The All India Café (from here on out to be referred to as: AIC) is extremely unassuming. Wedged into a strip mall on Santa Monica Blvd., the place is just a fail at impressiveness. Tyler and I agreed to go inside with a pact to check out the menu before being seated. Yet, once inside I was surprised to find that it was indeed a bona fide restaurant and not just a takeout front.
We had our pick of seating as there was only one other couple there. Usually this would bother me, but the lack of hullabaloo after a long Monday was actually quite soothing. Our waiter was super pleasant and the décor was warm and simple.
The best part of my meal was the Nimbu Pani, an Indian-style lemonade with ginger and lime juice ($3.00). It wasn’t too sweet and had a nice twang. I slurped it down and still have plans for recreation with the recipe in the link above.
I LOVE eggplant everything so I ordered the Baingan Bharta, a puree of Tandoor baked eggplant sautéed with onions, fresh tomatoes, ginger, green chiles and herbs ($7.95). When it arrived I was quite skeptical because it looked more like a sadly colored soup than anything else. It didn’t come with any rice so once I ordered the rice (Basmati side $2.50), I was a much happier camper. The puree had a nice spicyness to it and thus I finished happy and full.
I am a texture person and so next time I will try the Eggplant Salad, sautéed Japanese eggplant topped with seasoned tomoato sauce and ginger yogurt ($6.95).
The low down on AIC? Good, but not great. Tyler and I agreed to come back as it is so convenient and simply pleasant; a great weekday spot. I would advocate for their lunch buffet, but honestly if you want an incredible lunch buffet-like experience, go for the Daily Special at the Samosa House ($7.99). And make sure to include the spicy jackfruit; it is orgasmic!
Fork Rating for All India Cafe:
Accessibility: 5 Forks (we walked and didn't have to wait for a table!)
Ambiance: 3 Forks (once inside the place was nice)
Authenticity: 3 Forks
Service: 3.5 Forks
Taste Factor: 3 Forks
