With the sizzle of masala-spiced patties and the comforting aroma of Irani chai in the air, King and Cardinal has officially landed in Tempe. The franchised fast-casual restaurant, inspired by the cuisine of Hyderabad, opened in June. Now, the community can indulge in Indian-style burgers, Irani samosa, bun maska and more at the 100% Halal spot.
The chain began in Frisco, Texas and now has locations in Texas and Arkansas. The Valley location is owned by Shushma Thodima and managed by her husband, Akshay Reddy. They are no strangers to running restaurants together. The Chandler-based duo owns a catering company and has operated restaurants dishing out similar flavors in southern California and Arizona over the last seven years under the name Dosa Biryani.
The new spot's location was a thoughtful pick. It is close to U.S. 60 and tucked in a popular shopping center near Tempe Eats and Fate Brewing Co. at the intersection of Southern and Mill Avenues.
“The main reason we made a shift to King and Cardinal is to have a fusion Indian food that people can enjoy for snacks or a regular meal…we thought that Arizona is missing a one-off space like that,” Reddy says. “So we have been exploring for the past year to bring something different to Phoenix. After roaming around California and Texas, we thought that King and Cardinal would be a better fit.”
The menu spans spicy chaats (street-style savory snacks), veggie sandwiches, creamy bun maska or toasted buns slathered in butter and boldly seasoned chicken wings. Some of the wing flavors include lemon pepper, bhuna masala, spicy garlic, Parmesan and tandoori.
King and Cardinal is best known for its Indian-style burgers. The crowd-favorite mutton burger contains minced mutton that's well-seasoned with Indian spices and topped with onions, tomatoes and house-made sauce. Other burgers include the masala ham burger, chicken tikka burger, BBQ chicken burger and spicy varieties made with a chicken, mutton or vegetable base.
Pair your burger with with peri peri fries topped with a smoky, tangy seasoning. Gluten-free options are available, as well as a kids menu.
As far as beverages go, there’s no alcohol at King and Cardinal yet. Instead, opt for the Irani Chai, a strong black tea complemented with cardamom and cream, served hot in a small glass. Alternatively, Thums Up, a popular Indian brand of spicy cola, can be served with or without masala. Another popular option is Badam Milk, which is made with ground almonds, cardamom and saffron.
“Our area of concentration is not just for Indians or Asians,” Reddy says. “We want it to be open for everyone.”
Finish your meal off with a fresh scoop of an East Indian classic, Kwality ice cream. The dessert case houses unique flavors such as Sitaphal, Kesar Pistachio, Butterscotch and Pan Masala, which features traditional betel nut leaf flavors and aromatic spices for a refreshing dessert.
“We already see repeat customers coming in, and whoever has been enjoying the food, they're stepping in every day,” Reddy says.
Whether you're craving a chai-fueled snack or a bold Indian-style burger, King and Cardinal offers a flavorful new stop in Tempe’s food scene.
