BADMAASH Downtown LA — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I visited this place today after suggestions from some friends. Mind you, I am visiting LA for the first time and I have visited a lot of Indian and pakistani restaurants around United States before this, plus I cook really well (good enough to have my word reached beyond the families of my friends). Also I hail from a Punjabi family in Delhi from where most of the items on the menu are. Well aware of how a particular dish should taste like at the very least. So I would not call myself an amateur in judging the food. I can describe this place as somewhere in the top 5 of my DO NOT VISIT LIST.

Only thing good in my order was mango lassi and tandoori roti.

Other things that I ordered were Paneer tikka masala, Badass chicken tikka and dal makhani.

Reason -

1. Dal makhani is to be cooked with cream/whole milk on low flame. The dal served was almost watery, little flavour except the natural essence of the daal and some basic spices. Only that the lentils being soft doesn't make it dal makhani. I was like maybe, its this dish that would be like that. I ignored.

2. Paneer tikka masala - literally they hastily prepped this. The paneer cubes are ought to be cooked in the gravy for some time for the cubes to absorb the flavoring. The gravy was decent (not amazing as I had expected from the reviews) but was separate from the paneer cubes (which appeared as if cut and freshly put into gravy). The gravy was mild hot which reaffirmed the fact that it was not cooked properly. A properly cooked dish would be steamy hot and wont turn cold within a couple of minutes.

3. Badass chicken tikka - The flavouring was good. Chicken was cooked well. Had some oily insides but thats expected usually. However, the flavouring was only on the outside and the insides were pretty much flavourless. Again, the marination was maybe not done for long enough. On top of that the quantity was like somewhere around 200 gms. This had me crazy. Like I am paying 18 dollars for this dish. I was literally cursing myself for adding this to my order.

4. Insanely expensive food - This place is crazy expensive. When I say crazy, I mean I have never seen these rates for these dishes, that too for this less of a quantity. I mean you can easily score a good buffet or a thali (multiple dishes with rice/roti and/or sides) in the same cost as just this 200 gm chicken. When I talk about these rates, I am comparing this to bay area (where techies have already driven up all costs). So if you say 16 bucks for i small bowl of daal not cooked properly and 18 for 200 gm chicken is decent, you need to roam around and check out other restaurants.

5. Quantity - Somewhat corelated to previous point. The quanity served was not at all reflective of the cost. What turned me mad was that both above factors had driven up my expectations for the food. All three factors fell way below expectations.

I usually do not write reviews but my experience was bad enough to motivate me to write this.

While leaving, the server offered us 2 cups of "special curting chai" while we were drinking iced mango lassi (yoghurt drink). While I am thankful for the gesture, I am not sure if they knew this was one of the strangest combination they could provide us with. Drinking hot tea over mango lassi. But thank you for the gesture though.

Lastly, even the beverages like thumbs up that costs 50 cents in india for a can, is imported and sold at indian grocery stores for a dollr are being sold by this shop for $5.5. What a joke, this is pure loot.

No wonder they call their shop Badmaash (the bad guy /gangster / the one who does bad deeds). Simple enough to get to...

I recently had the privilege of dining at BADMAASH in Downtown LA, and I must say, it was an absolute joy from beginning to end! I had heard fantastic reviews about this establishment, and I can confidently say that it lived up to the hype. From the moment I stepped foot inside, I was greeted with warm smiles and an energetic atmosphere that immediately set the stage for an incredible evening.

First and foremost, the culinary offerings at BADMAASH are truly exceptional. The menu features a captivating blend of Indian and American flavors, with each dish presented as a masterpiece. I had the pleasure of sampling their renowned Chicken Tikka Poutine, and it was a burst of flavors that delighted my taste buds. The succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned fries, and the rich masala gravy harmoniously combined to create an extraordinary taste sensation. It was a culinary adventure unlike anything I had experienced before, leaving me wanting more!

The service at BADMAASH deserves special recognition as well. The staff members were attentive, well-informed, and exhibited genuine passion for the cuisine they served. They went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was exceptional. Their recommendations were impeccable, and their enthusiasm was infectious. It is evident that the team at BADMAASH takes immense pride in delivering exceptional service to their patrons.

The ambiance of the restaurant is another aspect that contributes to its allure. The interior exudes a chic and contemporary vibe, striking the perfect balance between trendy and comfortable. The modern decor, accompanied by the lively music playing in the background, creates an inviting and spirited atmosphere. It is the kind of establishment where you can unwind, relish in a delightful meal, and create lasting memories with loved ones.

Lastly, I must highlight the remarkable cocktails at BADMAASH. They boast an impressive array of inventive and delectable drinks that impeccably complement the flavors of their cuisine. I had the pleasure of savoring their Mango Mule, a delightful concoction that perfectly balanced sweetness and tanginess. It elevated my dining experience, leaving me yearning for another sip.

All in all, my visit to BADMAASH Downtown LA was an unforgettable journey. The exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and vibrant ambiance make it an absolute must-visit for any food enthusiast. Whether you have an affinity for Indian cuisine or are seeking an exciting and novel experience, this restaurant will exceed your expectations. I eagerly look forward to returning and indulging in their tantalizing creations once more. Hats off to the entire team at BADMAASH for crafting such an extraordinary...

Title: Nice Ambience but Food Needs Improvement - A Review of Badmaash Restaurant in Downtown LA

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I recently visited Badmaash, a cute little restaurant located in Downtown LA. Upon entering, I was immediately drawn to its nice ambience and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant had a unique charm, and I appreciated the effort put into creating a pleasant dining environment.

However, my experience at Badmaash was somewhat mixed, primarily due to the food. While some dishes left a lot to be desired, others managed to impress.

I started with the Papri Chaat, a popular street food snack. While it had a decent taste, I couldn't help but feel it lacked a certain excitement. A little more green chutney and sev would have elevated the flavors and added the desired tang and crunch. I believe these small additions could make a significant difference to the overall enjoyment of the dish.

On the other hand, I was blown away by the Chicken Tikka. The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender, and packed with flavor. The seasoning was spot on, and the dish had a delightful smoky taste. I must admit that the Chicken Tikka was the highlight of my meal at Badmaash.

In terms of beverage selection, I opted for the Swami IPA, and it complemented the Chicken Tikka brilliantly. The beer had a hoppy and refreshing quality that balanced the spiciness of the tikka, enhancing the overall dining experience.

While Badmaash has a charming atmosphere and some standout dishes like the Chicken Tikka, I believe there is room for improvement in other aspects of their menu. Adding more excitement to dishes like the Papri Chaat by incorporating additional ingredients and flavors would make a significant difference.

Furthermore, the service at Badmaash was satisfactory, with attentive staff members who were helpful and polite. The prices were reasonable considering the location and the overall experience.

In conclusion, Badmaash in Downtown LA is a nice restaurant with a cozy and appealing atmosphere. While some dishes like the Chicken Tikka are exceptional, others like the Papri Chaat need a bit more work to reach their full potential. If you're looking for a cute spot to enjoy good Indian food with a carefully chosen beer pairing, Badmaash might be...