Chai Pani, Decatur, GA

Chai Pani Indian Street Food Lights Up Decatur, GA

by Amanda Trevelino

If your local farmer recommends a restaurant for vegetarian fare, there probably is no need to look further. Even if the Huffington Post tells you it’s one of the “Top 10 Cheap Eats in the US,” or if The Atlanta Journal Constitution calls the place “one of the hottest restaurants around.” A farmer knows best.

So when Farmer Joe took his team for a lunch break at Chai Pani near Atlanta’s eclectic Decatur Square, we knew we could believe it’s claims of sourcing seasonal, organic produce from nearby growers. Except, that is, for the special items that husband/wife, chef/owners Meherwan & Molly Irani import from India or the spice blends and chutneys they make in house. “There’s no artificial ingredients in anything – ever,” they claim on the menu. (more…)

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Indian-American Cafe, Harrisonburg, VA

by Danielle Bussone

 

 

Indian American Cafe

 

Indian-American Cafe is one of the loveliest surprises we’ve found in our search for good vegan cuisine.  It is located on a corner at a red light on 91 N Main St. in Harrisonburg, VA, (off Interstate 81). From its pedestrian exterior one would never expect to find such good food and such a lovely couple creating it. John and Rameshori Shrestha are the genuine article. I observed  John, his face radiant as he greeted each of his customers by their first names, a sturdy hand reaching out in a welcoming grasp. He knows them all and they know him. John’s wife, Rameshori, makes you feel as if you are a member of the family. “You’re welcome anytime,” she says warmly, making you feel as if this is where you belong.

 

Indian America Cafe Harrisonburg, VA

 

The name Indian American is a bit confusing. What is served is actually the cuisine of Nepal. The food is similar to Indian cuisine with numerous vegan offerings. They do carry a few American lunch items but none of it is vegan. What you will find is some of the most flavorful Indian fare at the best prices we’ve found anywhere. The owners have been at this location for 21 years now and have a loyal clientele.  While we were waiting for our food, we asked several customers how they enjoyed their meal and how often they come to eat at Indian American Cafe. To a man, they love this food and have eaten here at least twice a week for years.

 

IndianAmAluSaag

 

American Indian Cafe has a thriving carry-out business as well. One gentleman was introduced to the place by a nearby hairstylist eight years ago. I believe the hairstylist has moved on but this gentleman has not. He has been coming to Indian American Cafe twice a week ever since and has introduced many of his co-workers to the restaurant.  Often, he and his co-workers will order from the restaurant en mass for carry-out.

John and Rameshori Shrestha, are from Kathmandu, Nepal, which is bordered in the north by China and  by India in the south, east and west. Much of the Nepalese cuisine attests to its Indian influence in the similarity of spices and vegetable combinations though there are some differences. One obvious difference is the spiciness of the cuisine which is kicked up a couple of notches in Nepalese cooking. If you order level two in spiciness, prepare to drink a lot of water. Order mild and that is what you’ll get. Even if you like it spicy, I would still stay on the lower level of the menu’s heat indicator until you know what level you can handle. The Nepalese take their spices seriously.

 

Indian America Cafe Harrisonburg, VA

Indian America Cafe Harrisonburg, VA Brianni

 

Another difference is the reduced amount of oil in their dishes. I really appreciate this fact as many, if not most, restaurants seem to equate fat with flavor. The dishes have a clean fresh taste which sits lightly on the stomach while continuing to please the palate. Nor are they inundated with salt, another ubiquitous restaurant habit.

So, what did we eat there? Nearly everything! It was all so yummy! We arrived in time for a late lunch ordering from the lunch menu. I had Alu Saag, ($6.50), a potato and spinach curry which was divine and Rich had the Vegetable Brianni ($7.50) a curried rice with raisins, almonds and cashews. We tried most of the vegan dishes, taking stacks of boxes home with us.  All but  the rice dishes were served with a generous portion of rice as a side. They were all spectacular!

 

IndianAmDallSaag

 

We had the mixed vegetables with herbs and spices ($6.50), The Dall Saag ($6.50), which are yellow lentils and spinach in a curry with herbs and spices. OMG!! This was wonderful!! The Shmi Alu (6.50) are potatoes and green peas with Indian herbs and spices and Alu Miatar, ($6.50) are potatoes, green beans and green peppers in a curry blend. There is also a vegetable fried rice ($6.50). The Cobi Alu ($6.95) is made of cauliflower cooked down into a almost creamy texture with chunks of potato, peas, onions, and tomatoes with Indian spices. Each dish was better than the last and nothing fell short of just plain good eating!

 

Indian America Cafe Harrisonburg, VA

 

We tried a couple of the breads, many of which are vegan. I had the Naan ($1.75), which is addictive, while Rich ordered the Chappati ($1.75). Try the tomato chutney.  It is a new experience and was recommended to me by one of the customers.  We loved it.  Also good is the mango chutney. Coffee was served in individual carafes, enough for two cups.

 

IndianAmMixedVegetables

 

The dinner menu ranges from $8.95 to $10.95. The dinner portions are much larger portions, though the lunch entrees were very substantial.  I can’t imagine finishing a dinner meal.

One thing to note about Indian American Café is they do not accept credit cards. Cash and check only helps them to keep their prices low and keep them operational. It is definitely worth this small inconvenience. This is a restaurant we hope to visit often when our travels take us up and down I-81.

 

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Sahib Fine Indian Cuisine, Johnson City, TN

by Danielle Bussone

Sahib is an authentic Indian restaurant located right off of Interstate 26 in Johnson City at the Roan Street Exit, Exit 20 if you are heading south, exit 20A if heading north.  It is a little tricky to get to. From Roan Street take a right onto Brown’s Mills Road..  It is located behind the Days Inn, facing the interstate.

The food is very good. Vik Vantrana and Chef  Gurvinder Singh co-own Sahib. Chef Singh runs the kitchen while his wife, Ekta, and Vik’s cousin, Barry Nirola, manage the dining area. Vik is the general manager overseeing the entirety of the business. While the building is not the newest on the block and is beginning to show its age, the food is marvelous and the service is friendly and accommodating. Barry and our favorite waiter, Daniel, will take good care of you. (more…)

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Palak Aloo (Potatoes & Spinach) Video from Sahib’s Restaurant

 
 
 
by Danielle Bussone
 

Vik Vatrana and his former partner, Chef Guvinder Singh, of Sahib’s Indian restaurant in Johnson City, TN, generously contributed this recipe for North Indian Palak Aloo, North Indian Spinach and Potatoes.
 


 

Before cooking this recipe, be sure to read the ingredient list carefully and have everything within reach so you won’t be scrambling for ingredients in the middle of the process.  This is a very quick dish to make.  Don’t be overwhelmed by the number of ingredients.  You are using many of the same ingredients in the sauces and the main dish.  This is very easy to prepare.  You’ll be an expert in no time! (more…)

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Roti from Sahib Fine Indian Cuisine

 
 
Here is a great short video on making Roti from Sahib Restaurant in Johnson City TN.
 

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Grand Mart International Food, Alexandria, VA

Grand Mart International Food is a mecca of exotic fruits and vegetables.  I didn’t see anything in the way of organics but they certainly had a wide variety of unusual produce, much of which I was entirely unfamiliar.  What I did recognize were the isles of ethnic foods and spices.  Most prevalent were the spice blends which comes in handy when you are experimenting with various cuisines and would like to sample the flavors of a region without investing in all the individual herbs and spices contained in particular regional blends. Available were also rices, beans, noodles and other fare native to many regional cuisines, including Asian, Indian and Hispanic to mention only a few.

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