RECESSION DINING : INDIAN VEGETARIAN FOOD

I was going to order chicken korma or beef vindaloo, maybe with naan or rice. Steve was craving tandoori chicken, and I was guessing he would get a biryani of some sort to go with it. Steve was introduced to Indian food via tandoori at Annapoorna in Sunnyvale.

We were both a little stymied when we scanned the menu of this Annapoorna on South El Camino Real in San Mateo. None of our usual suspects here. Instead line upon line of words that vaguely reminded me of my yoga poses.

ACCIDENTAL FIND

“What are uttapham, and idly?” I asked no one in particular. I was tempted to leave, slightly disturbed by an ingredient on one dish that was translated as Indian pees.

Until Steve said the magic words:.“It’s a vegetarian place.” Now, in my book, that is a rarity south of San Francisco, and I, fifty percent vegetarian, couldn’t believe my luck that I found one by accident on the peninsula.

We looked at what everyone else was having. The popular dish was this big tray with little cups of dipping sauces that came with a giant wafer that appeared to be papad. It seemed to be too much for two people. Maybe next time.

They were out of the vegetable korma. I made a mental note to come back for what must be the best thing on their menu. I ended up choosing the prosaically-named Chilli Cheese Dosa. Steve ordered a combo Onion Masala Dosa.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

I was shocked when the waiter brought my Chilli Cheese. There were three large crepes stuffed with onions, tomatoes, Indian beans, pieces of chili, with cilantro and melted mozzarella cheese. For $7.99, I get three crepes with three chutneys? A dessert crepe at a regular diner such as Baker’s Square costs the same, but you’ll only get two pieces.

Steve’s combo plate had the same three dosa, stuffed with onion and potato, but with two pieces of bread. Idly reminds me of Philippine puto but denser and coarser, while donut-like vada appears to be deep-fried idly. I am not a fan of these two little breads, and felt they were not worth paying an additional dollar for. Steve paid $8.99 for his combo.

Halfway through our second dosa, we were both ready to surrender. We ended up with one crepe each left over. Six dosa total plus a side of exotic bread came up to $18.96 (no tip).

For less than $20, we learned more about Indian cuisine, found a vegetarian restaurant on the Peninsula, and had enough for another meal. I’d say it’s a win-win.

We did leave our kind and patient waiter a good tip. I want him to remember me, because I intend to be a regular.

CARNIVORES WELCOME

Meat eaters should not shy away from Annapoorna. Good food is good food, and if you like dipping your nachos in bean dip or salsa, you know that going meatless for a minute is not deprivation. You won't miss the meat because the flavor will give you all the satisfaction you need.

The sign on the wall says they serve a lunch buffet, probably even a better bang for the buck. Steve and I are already plotting our return. I need another dose of dosa.

Annnapoorna Vegetarian is at 2299 So. El Camino Real, San Mateo CA. It’s right beside an adult bookstore. Google it.

COMING UP: Comfort Food For The Sick and Somewhat Broke