Indian food may be equal parts bizarre, unapproachable and intimidating for the Filipino palate and it has been something that I have had always avoided until I decided to go on a mainly plant-based diet for health reasons. It was then that I discovered that Indian food opened up my taste buds to a whole lot of different possibilities. In a lot of ways, Indian food is a doorway to the rich culture that it represents, and my appreciation for good Indian food has come from a deeper place of understanding about its cultural (more than its culinary) significance. It is with Little India's owners, couple Raj and Mona, that I have come to appreciate it even more. This vegetarian restaurant located in Malingap, just a few minutes away from the busy Maginhawa stretch, offers authentic Indian food with a lot of great and uplifting conversations from the owners who never fail to chat up their customers, not only about the food but also, about pretty much anything.
The food is superbly prepared , and it allays all unfounded fears of the fieriness of Indian food, especially among the first-timers. the staff, led by Raj himself, would ask you how piquant your food done, and they would execute with great care and attention to the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The menu itself is a crash course on Indian food, and Little India is a good "training ground" as you have helpful people around you who are always willing to take you through each course, explaining each dish to you in an educational manner. Little India also has a daily special during weekdays, where one could order a plated meal that includes an appetizer, curry with rice and side dishes to go with the main course, all for a little over a hundred pesos.
One can also stock up on natural and organic sundries that Little India has on display: from spices to natural henna hair colors, from textured vegetable protein to fortified Himalayan salts. Another feature that makes Little India unique is its adherence to Ayurvedic medicinal philosophy, wherein the use of alliums (onions, garlic) are discouraged as they are supposed to disrupt your spiritual processes or energies. Despite the absence of these very flavorful components in their dishes, it is a wonder that Little India's food is still superb, tasty and will have you coming back for more. Make sure to try the gulab jamuns, sticky sweet balls soaked in rosewater, to cap off a wonderfully satisfying meal. read more