VANAKKAM PDX — Restaurant in Beaverton

So let me start this off by saying I absolutely love Indian food. It is my favorite food more than Hawaiian or Italian or anything. But I didn’t plan on coming here tonight… I was attracted to the strip mall by the sounds of the vacuums at the car wash.. I was thinking that I hadn’t eaten dinner yet and Pizzacato caught my eye. I was incredibly smooth with the right balance of sour and sweet. I got the lamb tikka masala. Usually tikka masala are. Very similar from place to place if not outright the same . This was bold and complex. Like an extremely thick stew. The green peppers and onions were so hearty. It felt like we’re eating the lamb. The naan was stretchy and hot, covered in Garlic.

Just as I enjoyed my appetizer for dessert, I saved the best for last. :-) Samosa from the outside looks just like every other Indian restaurant I’ve been to with that odd bloated pocket shape… This was Very different. These were obviously made in clean oil with finely mash ingredients inside. They were served extremely hot. I couldn’t help myself from licking the oil and salt mixture off of my fingertips after every bite!

Every part of this experience was pleasant and unexpected. Two younger gentleman working at the counter were really kind and I was really happy to write this review. I Wandered into this spot at 6 PM And I was the only person inside. It is now 635 and inside is packed. There are More people inside waiting to order than have available seats!?! Meanwhile, Pizzacato, there isn’t a soul...

5/5 Stars - A True Taste of South India!

I recently dined at VANAKKAM PDX and was blown away by the exceptional experience. From the warm welcome to the last bite, everything was top-notch.

Highlight: Authenticity and Passion

The chef's passion for South Indian cuisine shines through in every dish. Each bite was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to authenticity. The flavors, textures, and presentation all combined to transport me to the streets of Chennai or Bangalore.

Standout Features:

Helpful Staff: The server was knowledgeable, attentive, and happy to guide us through the menu. They made excellent recommendations.

Exceptional Food: The dosas, idlis, and vadas were crispy, fluffy, and utterly delicious. The sambar and chutneys were made with love, evident in every tangy, spicy bite. Reasonable Prices: Given the quality and quantity of food, the prices were very reasonable.

Recommended Dishes:

Masala Dosa Idli with Sambar and Chutney Chicken Chettinad Filter Coffee is a must have..!

Verdict:

Hands down this is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic South Indian cuisine. The chef's dedication to traditional recipes, combined with the staff's warm hospitality, makes for a memorable dining experience. I'll be back soon to try more of their delicious offerings!

Rating Breakdown:

Food Quality: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 3.5/5 Value: 5/5

Will I...

Friends mentioned the new spot in Portland. Had a guest and wanted to show off the new Tamil joint (based of the name). Sorry I was disappointed at all levels with this place. It maybe a hole in the wall type of joint but that doesn’t mean it cannot be clean, the food cannot be awesome and service cannot be stellar! Maybe I am spoiled after the Boston Indian food scene experience.

Cleanliness: for a place that opened its doors for business relatively recently, the place overall gets a ‘D’. We went for lunch within 15 minutes of opening time. The floor was dirty, probably not cleaned up from the night before. In my books that’s a ‘F’

Food: there was the typical coconut and tomato chutney. However the appetizers were Spring rolls and Onion Samosa. At the very end of our meal, a complimentary dosa was offered. This explains the chutney situation. We could not eat the dosa, so it was offered to the next customer.

Cabbage Broccoli Poriyal: the one and only dry vegetable but it lacked salt and or any flavoring.

To summarize the food was not something that would make one want to return.

The only think that may be right is the location. Has potential if they up the food game.

Going back a second time is out of question for me. It’s Maggi or avakaya and yogurt rice at home.

High expectations and high...