Who likes it hot and spicy?

[Kyung]

Now, that I've got your attention. I'm talking food again. Indian food this time. There are some really good Indian places around SoCal. The thing about Indian food is that they have those really great buffets. I always overeat.

One of my top favorite Indian food places is Natraj in Laguna Hills. My girlfriend who is Indian says this place is very good. Their kheer (rice pudding) is delicious. I'm not sure if the fast food Natraj is owned by the same people. They're kind of the chain. I know of one in Long Beach. But the one in Laguna Hills is my favorite. Although in a strip mall, the interior is nice.

My second favorite place is a place Laxmi Sweets in Tustin. Really, it's a little Indian grocery store, but they also have hot Indian food. Their buffet is a good deal bec. it includes mango lhassi which is yogurt-mango flavored drink. It's kind of like a yogurt mango smoothie. Very good, and it's got to be good for your digestion w/all that yogurt and stuff. They also sell Indian sweets by the piece. Very good burfi, which is dessert of condensed milk made w/sugar. Yes, it's sweet. I also like to buy the pre-packaged palak paneer there. You can get it cheaper than at Trader Joe's. That and some rice makes a quicky veggie lunch.

So does anyone else like Indian food?

[Kyung]

I've had Ethiopian food. I liked it okay. Not one my top tens, but I do like it. I eat it maybe once every couple of years. There's a place called Nyala on the West side, 1076 South Fairfax. I think it's pretty good. The parking is difficult. But it's the West side, what do you expect. Check it out and let me know if you like it.

I didn't find it to be incredibly spicy either.

[Marla Sharp]

Chicken Tikka Masala is on my top five favorite things to eat. I think I was Indian in another life. Actually, a psychic reader told me that once. I absolutely LOVE Tantra in Silver Lake. Small portions but great food all around. They don't have kulfi, though, and that's my favorite dessert. Funny, so many times I've ordered kulfi and the waiter will bring me coffee. Gotta work on that accent.

I also have enjoyed Akbar in Pasadena and Gate of India on Sunset in Hollywood. I think I've also been to one on Wilshire in Beverly Hills called Bombay Palace, and they had a great lunch buffet. I've also been to Flavor of India on Santa Monica in West Hollywood. They were okay.

What's so wonderful about Indian food is the different spices. If you don't like curry, try the masala (creamy & spicy tomato-based sauce). If you don't like the masala, try the Tandoori (chicken rubbed with spices cooked in a Tandoori oven). If you don't like meat, try the sag paneer (spinach and cheese) or aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower).

If you don't like spicy, be sure to ask for it mild. If you like it spicy, be sure to ask for it medium. If you're insane, try the hot.

Kyung, have you eve had naan stuffed with cheese or with garlic or stuff with potatoes? I think I'm hungry.

Has anyone ever eaten Ethiopian food? I had it once, and it was surprisingly yummy. If anyone knows of a good Ethiopian restaurant, please recommend it. I'm dying for my husband to try it. He's a fan of Indian food since he met me.

[Jessica K. Belcher]

I have nothing informative to add to this blog other than I abhor most Indian food!!!! :(

[Kyung]

Well, I think a lot of Indians are vegetarian. It has to do with their religion. And cows, I think, are sacred over there, so probably not going to be selling it at the local MickyD's.

[Patricia Babits]

We got a new place called Masala Joe's. I think it's a chain, but it is so good.
I ate at a place in Seattle once that was so hot we were dripping sweat. LOL
I love all the Asian food. It's my favorite. I like how meat is just part of the meal instead of a big slab of meat and then a tiny bit of vegetables.

[Kyung]

Stephanie, I'm sorry to hear you say that. Indian food is one of the most flavorful I've come across. If you ever go to England, which is not known as a culinary capital, Indian is one of the foods that is done well (I guess all the Indian ex-pats) and is very flavorful. They use so many spices. Even their chai (tea) has extra flavor. They add different spices. Wow, I can't believe you find Indian food not flavorful.

Naan is great. You can usually get it with garlic or plain. Yummy. I do find the tandoori chicken not so flavorful sometimes. It's funny bec. they're always saying how flavorful it is, but I just don't find it so. You'll have to try chicken tikka masala, little bits of chicken in a spicy sauce. If you're ever in my neck of the woods, we'll have to go hunt down some decent Indian food for you to try.

Lisa - One of my most favorite Indian restaurants. I try not to go too often, bec. of the tendency to overeat. My stomach is getting full just thinking about it.

[Lisa Moskowitz]

As soon as I read "Indian food," I thought, "Ohhhhh, I'm going to recommend Natraj in Laguna!" You beat me to it. That place rocks! It is sooooo good. There's a good Indian place in Palm Springs along the main drag at one end of town. I can't remember the name, but I think it's the only Indian restaurant there. There's also another good one on Ventura Boulevard near Tampa in Woodland Hills. Again, I can't remember the name. I'm a lot of help, huh?