Traveler's Thali House @ Seattle

Sometimes it's Bastoncini Noisette.....other times it is a nice big Thali laden with ramekins containing various colorful, delectable dishes to feel all's well with the world. Thali is very popular in the Indian subcontinent and the contents vary from region to region. The most popular is the unlimited Rajasthani Thali at Rajadhani.

When words reached my ears about this Vegetarian Thali place atop Beacon Hill, a trip to the south side of the town was mandatory. We trekked up the hill to the purple house that houses the restaurant only to see it closed. It's noon, isn't it? Darn! The wait staff was courteous in letting us in while the kitchen was still being set up. The floor had food strewn hither tither. The table was worthy of a wipe. The high chair was dirty. Obviously, they had just opened and were yet to clean the place. I wanted to make an about turn and head out. The wait staff was cool about the mess and cleared it all as though it was a no biggie.

Okay, to the food.

We ordered a Deluxe Thali ($20). They have Thalis in different sizes. The contents are a pre-fixe, though. The Thali menu changes once a month. With the Deluxe comes a Soda / Chai. A ordered Soda. Water was all I wanted, but again, the waiter brought me a complimentary Chai to cheer me up. May be he knew I was a little grumpy with the messy surroundings.

While we waited for the food, we looked around. It was a bright day and they were laying tables out on the lawn. One side of the cafe was for selling tea bags, basmati rice, incense sticks, cook books et al. Somehow, the place screamed Dalai Lama. All I needed was my yoga mat and a "Om Om" music in the background to get me started with my meditation. We decided to pacify the rumbling stomach with a plate of Samosa. Served with a mint chutney and a sweet chutney, they were uber delicious.

The Thali catwalked to the table at about the same time. With it came papad and roti / naan.

While the contents of the Thali were fantastic, the roti / naan wasn't very fresh. For one, they are not made in house. They are frozen and heated up upon order. So, it kinda lacks the fresh Tandoor taste. The aloo gobi, malai kofta and daal were out of this world. Very homey food. The kind that will never bother your stomach how much ever you eat! Here's a picture of the menu that describes the Thali -

Then came the dessert - Saffron Kheer and a couple of milk sweets.

Oh, did I mention that it is an all vegetarian place? If you are in the area, this is a must - try! Just for the amazing Thali!

Vatan Indian Cuisine @ New York City

After scouting the list of Indian restaurants in NYC, Vatan was chosen for their huge Gujarati thalis. And the fact that it is all vegetarian! Where we live, Gujarati food is rare. So naturally, we had to eat here. Vatan serves a three-course pre-fixe menu with two seating (at 6:15 pm and 8:00 pm) every day. Priced at $29.95, it is an unlimited meal and one has to go with a big, roaring appetite to taste and indulge in all the delicacies. Weekends require advance reservations. They are usually full. Well, someone or the other is celebrating a birthday or an anniversary, what?

Pssst......The guy at the front desk can be pretty annoying with his instructions and lectures on where to keep your stuff and where to sit, just lend a deaf ear. I have heard that if you are late, he gives  nasty lectures until he seats you. So do yourself a favor and be on time. Bah!

Once inside Vatan, you will find yourself in a little village in Western India, complete with thatched roof and faux banyan trees. The tables are set apart (yet they don't have a high chair for kids) and one has to take off their shoes before sitting on the concrete slab that acts as a chair. The lighting is dim and the waitresses are dressed in traditional Indian outfits.

As I sat cross legged on the monstrous slab, the waitress sauntered over with the menu and some colorful crispies to nibble on. The menu is mainly for information on what will be served and for ordering beverages. Your meal is pre-set.

Colorful  crispies @ Vatan

The first course - the Appetizer Platter - made its way in a huge steel plate. The chutneys and condiments came in another big platter.

Appetizer Platter @ Vatan

Clockwise from the top left hand corner - Ragada Pattice - fried potato cutlet in a dried yellow pea soup -was a small portion but very flavorful and just the way it has to be. Mini samosas - triangular savory pastry filled with potatoes and peas was meh. Muthiya - steamed flour with spinach - was yum yum yummo! I asked for three helpings of just this. Each extra helping was brought over in a teeny tiny plate, you see. Channa - garbanzo beans with onions and coriander - my least favorite. Not sure why this was even included in the Thali. Khaman - steamed gram flour cake - was nice and soft and spongy. Batata vada - fried potato balls in a chickpea flour batter -was awesome. So was the mirchi bajji - fried hot peppers with garam masala. The sev puri chaat was great too.

Other than the Samosas and the Channa, everything was delicious. I like the fact that it is unlimited. That way even if you don't like something you can eat more of what you like!
The Chutneys - the date chutney, green chutney, roasted garlic, pickled carrots and green chilli pickle. All very good indeed.

The second course then made its way.

Fresh, hot fluffy Puris - puffed whole wheat bread. Starting clockwise from the left -
Dal - boiled lentils cooked with indian spices.
Kheer - Rice pudding with saffron and dry fruits.
Chole - Chickpeas cooked in tamarind and garam masala.
Ful-gobi - Cauliflower and green peas sautéed in a savory sauce.
Batakanu sak - Potatoes cooked in a mild red gravy.
Bhaji - Sautéed spinach and corn.
Papadam - thin lentil wafers.

Aam ras (mango pulp) is listed in the menu as "available upon request". God knows why. The weird thing is that the waitress neither mentioned it nor asked if we would like some aam ras. We glanced at it on the menu by chance and when we asked her she said it was upon request as if we had to file some application for it. Bring it over, we said. It was sweet and refreshing. Very delicious. Who doesn't like mangoes? Be sure to ask for it. Puri is eaten with Aam ras in the western parts of India. It sure is a treat! And yes, it is part of the meal and you don't have to pay extra.

The entrée complements came in another big platter

Kadhi - Soup with yogurt and chickpea flour in authentic spices
Khichdi - Lentils mixed with rice and assorted vegetables
Pulao - Boiled rice with peas.

The pulao was nothing fancy, but the kadhi and khichdi were awesome! My one year old loved the khichdi.

The grand finale to the dinner was Ice cream - homemade indian ice cream. We got the mango ice cream. Not sure, it could be seasonal. Masala chai - Indian tea cooked with cardamom, ginger and milk.

So, yes, most of the items were delicious. They may serve the extra helpings in extra small sizes, but don't let that stop you from asking for more! Food is great and unlimited. So eat and be merry!

Masala Bar and Grill @ Bothell

One word - Yumville! This is a restaurant that puts hospitality and great food at the top of the menu. If you live in or around Bothell and love quality North Indian food, you probably have heard of  Masala Bar and Grill, yes? Or  like me, having paid a ton at average Indian restaurants and not having got the money's worth, you may veer off  from restaurants in obscure locations with mostly empty parking lots, what? Well, what can I say, most often, the hideous looking restaurants offer some of the most fulfilling meals of all times. On Sunday, we set aside all doubts and took my parents who are visiting, to this place for dinner. Boy, was it good! It is not sought after by many and stands in a not very happening place, but don't let that stop you from giving it a try.

When we got there at 8 pm, ours was the only car and for a few minutes we were hesitant to get off, contemplating reversing and heading off to Clay Pit in Mill Creek Town Center. But we went in, anyway and am so glad we did! Once inside, one feels like they are transported to a fine dining restaurant replete with table linens, dim amber lighting and prominent Indian decor. The huge bar area with big screens is a popular destination for watching Superbowl and other games. Occasionally on Friday nights they have Live Persian music, Karoke and what have you!

Coming to the food... We were first served papad with sweet and green chutney.

Papad @ Masala Bar and Grill

We called for a plate of Vegetable Pakora. It arrived at lightning speed, fresh and hot.

For the main course, we ordered Malai Kofta - Freshly made deep fried vegetable balls served in a creamy tomato sauce. It came in a Kadai with a flame at the bottom that kept it warm till we scraped off the last spoon of the creamy, buttery goodness. It was fresh, flavorful, creamy and absolutely delicious. My parents who are usually picky, loved it.

Malai Kofta @ Masala Bar and Grill

The next entree was Paneer Masala - Paneer cooked in tomatoes, Indian spices and onion gravy. This was fantastic as well. The paneer was fresh. The gravy was creamy, with oil floating on top (which my hubby loves to see). They don't use food colors like some restaurants.

Paneer Masala @ Masala Bar and Grill

We ordered Rotis and Garlic Naan to eat with. The entrees themselves came with Basmati rice.

It was a delectable dinner. Service was also very good. Even though we were the only people on a Sunday night, they were attentive in catering to our needs, instead of just leaving us alone in a corner. I am not sure why many people don't like this restaurant. May be they have improved over time. The buffet for $7.99 is not great for Vegetarians. They usually have four non veg and two veg entrees. But I highly recommend this place for dinner. Try it on Friday nights. Live Music will make it even better!

Vik's Chaat Corner @ Berkeley

After touring the Berkley campus, we drove to Vik's for some mouth watering Chaat. I have explained what Chaat is in one of my reviews, here. Bay Area has an abundance of authentic Chaat paradises. Sampling some of the said Chaat is an absolute agenda on our itinerary. We make it a point to stuff our faces with all the good stuff while we are there. And, we can never have enough.

Vik's is so huge, I can fit my gym in it. It also has a grocery shop attached to it. You order food from the menu on the wall and give it to the person at the kitchen counter, where you pick it up from.


Vik's Chaat Corner

The seating area at Vik's

We ordered the Dahi batata puri - Small round puffed bread filled with potatoes and other spices, topped with yogurt and tamarind chutney. The finger licking good part is the tangy mixture at the bottom of the plate, once the puris have made their way into your gut. Ummm... I now need to wipe the drool off my laptop.


Dahi Batata Puri

We also got a plate of Samosa Chole. Samosa consists of a fried triangle shaped pastry, filled with spiced potatoes, onions, peas and coriander. It was served with Chole, a spicy chickpea curry cooked with onions, tomatoes and other spices and topped with coriander.


Samosa Chole

And, then a Bhel Puri - puffed rice, sev (a fried snack shaped like thin noodles made from besan flour), and mixture (a mix of different types of fried snacks mixed together), as the base of the snack, tomatoes, onions, potatoes and chilis added to the base and topped with chutneys. Different chutneys impart a sweet or spicy flavour. There are two popular chutneys used, a sweet one made of dates and tamarind, and a green spicy chutney made of coriander leaves and green chillies.


Bhel Puri

Finally, Kulfi Falooda - saffron flavored ice cream topped with vermicelli and basil seeds and a hint of rose.

Kulfi Falooda

Everything was fantastic. I wish Vik's would expand and open a branch here in Seattle. The best was the Kulfi Falooda, because we never get something as delicious as this anywhere else. And all this at rock-bottom prices. I can't wait to go here on my next trip to the Bay Area.

Dosa on Fillmore

A classy, stylish Indian restaurant in the heart of San Francisco. I think it is one of a kind, where the ambiance makes you feel you should have dressed up a little more, may be something in black and red, the service is exemplary and extremely quick, and the food intoxicates your senses. Mind blowing!

The dimly lit, exotic looking chandeliers spruced up the interiors. There is a fairly big sized bar.

Dosa on Fillmore

We stopped by for dinner at 6 pm and were pleasantly surprised to know that the Happy Hour was on till 7 pm. We grabbed a couple of bar stools, ordered drinks and a Vada Pav. Well, it is a little pricey, given the location and the classiness, but it is worth every penny.

The waitress brought out a complimentary plate of Papad (a thin crispy cracker like munchee). Vada Pav is like Potato Slider. A fried potato patty is stuffed between bread, usually with a green chilli. A couple of spicy sauces (chutneys) are applied to the bread. The plate included a side of salad and a garlicky spicy dip.


Vada pav @ Dosa

We then ordered the Chili Garlic Masala Dosa. Dosa is more like an Injera. It is a savory rice and lentil crepe, served with tomato & fresh coconut chutney, and sambar, a flavorful lentil dipping soup made with vegetables and spices. The Dosa had a filling of potatoes and onions cooked with spices, called "Masala".
I have tried sambhar at a few other restaurants and nothing comes close to what you get here. It was piping hot till the last spoon.


Chili Garlic Masala Dosa @ Dosa

Here's how you eat it - Take a piece of the Dosa, dip it in the sambar, pile some chutney on it and pop it in your mouth. And, feel free to use your hands, the Ethiopian way.

It was really huge and very filling. We left the place quite sated. On reaching our hotel, I realized that I had left my cap beihind in the restaurant. The kind waiter had given it to the front desk, where it was waiting for me, when I went back for it.

This restaurant is a gem and we will have dinner here whenever we visit SFO. They are open only for dinner on week days. They also have another location, on Valencia. If you haven't been to Dosa, go right now!

Anjappar @ Milpitas

A recent vacation to the Bay Area found us at this excellent restaurant. Chettinad cuisine is a type of South Indian speciality and restaurants featuring this cuisine are sparse. There are none in the Seattle area and the only time we get to eat it is on our visits to India. OK, so we should try this one, we thought.

We got there at 11:30 am. They had just opened and in no time the restaurant was filled with office goers. The ambience is very casual and makes it a great lunch spot. The waiters were very attentive, always checking on us and enquiring about the food.


Anjappar

We ordered the Gobi 65 (Cauliflower dipped in corn flour and spices and fried) to start with. It is the best I have had so far. The outsides were very crispy, fried to perfection and the insides soft. We had asked for it to be spicy and it was just right. I could eat plate after plate. And, it was resaonably priced at $6.99.

Gobi 65 @ Anjappar

For the main course, we ordered a plate of Veggie Kothu Parotta and a Biryani meal. Kothu Parotta is minced Parotta ( a layered flatbread more popular in road side shops in Sothern India) sauteed with onions and other veggies. It was spicy and came with a side of a cup of Kurma (a gravy of vegetables and garlic) and Raitha ( a yoghurt dip that consists of grated cucumber, onions, carrots, coriander and other spices). It was delicious.
 

Vegetable Kothu Parotta @ Anjappar

The Biryani meal came with a bowl of Veggie Biryani( a rice based dish usually made using Basmati rice, veggies and other spices) a cup of the above mentioned Kurma, Raitha and one Chappathi. The Biryani was fantastic. The flavors were mild yet very tasty. It reminded me of the authentic Biryani my friend's Grandma used to make for us. Different regions in India cook it in different style. Chettinad Biryani is quite popular among the Southerners. The Chappathi was also soft unlike the rubbery ones you get at some places.

Vegetable Biryani @ Anjappar

A ordered a meetha paan in the end. It is also called as Beeda and usually aids in digestion after a heavy meal. Essentially, it is a Betel Leaf filled with coconut, candies fruits, rose petal preserve (gulkand) and various spices. It was served with a Cherry on top.

Meetha Paan @ Anjappar

It was an awesome lunch. They have a really big menu with a variety of dishes from different parts of Southern India. It is worth trying it if you like South Indian food!

Punjab Sweets @ Kent

My only complaint about this fabulous North Indian vegetarian restaurant is that it is too far away from where I live. Seriously! I love, love, love the homemade punjabi fair at Punjab Sweets. Authentic Parathas, Chaat, Malai Kofta and many more! And the huge array of sweets and snacks! Oh yum!

I have been to PS a few times, but never got a chance to review it. Guess what? A won a free lunch at PS :) and we were going to be in the area anyway, so stopped by for lunch last weekend. The quality of food hasn't changed a bit. The same authentic and flavorful punjabi food at its best.

One thing that's new - each table has a small bowl of nibbles, something for you to munch on while waiting for the food. This is something new and thoughful of them!

We ordered a Thali - rice, roti, malai kofta, kahi pakora, mutter paneer, raita and gulab jamun.

Everything was as delicious as ever. I can never stop raving about their Malai Kofta. It IS a must-eat.The only restaurant that makes it so well! So creamy and yet so light! To be honest, I don't think I have had such good Malai Kofta even in India!
And then the Paneer Paratha.It was huge and came with pickled radish and yogurt. Fantastic. Though, I love their Aloo Paratha more.

We finished with a Mango Kalakand. This was one amazing sweet with flavors of real mango. It was too small a piece and was over even before I could click a pic!

If you have never been to PS, it is definitely worth the long trek.They are expanding these days and I heard they have even introduced the South Indian Dosas in the menu. Quite frankly, I would never order Dosas at PS. C'mon! It is like ordering Samosa at an Italian restaurant (if they even make Samosas)! They are good at North Indian food and I totally agree and love them for it. I don't think they should be introducing Dosas, though.

Preet's is comparatively closer and we go there often. PS, it will be great if you can open another branch on the Eastside!

Madura Indian Cuisine @ Sunnyvale

A trip to the Bay Area is not complete without eating at one of the South Indian restaurants, to remind us of home. We usually eat at Saravana Bhavan, so wanted to try out a different place.
Madura is a fairly new vegetarian restaurant in Sunnyvale and is known for it's Thaalis. They even have breakfasts on weekends.

It's a very casual restaurant with minimal decor and excellent food.

The thali came with Pooris for me and Chappathis for A.

Each item in the Thaali was so homey. There was Korma, Kara Kuzhambu, Koottu, Sambar, Rasam, Veggie Biryani, Beetroot Curry, Kesari, Yogurt, Pickle and Appalam, Poori and rice. It felt like I was eating off the plantain leaf at my Grandmom's house. So homemade and so flavorful and so perfect. They also have a variety of dosas and other stuff on their menu. A asked for another helping of Koottu and the waiter gladly brought it to for him. Thaalis are actually not unlimited, but they never charged us for it.

A really great south Indian restaurant. Much better than Saravan Bhavan in quality and service. We will definitely visit it the next time we are in the Bay Area!

Dosa on Valencia

This restaurant was not in the agenda. The plan was to have lunch at Herbivore and head down on Hwy 1 S. We had read the good reviews about this place but decided to ignore it due of lack of time. We were driving to Herbivore, when we spotted Dosa. It is located adjacent to Herbivore. Now, coming across Dosa was like bumping into a huge sample sale in NYC. How could we just walk past it? So, we made a plan B. We will eat at Herbivore and split a dosa at Dosa. How cool, huh? If only I had an elastic stomach.....

Dosa is a super restaurant, where the food is so authentic and the service is excellent. They have both veg as well as non veg dishes. They use organic eggs and can accomodate "vegan" requests. On weekends, they have a brunch menu.

The waitress brought out some papad and gave us the menu.
 

We asked for the Habanero-Mango Masala Dosa. Dosa is more like an Injera. It is a savory rice and lentil crepe, served with tomato & fresh coconut chutney, and sambar, a flavorful lentil dipping soup made with vegetables and spices.

Here's how you eat it - Take a piece of the Dosa, dip it in the sambar, pile some chutney on it and pop it in your mouth. And, feel free to use your hands, the Ethiopian way.

The waitress warned us that the habanero dosa is very spicy. But according to A, when people here call something spicy, it really is not. Yeah, no problem, he said. Apparently, the Dosa was indeed spicy. The burn my ass kind of spicy. With his head all itchy, he called the waitress over and ordered a Sweet Lassi, a refreshing natural yogurt drink. God bless the Lassi! We were able enjoy the Dosa, finally.

Oh, the food was fantastic. The sambar was hot until the last spoon and had a homemade flavor. The potato stuffing was awesome. Though it was spicy, we thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the meal, including the heat ;-).

We will definitely visit this restaurant in our future visits to SFO.