New Restaurant Report | Annapurna Grill Offers a Taste of Southern India in Pasadena

 

Stroll down Colorado Boulevard and take a step into a world of Indian flavors. Annapurna Grill proudly serves Southern Indian cuisine from Tamil Nadu and Andhra which features many vegetarian dishes. Indian food is known for being, colorful, complex and rich in spices – expect nothing less than excellent from Annapurna and be sure to come hungry.

 

 

Although they also offer Northern Indian dishes, Annapurna’s staples are all from the south. The chefs all hail from India and prepare traditional fare like dosas, idly and vada. The Uthappams – pancakes served with different toppings and sauces are also unique to Southern India.

 

 

The dosa is a star of the menu. This enormous lentil and rice flour crepe-like pancake is filled with a spiced potato mixture and served on a metal tray with three dipping sauces – lentil, tomato and coconut – called sambar and chutney. Dosas come in many variations like Chili Cheese and Ghee. These fun meals aren’t a food for the faint of heart. Share this crispy, chewy bread with friends and take turns tearing, pulling and dipping into the distinctly flavorful sauces.

 

Be sure to order extra naan or puri – fluffy Indian bread – to accompany your meal. Part of the joy of Indian food is sharing food and tasting new flavors; order family-style to get the most out of your experience. Smaller dishes like the Rasam, a spicy soup made from tamarind juice, garlic, tomato and chili pepper, is ideal for dipping and sharing.

 

 

Annapurna also offers rice and curry based dishes like biryani and chana masala. Their biryani uses different spices than northern Indian cooking and is prepared dum style, explained the manager, Mahesh. He feels Annapurna Grill is fulfilling a need to bring southern Indian food to Pasadena – to remind people of home as well as introduce them to new flavors. The Chicken Biryani is one of his personal favorites and features marinated chicken, colorful, spiced basmati rice, hard boiled eggs and purple onions.

 

 

Don’t skimp on dessert. After a flavorful meal, try a refreshing Rasmalai. This sweet dessert is made of cheese dumplings, with a texture like paneer, in chilled creamy milk sauce. This light, sweet dessert is reminiscent of melted ice cream and has hints of rose plus a topping of pistachios.

 

“We try to showcase the delicacies that represent India,” Mahesh said.

 

Annapurna Grill is located at 929 East Colorado Boulevard. Call (626) 584- 1111 or visit www.annapurnagrill.com.