Paru's Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
5140 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 661-7600
www.parusrestaurant.com
I've passed by this place countless times and never knew it even existed. Talk about a diamond in the rough! I was instantly enchanted by the faint smell of incense, the quaint outdoor patio, and the host's warmth & hospitality. Very cozy atmosphere. The soothing Indian music was lovely too. The samosas were different than what I was used to, but I liked the tamarind chutney. The salad was meh. The rosewater flavored yogurt was very tasty. The food is slightly on the expensive side, but I'm still a fan. I will be a regular here.
Samosa House And Bharat Bazaar
11510 W Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90066
Neighborhood: Culver City
(310) 398-6766
www.samosahouse.net
If there was some way to syndicate my review as a banner ad for the Samosa House, it would be a public service to let more Angeleans know about this joint. Sure, SH is on the ass-end of Culver City but for those coming from near or far I promise it will be worth it.
This is a largish Indian grocer with an ample takeout counter overflowing with traditional (south?) Indian sweets and savories. There are tables for dine in and a couple of coolers filled with drinks both pedestrian and obscure.
For lunch you may select garlic or plain nan, brown or white basmati and three sauces. One of mine tasted just like Ramu's Indian gramma used to
Govinda's Natural Food Restaurant
3764 Watseka Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Neighborhood: Palms
310) 836-1269
www.govindasla.com
I would probably actually rate this place 3 and a half stars since it is a hit or miss with the menu. Some items are really tasty and others are a bit drab. But you can check the menu on their website. However, one thing that is consistent is the salad bar, soups and dessert are almost always quite yummy. That being said, do not be fearful of it being part of the Hare Krishna temple. I know many of us have a habit of running away from their proselytizing at LAX. But to be fair, of the times I have been here I have never experienced any direct proselytizing from any of them. Of course, the location itself has a subtle, albeit harmless form of this. Nonetheless, if you can look past this, you'll be able to enjoy an inexpensive healthy buffet in a rather unique setting. Definitely worth a try for adventurous foodies.
Samosa House East
10700 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
Neighborhood: Culver City
(310) 559-6350
www.samosahouse.net
This place gets four stars not because the food is amazing, but because it's a great deal and the people are very friendly.
I got the three item combo with white rice and garlic naan. I wish the spinach had cheese in it - that's my favorite even though I can never take the heat. I loved the cauliflower the guy recommended. The yogurt curry was so-so. For $7.99 you get a ton of food and the naan is yummy! It's a quaint, convenient place to go when you're in the mood for some quick Indian food!
India Sweets & Spices
3126 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Neighborhood: Atwater Village
(323) 345-0360
www.indiasweetsandspices.us
I was stoked to find this place! They offer many choices for entrees and side orders and best of all they have South Indian dishes like Masala Dosa, Vada, Sambar (a spicy dahl-like soup)... but what it really comes down to is the Masala Dosa ;)
Their Dosas are good, by no means are they the best that I've ever had, but they're under $5 and you have so many choices for sweets and/or breads.
A great way to get a substantial snack or light meal is to order the Samosa Chana, a smashes Samosa covered in chickpea dahl. I think it's $2 or something close to that.
Best part about the place is the cheap prices and the opportunity to go grocery shopping in the adjoining Indian grocer.
