Pass The Chutney: Indian Restaurants In LA

Unlike most other Indian restaurants out there, Ambala serves goat (try the goat curry!) in addition to your standard chicken and lamb—don’t worry, goat tastes VERY similar to beef. The atmosphere is dark, moody, and slightly rustic (but in a good way), so it’s a good place for a date (wink, wink).

Taj Mahal is located in a rather ‘80s-looking mini-mall in the Valley. But don’t let that stop you by any means! While the atmosphere leaves something to be desired, the food does not. The vast menu promises delicious breads, savory meats and chicken, and tasty appetizers (oh, the pakoras!)

Lal Mirch serves standard Indian food: chicken tikka masala, chicken khorma, sag paneer, garlic naan, etc… Start with the vegetarian samosas then go for the chicken tikka masala (juicy and tender) or the lamb vindaloo. And don’t forget to save room for the mango lassi. N.B. This restaurant uses a heavy hand with the spices, so be prepared if you order something described as “spicy.”

This no-frills chain serves up some of the best Indian food in the LA area. The food is cheap, vegetarian, and authentic. If you’re not fussy, you can eat in the one of the spartan restaurants/markets, or you can take it away and eat on your couch while you watch a Bollywood movie. Get some bread, basmati rice, veggies, lentils, and a mango lassi, and you’ll be good to go.

Samosa House rivals India Sweets and Spices as the cheap, yet tasty king of vegetarian Indian food. SH lives up to its name, and the samosas are tops. But don’t stop at the samosas, there are combo plates to be had! So grab a fork and start eating those mouthwatering curries.