One of the first things that we crave for when we travel abroad is a delicious plate of our favourite desi food. However, often it becomes difficult to decipher which Indian restaurant is authentic and which is not. While Indian food has become hugely popular all around the globe, many dishes that are served in restaurants abroad are tweaked in a way that suits the palate of the larger crowd of that country. Hence, it’s quite a task to zero down on Indian restaurants that serve food as delicious and delectable as ‘sadda India.’ One country that sure seems to be enjoying desi delights is the United States. Of the 35 Indian restaurants reviewed by the Michelin Guide, in America, two have been awarded stars, and 10 feature in the Bib Gourmand series that recognises restaurants serving good quality and good value cooking. Here’s a quick look at some of them -
1) Campton Place Restaurant, San Francisco
Distinction: two Michelin stars
Chef Srijith Gopinathan’s culinary magic has earned this restaurant at the Taj Campton Palace, San Francisco a double star! The only Michelin star Indian restaurant in the Bay Area you can get authentic Indian food here that’s made from regional spice blends of our country. Chef Srijith has a history of working in Michelin star restaurants in the past as well. The Taj Group describes Chef Srijith’s cooking as, “a unique Cal-Indian approach, which is changing the definition of California cuisine, as he marries California-fresh ingredients with India’s multi-faceted regional dishes, aromatics and traditional spice blends.”
2) Rasa Contemporary Indian, California
Distinction: one Michelin star
Delhi boy Ajay Walia had moved to the US from delhi to work in Fin Tech, before he finally ventured in to the culinary world and eventually gave California its Michelin star restaurant - Rasa. A progressive South Indian restaurant, Rasa is the second dining establishment to be opened by Ajay. Based in the Californian city of Burlingame, Rasa was awarded one Michelin star in 2016. A must have at this restaurant is the Chutney prawn which is served alongside a cucumber salad, pumpkin kofta, and the Bollywood dosa with Bhoot Jholakia spread!
3) Angel, New York
Distinction: Bib Gourmand
If you’re going to Angel in New York, get ready to eat some delectable Punjabi delicacies. Chef Amrit Pal Singh works his desi magic and delivers finger licking Indian curries. According to the Michelin Guide at this ‘no-frills restaurant, plate after plate will demonstrate the real magic of going meatless.’ Some dishes to try here include keema kulcha, goat biryani, dum biryani, and the house-made paneer khurchan.
4) Badmaash, Los Angeles
Distinction: Bib Gourmand
You will get served colourful and delicious desi food at a bi-level dining room from a tiny kitchen at this Indian gastropub where Chef Pawan Mahendro’s menu, delights you with every bite. The menu is full of traditional and fusion dishes including homestyle Punjabi sabzi, Goan pork curry and Konkani fish curry. Must-haves also include butter chicken-stuffed Punjabi samosa and the Badmaash Broccolini. The Michelin guide also highlights the Macchi Amritsari, the Badmaash Fried Chicken and the Chicken Tikka Poutine, that the restaurant describes as “Canadian masala fries topped with cheese curds, doused in piping-hot beef gravy, all topped with tandoor chicken tikka and cilantro”.