(Took Out 06/05/23 MO @ 5:00pm): One day I hoped to visit the Himalayas, but for now this cafe and its food would have to do!
I've had Himalayan Cafe on my radar for several years, so when a meeting finished up nearby and I needed something for dinner, I took it as a sign. I've only had Himalayan cuisine once before many years ago (oddly enough also in Pasadena!) while I loved and had Indian food multiple times. It was the food's aroma that instantly pulled me in later to be taken over by the various flavors and spices. Would Himalayan Cafe take me to new heights of eating enjoyment!?
PURCHASE
Taj Mahal Premium Lager Beer 22floz Bottle ($9.00): Rich amber color, bready honey malty aroma, light body, bready honey malty flavor, crisp finish, and honey malty sweet aftertaste - a nice beer. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=riYsy3drzU-jZEf0Usr8XA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Aloo Naan ($5.00): Unleavened flour bread stuffed with mashed potatoes and spices, this was a light appetizer for me as I dunked torn pieces into the provided dipping sauces https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Tkpf68P-vwtk_JWsNzfoow&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw for extra flavor. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=y3gqPpq9Jy46Im0mnjXdfg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Chau Mine Chicken ($12.00): Homemade stir-fried noodles, bite-size pieces of chicken, and mixed vegetables served with various chutneys, I never associated noodles with this type of cuisine which drew me to this dish. It reminded me of chow mein with obvious Indian aroma and spices, the portion size was big, and there were plenty of chicken pieces - it was a truly delightful dish! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=tNifphwhYfJBOSrBPMZ84Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Nepali Thali Special Lamb ($21.00): A combination platter that came with black lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, seasoned lamb, saffron basmati rice, and various chutneys served with butter naan. I was somewhat disappointed by the small portion sizes. Yes, everything tasted very good and the lamb was so flavorful and tender, but I was left wanting more for the paid price. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=r3wyORZMEulkuwLqwNDIcA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Mango Lassi 12floz Drink ($5.00): I always ordered this as a dessert whenever possible although it quite possible could've stood in as a meal on its own. This had a subtle mango flavor sweetness, a touch of soothing cardamom, and a slight velvety texture. It was good... and it helped to clear me out the next morning! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=4pMD8FYtJZ9GRLCBAV-dSQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
I was greeted by two charming young men behind the counter who quickly tended to my takeout order. There was only one family dining at the time, so I basically had their undivided attention. Will they worked on my order, I was kindly provided with water https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=VYSKv9oxItYM1C-VeudVUw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw while I waited. About fifteen minutes later, my order was all securely wrapped up and ready. All was easy-peasy - Dhan'yavāda!
PARKING (Varied; FREE this instance)
I found a spot down at the corner of Green St. and simply crossed the street. Otherwise, there were plenty of parking structures all throughout the area as well as timed parking (read posted signs) along the main drag of Fair Oaks Ave. and all surrounding streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A decent-sized space with many dining chairs/tables, soothing dark blue walls and light brown-painted plank walls, respectively, while tasteful cultural decorations and ornaments were hung on the walls. Plenty of natural lighting entered through the many windows and doors while recessed electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while low-volumed music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1xaf6DHtYihbH0F81QhvAg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I was happy to finally try Himalayan Cafe and would consider another visit to further explore their sizable menu. Everything tasted fine, but next time I might try something more familiar to alleviate any further disappointment at least when it came to portion size. The prices were comparable, and the service was efficient. And, whenever possible I liked to support small family-owned and/or local businesses. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $57.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more