Jagdish Saini of Punjabi Tandoor, Part Two

Todd Barnes / OC Weekly

​For a while, the corner of Anaheim and Broadway was the place to get Cuban pastry and cortaditos in Orange County. Now that Punjabi Tandoor has taken over the space, it's the destination for pakoras, tikka masala and saag paneer. This week, we have chef Jagdish Saini on the line with us. If you missed the first part, click here.

OC Weekly: What's one food you can't live without?

Jagdish Saini: Saag [spinach].

OCW: What's the single most important rule of conduct in your kitchen?

JS: Keep it organized.

OCW: What are six words to describe you?

JS: Ambitious, caring, creative, nice, funny and active.

OCW: What are ten words to describe your food?

JS: Quality, fresh, solid, appealing, delicious, flavorful, rich, authentic, colorful, beautiful and yummy.

OCW: If you could cook for one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

JS: My wife, because i love her.

OCW: What's the most undervalued ingredient?

JS: Turmeric powder.

OCW: What would you like to see more of in OC from a food standpoint?

JS: More authentic cuisines.

OCW: When you're not in the kitchen, what are you doing for fun?

JS: Spending time with family or going to Gurdwara [Sikh temple].

OCW: What's your favorite restaurant in Orange County?

JS: I've just been here for 3 1/2 months and really haven't gotten the chance to explore.

Punjabi Tandoor is located at 327 S. Anaheim Blvd. #A, Anaheim; (714) 635-3155; punjabitandoor.com.