Indian Delight is Right!

When you're craving Indian, you just gotta get at it! And while the last post gave you a taste of the South, here's some delicious heart-of-it-all Mumbai cuisine for those of you who wear your heart on your tummy! I went out to Indian Delight for lunch. It's located in one of my favorite areas for up and coming eateries, Battery Park/Detroit Shoreway. I was looking for somewhere to take a work colleague who is from Mumbai out to lunch and happened upon their website. Their menu featured my favorite Mumbai street specialty (and really all around favorite Indian food)- Pani Puri. Please get to know that name and look for it wherever Indian food is served because once you've tasted what Indians call "street food" your belly will be aching with desire from this magnificent delicatessen. When we got in, the place was slow for lunch, but the owner said that business was slowly picking up. Aside from the lack of patrons, the place was bustling with tantalizing aromas, so I grabbed a plate and headed straight for the buffet! I'm not much of a buffet girl since I'm trying to watch my figure (ha!), but the food looked irresistible. Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Masala, Curries of all Kind along with Basmati rice, fresh out-of-the-oven Naan you name it! It was a feast! My colleague said the food was even better than some places in Mumbai- a true compliment to the chef! Service was good and the clean atmosphere and authentic music made the experience of gorging oneself a little more attractive. I will definitely be back for the lunch buffet, which is served 7 days a week from 11:30-3pm and would like to go for dinner to get a different feel for the restaurant other than "most amazing food coma ever". I highly recommend this restaurant and hope you all get the opportunity to try it! This inexpensive, quaint restaurant boosts a well versed menu for meat lovers and vegetarians alike and it is Halal friendly! A must-eat little Indian Gem right in the Heart of Cleveland!

Indian Buffet featuring Lamb, Chicken Masala & Chicken & Vegetable Curries

Tandoori Chicken & Chicken with Basmati Rice

Naan, Fried Vegetables, Roti Bread

Sauces

Last, but certainly not least, Pani Puri

5507 Detroit Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44102

216.651.4007

Udupi South Indian Cuisine

It's not often that I have the opportunity to make it out to the Parma area, perhaps some of you are thinking "why would you?", but with as much criticism that comes with Parma, one also has to account for the great local flavor it has to offer. I love Indian cuisine! So you can imagine my excitement when I came across Udupi Cafe tucked in a small strip mall along the likes of a Goodwill and Indian Grocery Store. When I initially pulled in I was craving Tandoori Chicken, but to my surprise Udupi only offers vegetarian dishes. Tandoori, although found throughout India, is traditionally more or a Northwestern dish, Udupi offers Southern traditional flavors. I must say that if you do decide to treat yourself to Udupi, you need to keep in mind that the place is nothing marvel. The exterior along with the interior is pretty much lackluster aside from the banquet seating and Ganesh shrine at the entrance. But if you came to eat, then keep your opinions to that! I suggest ordering an appetizer to start. You can get an appetizer combo plate, which will allow you to get a feel for the different kinds of street-like food. Might I suggest Medhu Vada, which are like spicy Indian donuts- delish! For the main course I got Uthappam and Masala Dosai. As you can see, they're huge portions- spicy and delectable! The Uthappam is comparable to a blown up potato pancake with vegetables inside. The Masala Dosai has a crunchy outside that is folded over and contains potatoes (like this one) or whatever the description says- lentils, veggies, etc. Both come with a yogurt like sauce and a spicy broth for dipping. The overall experience is good. You won't pay more than $10 for a meal, the appetizers and cheap, and if you know a vegetarian it is a real treat to take them somewhere they will have no problem finding something on the menu they will like. Like I said, the appearance is a little drab, so I don't suggest it for a first date or if you're trying to impress someone, but if you're in the mood for some good Indian cuisine, great service and perhaps a Bollywood music channel playing on one of the t.v.'s then this if your ultimate low-key stop to great South Indian cuisine.

Uthappam (above)

Masala Dosai (below)