Second Indian restaurant in Forest Hills could open within a week

The Boston Licensing Board decides tomorrow whether to approve Bukhara's move from Centre Street to 3698 Washington St., across from the Forest Hills T stop, in the space where Grass Fed and Tonic briefly used to be.

Following a hearing on the license this morning, Bukhara manager Manraj Pabla said that assuming the board approves a license for the new location and it passes a final health inspection, it could be open in five days or so.

Pabla confirmed the move is permanent, that after 23 years on Centre Street, his family and the new landlords of that space could not come to terms on a lease.

He said the new location is a good one, in what is becoming a much denser residential area.

He said he does not expect his restaurant to be direct competition with Tikki Masala, a couple doors down on Washington Street, because the two restaurants focus on different things: Tikki Masala serves northern Indian food in a "fast casual" setting, while Bukhara serves both northern and southern food in more of a sit-down atmosphere.

Pabla said that, eventually, he hopes to seek a beer and wine license.

The offices of Mayor Walsh and City Councilor Althea Garrison (at large) both supported the proposed license.