Muddy Tiger

Minnesota

Feb 24

Beyond Tikka Masala.

What do you think of when you think of Indian food? Is it chicken tikka masala or naan? Maybe a curry or biryani? At Muddy Tiger, Jyotiee Kistner is on a mission to shatter American expectations of her home country’s cuisine. Growing up in Maharashtra, her father owned a catering business, where she learned to cook by following his recipes and assisting him in the kitchen. Although her mother encouraged her to finish school and enter a career in software, her path shifted when she moved to the U.S. in 2012. She found herself longing for the dishes of her homeland, but struggled to find anything authentic. In 2018, she teamed up with her husband Andy to start Muddy Tiger, a cheeky homage to India’s national animal. Specializing in the street foods of Maharashtra, a top seller of her menu is the bhel puri, a dish of puffed rice tossed with puri, potato, and mango. She emphasizes the use of seasonal ingredients and her vegetarian upbringing to create delectable, authentic dishes that brighten the palate and stomach. I don't like to westernize my dishes at all,” says Jyotiee, “Because then there is no difference in our restaurant and other restaurants. I want people to enjoy the flavors as original as possible, and people love it!”

Sample Menu

Fusion Sliders

choice of tofu bulgogi, schezwan paneer, or tawa chicken, arugula, pickled onion, and garlic aioli, served on a bun

Street Tacos

choice of tofu bulgogi, schezwan paneer, or tawa chicken with lettuce, pico de gallo, pickled onion, guacamole, and garlic aioli, served in three hard shells