During my recent trip to LA, amidst the hustle and bustle of a conference, I found a culinary haven at Samosa House. This place is a gem that serves up some of the most comforting Indian food I've encountered on this side of the globe. Perhaps it was the pangs of hunger or just the sheer quality of their offerings, but my experience there was nothing short of delightful. From the moment my coworker and I stepped in, drawn by the need for a satisfying yet affordable meal, we were met with warmth and smiles that felt welcoming in the vastness of Los Angeles. Our culinary adventure began with a selection that promised a rich tapestry of flavors – the dosa, sambar, two chutneys, and chaat were our picks, aiming to quench our craving for authentic Indian cuisine.
The dosa was a revelation. Crisp on the outside, yet tender within, it was a perfect canvas for the lush, spicy sambar and the duo of chutneys that accompanied it. One chutney, a bright coconut concoction, offered a creamy, sweet contrast, while the other, a tangy tomato-based delight, added a kick that invigorated the palate. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, masterfully balanced to highlight the dosa's simplicity and the complexity of its accompaniments. The chaat, a street food favorite, was equally impressive. A riot of textures and tastes, it was an explosion of tangy, spicy, and sweet notes that danced together in perfect harmony. Every forkful was a surprise, revealing layers of potatoes, chickpeas, crispy dough, yogurt, and tamarind sauce, all sprinkled with vibrant spices that awakened the senses.
While the vada pav didn't quite hit the mark, falling short of the memories of street side Mumbai treats, it was still a decent attempt compared to other iterations I've tried in the States. This slight misstep was easily forgiven, overshadowed by the overall excellence of the meal.
Exploring different locations of Samosa House over three days, I found a comforting consistency in their food that spoke volumes of their commitment to quality and authenticity. Samosa House, with its generous portions, impeccable flavors, and budget-friendly prices, left me more than satisfied – it made me a "happy baby," content with the discovery of a place that felt like home. The experience was a reminder of the power of good food to connect us to places and memories, making Samosa House a must-visit for anyone seeking the heart and soul of Indian cuisine in...
Read moreKnow what you're ordering. This place may not give you all of the components of the combination plate, if you're new or unaware, like me.
WHAT I GOT: 3-entree combination plate: brown rice because they didn't have white rice; 2 chapattis (wheat & vegan flatbread); jackfruit (vegan); aloo (potato) curry (vegan) & daal lentils (vegan); and no raita or side soup that is supposed to come with the plate. I expect them to prompt me on what to get. I wasnt asked about the side..
Samosa with a green & brown sauce.
TASTE: Aloo curry was yummy. Daal was good. Jackfruit wasn't my favorite bc it was sourish / not my favorite texture & taste. Chapatti was good.
Samosa was tasty! I liked the brown sauce most.
CLEANLINESS/COVID19 PROTOCOL: Went in to order take-out. Counter looked clean. Chef in the back, who prepared the bread & samosa, was not wearing his mask on his face; it was hanging off one ear. Young front employee guy had on a surgical mask, though with some nose gappage, which is important to note as that's not entirely proper mask wearage. He was nice & helpful though! Great service.
VEGAN OPTIONS: Everything at this time was vegan, except for veggie chicken & pakora curry according to front employee.
Ask for utensils if you need them (they come wrapped), or you won't get them. The plate kinda leaks a little out of the box bc of the curry.
PRICES: Prices are lower in shop compared to yelp takeout order(that's through...
Read moreSo I’m a teacher who loves to include culture in my classroom. For the past five years, we’ve been celebrating Holi! If you don’t know what Holi is…… Holi, also known as the Festival of colors, is a Hindu spring festival. It marks the arrival of spring, the end of winter, the blossoming of love, and for many, it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. It also incorporates lots and lots of colorful powder.
I used to purchase Holi powder at a local Indian market, but they closed down. So while on the search for a new market, I came across Samosa House. I called to see if they had any powder available, and they said yes! I made my way over right away before it sold out. When I entered, I asked a lady that works there where I could find Holi powder. She pointed where it was, and I sprinted over. They had lots of bags and lots of different colors. I purchased about almost 30 bags.
After I grabbed my bags, I wondered around the market. They not only have Holi powder, but they have other household items, food, and a little restaurant. Too bad I had already eaten, or else I would’ve gotten some food. It smelled so...
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