the india restaurant

After a very educational saree fitting at Sona Chaandi down the street, (behold, the result in the Halloween photo of Stephy and I), it was suggested we grab lunch at this little mini-mall storefront. It's a small space that looks a lot like grandma's living room, complete with lace curtains and artificial flora galore. The only thing missing - plastic on the upholstered chairs!

The $8.95 lunch buffet seven days a week here on the stretch of Pioneer Blvd. coined Little India, is a bargain diner’s dream. The spread is plentiful, fresh - and while perhaps not the most authentic, particularly to my UK spoiled palate - surprisingly good.

They have a full menu, including a decent selection of Indian beer, which is your only option in the evening for dinner, but from11a to 5p, it's all about the buffet. The selection changes a bit daily, but there's always an assortment of samosas, fish and veg pakoras, chana masala, chutneys, raita, dal, tandoori, korma, masala, makhni, palak, paneer, and their special garlic chicken. Steaming, warm, fresh naan is brought to the table once you've loaded up your first plate.

When you've had enough of the savories, there's a plentiful selection of sweets including rice pudding, gulab jamun (sticky sweet milk balls in cardamom scented syrup), gajar ka halwa (carrot pudding), fresh fruit and custard, accompanied by a neat stack of little metal bowls for sampling everything on the line.

Food aside, four servers are constantly bustling around, yet it's still a bit of an effort to get one's attention when you need it. Thankfully, you'll be in such a food coma, you won't really care!

Tip - If the few spaces in the front are full, there's additional parking behind the restaurant.

17824 Pioneer Blvd
Artesia, CA 90702

(562) 860-5621

electric karma

Beer and I are the first to admit we're food snobs, and when it comes to Indian, we're especially spoiled - and particular. That said, Electric Karma is one of our few local faves to make the speed dial list.

There's nothing on the menu we haven't liked, but some top picks include the samosas, sev puri, aloo tiki and mixed chutneys for starters. For mains the lamb korma, mixed tandoori grill, and fish vindaloo are always good. On the side, the aloo gobi, mattar paneer and bhindi masala never disappoint. If you're in the mood for something different or drop by for lunch, try one of the frankies - for lack of a better description, it's like an Indian burrito. Good stuff.

More often than not we opt to order in and enjoy at home, but this is a great location to enjoy a romantic meal out with your lover or some friends. The interior is colorful and dimly lit with seating indoors that flows out to an enclosed courtyard with tables and cushion seating where you can dine on the floor with a group. Another reason to dine in are the cocktails. Inside, Bollywood movies play on a wall hanging plasma. You'll notice a little bar when you enter and for good reason. The libations here are creative and tasty. And don't worry about the nasty parking on 3rd - they have you covered with valet. Or, you could just order in :)

8222 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 653-2121

bohac

If Indian imports are your thing, look no further. Bohac on Melrose (which has recently trimmed down from two locations to one), is an Indian trader who carries everything from home furnishings to jewelry.

Come here for amazing textiles, pillows and cushions, a great selection of Indian jewelry (bangles, earrings, cuffs, toe rings, belts, decorative bindis, etc.), large scale furniture, carvings, doors/archways, candles, vases, art and other accessories, and one of the best selections of saris you'll find on this side of town.

If you're in the market for a beautiful sari skirt or wrap, they nearly always have a two for one special going on which makes the prices even better, especially if you're shopping with a friend. Plan to spend some time looking ... the myriad handcrafted textures, colors and designs will keep you occupied trying to decide what to take home.

If you're looking for something in particular - ask. Often they have specials - like tons of copper Indian serveware--that's in storage and needs to be sold.

7556 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 966-0096