Chargha House, located on Sepulveda, makes the ordering process as easy and uncomplicated as possible. There are big computer screens on the counter, so you can peruse and order at your leisure (McDonald’s style). Meanwhile, there are friendly staff on hand that will answer any and all of your questions. Once you have ordered (assuming you didn’t order in advance by phone or online), they’ll bring you a drink while you wait. Alternatively, Big Lots is a couple of doors away and that’s always good for a bargain hunt to kill 20 minutes.
They describe themselves online as a, “Family own and run Pak Indian Halal restaurant with 25 years experience in cooking. Everything prepared with high quality, rich taste and made fresh on order. Healthy, delicious and made very special, to steal all your hearts. Our experienced chefs ensure to give you the best and make your every order with us, the memorable moment. We are now online to serve you more.”
That “we’ll go the extra mile” attitude is clear when setting foot into the building. Meanwhile, the food is spectacular. We’ve long maintained that Indian food is the best for vegetarians and vegans. Approximately 30 percent of Indians identify as vegetarian, so it’s cultural to know how to best prepare vegetables. No steamed broccoli here – the vegetables are always going to be cooked in a delicious sauce.
This being our second visit, this time we went for the Aloo Gobi: cauliflower and potato stir-fried in herbs and spices. As is the case with all great Indian food, it’s the way that those herbs and spices blend, and seep into the vegetables and/or protein, that makes the dish so special. In this case, the fluffy cauliflower and sponge-like potato take on all of the spicy flavor. It creates a taste sensation on the tongue, as standard vegetables are given a new lease of life.
The vegetable samosas that we sampled as an appetizer were similarly delicious. The spice combination might be different but, again, it all works in harmony with the vegetables. The samosa shell is perfect; crisp and comforting, without being too greasy.
Chargha House is the sort of Indian restaurant that one suspects you could randomly pick anything from the menu and it would be great. We suggest you take the family or a group of friends, and get a bunch of dishes to share. It’s all so much more fun that way.
Chargha House is located at 5571 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City 90230. Call 424-228-4623 or visit charghahousecc.com.