If you’re a big foodie, you might know the name Chef Ajay Kumar. He has some impressive accolades, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. He earned it as the executive chef at Karma Modern Indian, a popular D.C. restaurant. With the recent debut of his new eatery Kismet Modern Indian in Old Town Alexandria, Chef Ajay is bringing his talents to a fresh audience.

If your New Year’s resolution was to try something new, grab a table at Kismet and go on a culinary journey. Start by sharing a few of Chef Ajay’s small plates, such as the tangy pan-grilled sweet potatoes with tamarind sauce and the tandoori shrimp with mango salsa. Then savor an entree such as the homestyle chicken curry. True to its name, the dish mimics something crafted in an Indian home, starting with slow-cooked chicken simmered in a traditional blend of spices. For meat-free options, indulge in the butter paneer with tomato sauce and fenugreek or the spinach and cauliflower kofta dumplings embellished with ginger. Complement your chosen main with freshly baked garlic naan or whole-wheat roti, and add a few accompaniments such as lemon rice or pindi chickpeas to the mix.