Udipi Cafe Duluth
I was really very surprised when I walked in the door. The decor screams “Midtown-Buckhead-ish” (to quote friend B). Yet the location spells nondescript strip mall in the middle of suburbia. Now occupying the spot vacated by Banaras (another good Indian restaurant which closed before I could get my post up), and just like its sister Udipi Cafe Decatur, this Duluth location offers a pure vegetarian South Indian cuisine. Now I’m not really a big fan of vegetarian cuisine, but I found a favorite here.
The lunch menu consists of different thalis which they call Luncheon. Think of thali as a sampler platter. It’s a great way to taste most of the items on their menu. My favorite here is the Leisure Luncheon, a South Indian thali which comes with Kootu, Poriyal, Poori (fried puff bread), Rice, Rasam, Dhal, Raita, Papad, Payasam, and Pickles. All these for $7.95.
For the same price, I also get the North Indian thali which is equally delicious. It comes with a creamy Palak Paneer, Vegetable Korma, Channa Masala, Dhal, Rice, Chapatti, Rasam, Raita, Papad, and Pickles.
The carrot halwa (that came with the thalis on my last visit and is available on the menu as a dessert) was the best I’ve had. This popular dessert has the consistency of very, very thick applesauce and is made with grated carrots which is simmered in honey and butter. Here, they include pineapple and golden raisins. Seriously, I’m already addicted.
The Paper Masala Dosa is an intimidating-looking crispy crepe made with a batter of rice and black lentils then filled with curry mashed potatoes and onions. The version here is huge — almost two feet long. The crepe is perfectly fried and the filling is a flavorful creamy curry. It is served with sambar and chutney. This makes for a good appetizer.
I love naan bread but they don’t have it available for lunch. No matter, I always get a free extra piece of chapatti every time. My meals here have always been filling and satisfying. Everything tastes delicious and they use fresh, quality ingredients. To top it off, service is the best.
Insider tip:
Gourmet Britain provides a good description of Indian food here.
They have a nice patio for dining al fresco.
The scoop:
Udipi Cafe
3300 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Duluth, GA 30096
(678) 584-5840
Technorati Tags: Udipi Cafe, Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Duluth, Indian food, Indian restaurant, thali
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7 responses so far ↓
1 FoodieBuddha // May 1, 2009 at 10:44 am
“Now I’m not really a big fan of vegetarian cuisine” really? I think this sounds more like you: “I think vegetables are the anti-christ”
2 Chloe // May 1, 2009 at 4:44 pm
@FB: i was going for subtle
3 Sean // May 1, 2009 at 6:58 pm
This place is kind of like Vatica in Marietta. I can’t stand vegetarians but I’m always willing to give their food a shot. Good review!
4 Chloe // May 4, 2009 at 6:38 pm
@Sean : “I can’t stand vegetarians but…” = LOL! At least you’re open to trying the food.
5 apurva // May 11, 2009 at 6:12 am
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6 Kumar // Jul 23, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Dosas were good but was very disappointed with their appetizer.
7 Moksha Kitchen // Jun 13, 2013 at 11:16 pm
[...] the food was unbelievably good. And it only makes sense, after all, this place is pedigreed — Udipi Cafe (home of the famous thalis) is a sister [...]
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