Bengal Tiger is Roosevelt’s Business of the Month for June 2025. So good it’s brought two attorneys general, a governor, and even Bill Gates to our neighborhood!
Cooking isn’t just a job for Bengal Tiger owner Muhammad Uddin. You see it in his eyes when he emerges from the kitchen to greet diners. His lovingly prepared Indian and Bengali dishes are how he connects with people.
Muhammad’s food has attracted some notable customers over the years. Former Attorney General Rob McKenna visited late one snowy night. Governor Bob Ferguson has been a frequent guest over the years. Even Bill Gates has traveled to our neighborhood several times specifically to dine at Bengal Tiger! Gates first experienced Muhammad’s cooking years earlier at Bellevue’s Mughal Palace, and Muhammad remembered his order (curried mussels, mango ribs, lamb tikka, aloo gobi, and chicken tikka) and recreated it for him!
A Roosevelt Institution
Muhammad established Bengal Tiger in Roosevelt in 1997. In 2010, he renovated a space across the street and relocated the restaurant to its current home at 6509 Roosevelt Way NE.
The restaurant has thrived for nearly three decades, creating fond memories for many neighborhood residents. Bengal Tiger weathered the pandemic thanks to loyal customers embracing its takeout menu. However, the recent elimination of parking and stopping zones in front of the restaurant on Roosevelt Way has severely impacted both dine-in and takeout business. After all these years, Muhammad is considering relocating—or worse, closing entirely.
As more people move into our area and parking gets harder, places like Bengal Tiger increasingly depend on people who live or work nearby and can easily walk to the restaurant. Without that support, the neighborhood loses more than just great places to eat. We lose the personal connections with owners like Muhammad and the special character these places bring to our neighborhood.
Supporting a Neighborhood Gem
Fortunately, keeping a great place like this nearby is simple: just enjoy some good food! Here are several ways to experience Bengal Tiger:
- Sunday evening buffet: A perfect opportunity to dine in and sample their diverse menu.
- Takeout orders: Order directly through Bengal Tiger’s website or by phone (206-985-0041).
- Lunch specials: An excellent value including an entrée, rice, naan, and an appetizer.
Together, we can ensure neighborhood treasures like Bengal Tiger continue enriching our community for years to come. And if you’re lucky enough to visit when Muhammad steps out of the kitchen, you might just make a new friend in the process.
Each month, the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association’s Business of the Month recognizes a neighborhood business for their great service and community involvement. To learn more, please email contact@rooseveltseattle.org.