When I heard Curry-o-City had dosas I got really excited! They are hard to find around here. Sadly, I wasn't able to have one because the man working the cart said he had forgotten to turn on the grill and it would take 20 minutes for it to heat up. I told him I would wait but he still discouraged me from doing that. I actually wonder if he just didn't know how to make them (I've tried at home! They are difficult!). I love sambar, that comes with most dosas. It's a spicy soup. I ordered idli sambar so I could still have that. He allowed me to order that. Whew!
The portion of sambar (see picture) was less than generous. He didn't even fill up the container. It was also not hot (temperature wise). Warm, but not hot. There were only 2 idli, which are steamed "cakes" (dumplings? But not in the filled sense as in some Asian cuisines). They are made from ground rice and urad dal, a white lentil. They are usually made in a steamer stand and are perfectly round, slightly domed disk when they are done. I have one and make them at home sometimes. (I lived in India for awhile). These weren't quite what I was used to but still edible. If you try them (and you should) consider them an appetizer or side, as you don't get much here. The sambar, aside from needing to be served at a hot temp had good flavor and so did the idli.
I would like to go back and try for a dosa again (it's a big crispy crepe like pancake with filling inside-traditionally potato & pea, etc). Now you know a little about South Indian food! Looks like they have a few popular curries, like butter chicken, etc. I'll see how those are and let you know later. read more