest and eventually transition IndiHen into a permanent spot for those craving delicious Indian-style fried chicken.
A Growing Food Scene
Boston has witnessed an explosion of pop-up food vendors lately. Other delicious offerings like El Barco for Mexican eats and Phaeng & Phiu, featuring authentic Lao cuisine, showcase the city’s vibrant culinary landscape. Pop-ups like IndiHen are often playgrounds for culinary experimentation, allowing chefs to test the waters before stepping into the full restaurant game—as shown by the award-winning Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester.
Get Ready, Boston!
So, Boston, are you ready for that flavor-packed journey with IndiHen? Keep an eye out for their upcoming events, and don’t miss the chance to indulge in this fresh take on fried chicken that fuses Indian culinary tradition with your favorite comfort food! Deliciousness awaits!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Eater: Boston Welcomes IndiHen
- Wikipedia: Fried Chicken
- Eater: IndiHen Details
- Google Search: Indian Fried Chicken
- Eater: Boston Food Scene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indian Cuisine
- Eater: Culinary Adventure
- Google News: Boston Food Pop-ups
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
