Edwina Tries… Gas Station Indian Food

Contributed

Have you ever wondered if you could be missing out on an amazing meal because you're reluctant to procure that meal from the inside of a gas station? This month, Edwina sets your mind at ease as she encourages readers to check out Kang's Steak and Grill, located inside the Shell station at 6th and Parade.

Readers may think I get to spend all of my time visiting cool local places and seeing great local performances (see my spotlight on Bat Boy: The Musical in this issue) on behalf of this publication. In reality, I have a full-time job with another fine institution with Erie in the name. My position there has me housed within the Erie Armory building five days a week, putting me just down the street from the Shell Station at 605 Parade St., home to Kang's Steak and Grill.

I have often heard rave reviews about Kang's french fries from coworkers returning to the office with to-go containers, filling the air with the drool-inducing scent of fried potatoes. But I wanted to try some of the traditional Indian selections the gas station restaurant offers. Better (and worse) writers than me have long made jokes, memes, and more about gas station food. But, in my own experience, it's often some of the tastiest food you can find. And Kang's did not disappoint!

Kang's has an extensive menu with traditional Indian fare as well as American food like cheesesteaks, burgers, and chicken wings. My partner and I chose a classic, butter chicken with naan as well as a fried fish sandwich with those famous fries on the side. The fish sandwich was a well-made version of exactly what you might expect, and those fries were as good as they smell. But the star of the show was the butter chicken with rice. It was perfectly seasoned and saucy but mild — not as spicy as I'd like or expect, but a flavor that would appeal to many palates. The chicken was all white meat, tender, juicy, and plentiful, with enough leftovers that I was able to take it for lunch the next day.

What is really exciting is that Kang's is open 24/7. Yes, that means I can answer late-night Indian food (or cheesesteak or burger or chicken wing) cravings and so can you! They even offer super affordable breakfast sandwiches — great news for all of my Erie Armory co-workers who may be reading this. Next time I visit I will be sure to order extra naan, it was pillowy and delicious and ran out far too quickly.

Edwina is Erie's (self-proclaimed) biggest fan who loves being a tourist in our own town. If you have an idea of something new she should try you can email her at edwina.capozziello@gmail.com