Dāna is a very recently opened stall at Torvehallerne that specialises in Chai - real, proper Chai made with fresh whole spices and organic milk (or plant milk), and vegetarian/vegan savoury 'pancakes' made from a mix of ground rice and lentils served with your choice of toppings (onions, coriander, peppers, cheese...) and a chutney. To blow my usual trumpet, as a vegetarian I am always super stoked about new vege places opening up in this fair(ly rainy) city and owner Avani seems very committed to this cause.
The Chai was perfect, just the right balance of milky and spices. It is easily the best Chai you will taste so far north. You can also get an ice cold Chai for those hot days... A bonus is being able to keep the 100% biodegradable clay cup that your Chai comes in! The 'pancakes' were absolutely delightful and I would recommend taking all the toppings you can, they were filling without being stodgy, very light and the flavours were very well-rounded. My single complaint would be that the chutney could be a bit hotter, but I am also used to 'spicy food' and it may be a good level for the 'uninitiated'.
I was able to have a really good chat with Avani and her colleague today not only about the business, but also growing up vegetarian and being a vege in Copenhagen. Avani is very passionate about good (South) Indian vegetarian cuisine, and with the quality of the food and Chai, and the obvious public interest (if a super busy stall that runs out of food is anything to go by) in what she's offering I don't see why that shouldn't be delivered and evolve further. I'll be keeping a keen eye (and stomach) on developments.
I'm only giving four stars instead of five due to having to come back for food an hour later as they had run out due to not realising how many people would actually be interested. This is only a minor newly opened thing that will surely be ironed out soon enough. read more