Eight years ago, this writer reviewed the Samosa House and Bharat Bazaar, located at 11510 Washington Boulevard. That location also has a grocery section that sells mostly Indian goods though, this writer being English, it was exciting to see an extensive selection of British goods. The dessert treats and produce section alone is enough to keep you browsing for a long while.
Six years later, we tried the Samosa House East. Like the other spot, the restaurant is cafeteria-style. Unlike our previous experience, this place seems to put more effort into the appearance. The tables are immaculate, the staff friendly, and the exterior well-maintained.
“Samosa House is a family-owned business that has been serving authentic Indian cuisine since 1979,” they say online. “What started as a small grocery store has now become the first ever grocery/restaurant concept in Southern California. We take pride in our heritage and culture, and strive to share our love for Indian food with our customers. Our recipes have been passed down through generations, and we use only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Come visit us and experience a celebration of flavors with authentic taste and healthy balance.”
There’s no food market, but we weren’t looking for one on this particular Sunday afternoon. We wanted some tasty, authentic Indian dishes, and that’s what we got.
There are plenty of options on their enticing menu, so it was time for a return visit. We started with the aloo gobi, or potato and cauliflower curry, which was great. The large chunks of potato sat in a mildly spicy sauce that soaked into the starchy surface of the spud quite magnificently. The combo plate also came with a small pot of an Indian soup, which was fine though not particularly thrilling.
What was thrilling was the Bhel Puri: “Puffed rice with tomatoes, onions, lentil noodles, cilantro, chutneys, and spices.” The dish is a strange combination of snack bowl and meal. More importantly though, the taste is sensational. Red onions add some tart to the crunchy noodles and puffed rice, creating some sort of Indian chex mix. The spices are mild in the heat department, but the flavors swim around your mouth. If anything the dish is annoying because you don’t want to stop nibbling.
We stuck with the vegan options on our visit, but there’s plenty more to sample.
Samosa House is located at 10700 Washington Blvd., Culver City 90232. Call 310-559-6350 or visit mymoso.com.