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Ambala Dhaba Homestyle Indian
Categories: Restaurants Indian Restaurants Vegetarian Restaurants Vegan Indian, Vegetarian, Vegan [Edit]
1781 Westwood BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90024
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
(310) 966-1772
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Kendall T. said: "Finally made it here with my Living Social voucher a few days ago. It is simply decorated and does not have floor seating, but the quality of the food made up for that. The service was friendly, although I did feel as if they kept us…" read more »
114 reviews for Ambala Dhaba Homestyle Indian
Review Highlights
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"The garlic naan is especially amazing." In 22 reviews -
"Bollywood music videos while you eat." In 6 reviews -
"i saved the mango lassi for last." In 12 reviews
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114 reviews in English
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Review from RENE J.
Los Angeles, CA
4/10/2012
best Indian restaurant in L.A.
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Review from Michael K.
Beverly Hills, CA
12/3/2011
I am not sure why someone claims the food was bland and portions were small; it is Indian restaurant with Indian food. The portions all come in same tray size; nothing more, nothing else.
I have visited this restaurant at least a dozen times along with my wife, and that can tell that I am satisfied; the food is good, portions are right, price is good ; you get more than what you pay for. I strongly recommend this little restaurant to all my friends and family. -
Review from Jam S.
Orange County, CA
3/20/2011
Had dinner here this weekend. Food is just ok-nothing great and definitely will not make me go back again. The dishes were too bland; the chicken dish had more onions and veggies than actual pieces of chicken in it and the chicken wasn't cooked well and still had the raw taste. Naan was good..service was ok-they took forever to get our food even though they weren't busy
Parking is a major PITA because the small lot in front of the restaurant is always full..they do have metered parking on Westwood Blvd tho.
I wld check out other Indian restaurants in Westwood/Santa Monica....Listed in: Indian Food
-
Review from Kala k.
Glendale, CA
12/21/2011
Now called "Healthy Chicken Cafe," but same ownership and management.
Reviewers who rate this restaurant highly have probably not tried good Indian food
Pros : None
Cons :
1) Horrible food : Food is pretty bland and tasteless.Everything is obviously re-heated and that too half heartedly. I ordered the lamb curry and the meat in the curry was very smelly and looked like had gone bad.
when I brought this up with the manager, he replied rudely " Lamb curry is supposed to smell and taste like that.." ...sigh! so much for taking responsibility.
2) Bad Service : Extremely slow and disappointing service
3) Horrible Attitude : The owners/management have a very bad attitude and sounded quite rude.This is probably the most important reason customers never return to this place
Overall verdict : Strictly Avoid ! -
Review from Hong L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/31/2011
It's now called "Vegan Chicken Cafe" but still has the same chef & owner. They now serve the food pre-cooked & you order at the counter. I was really thrown by the name change because it doesn't imply Indian food at all. Nonetheless, I'm glad it's still there because It is delicious.
My favorite is the Ludiana chicken & the garlic naan which is always served fresh & hot. The owner is really nice & accommodating. I don't think the Ludiana chicken is on the menu any more but he was kind enough to have some made for us. The Chicken Tikki Masala was good, not great. Overall, very delicious, authentic Indian food that has a slight home-made feel to it. I DEFINITELY prefer this place over Samosa House. -
Review from Lany C.
San Jose, CA
2/13/2011
Okay, my last review for the night because I need to study, hahah.
Anyways. YEEEAAAHHH AMBALA DHABAAAAAA!! I came here for my friend's birthday and it was my first time having Indian food. I am now a fan and am on a quest to find a good Indian restuarant in San Jose, lol.
Let's see, let's see we ordered family style, which is the best because you get to have some of everything. What'd we get? I think it was Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandoori Chicken, Aloo Gobi, and some yellow bean-like thing that I don't remember because I didn't like it lol. Oh and Basmati rice to go with it of course! Love the texture of basmati rice, it's delicious!
Okay, so, Chicken Tikka Masala. MMM, MMMMMM. I'm a curry lover, so I knew I'd love it before I even tried it. So flavorful and so creamy and so many spices, and just perfect! Hahah, I was so in love that when I went home I looked up the recipe, LOLOL. Unfortunately I didn't know what the heck half of the ingredients were, hahahah
Tandoori Chicken was also good, a little on the dry side but the flavor and spices made up for it. (:
Aloo Gobi!! I loved it! It was just the right amount spicy, and chock full of cauliflower, yeahhhh!! I love cauliflower, hahaha.
Yellow bean-like thing... did not like, did not care to remember dish name... hahahaha. My vegetarian friend loved it though.
The highlight? GARLIC NAAN!! NAAAAAAAAN. baby, NAAAAAAAAAAN! dalksfjowajflds;jkfowakdjflasdcmlsafeijasoe;ajsfsd k It's so delicious, I think I can eat it forever, hahahaha. We ordered two batches and had to order a third later because it was gone so fast, lolol. I believe I also ate most of it, hahahaha. Sorry, too hard to resist, lol.
I loved this place, but then again I've never had Indian food before so I don't really have a standard to compare it to. My Indian friend says that this place is the best in westwood, but there is better out there, especially if it's homemade. I WHOLEHEARTEDLY RECOMMEND THOUGH, hahahahha! Eat here! :D -
Review from Nicholas M.
Sherman Oaks, CA
3/13/2011
In short, this restaurant is mediocre. Those reviewers who rate this restaurant highly only do so because they have not tried much Indian food. I'll admit, I checked out the reviews on yelp before going, but we went to the restaurant anyway because we were within walking distance and I was craving some Indian cuisine. I suspected we had made a mistake when we walked into the restaurant during lunchtime and it was empty. The proprietor informed me that they were turning the restaurant into a fast-food joint "but still Indian."
On the plus side, the portions are healthy. On the negative side, the food is obviously reheated (not too thoroughly). The flavors are thin. They did not even make the nan fresh, it must be pre-made and they throw it in a toaster or something like that. On top of this, it took quite a long time to get our meals (even though the restaurant was almost empty and they weren't cooking it fresh?).
Save your time and go to another Indian restaurant. Ambala Dhaba is not bad enough to walk out on in the middle of a meal, but it will certainly be one of the least memorable Indian meals you've ever had. -
Review from Angel P.
Sherman Oaks, CA
6/5/2011
What a pleasant little surprise nestled away in the hustle and bustle of Westwood Blvd. I get facial services done across the street and while I was walking to my car I saw the "Healthy Chicken Cafe" sign.. with the "VEGAN" sign right below it.. so perplexed I went in.. SO GLAD I DID...
Most of the reviews are dead on.. they offer a open food bar style menu (and also will make items off the menu if you can wait.)
The owner was SUPER NICE.. allowing me to sample things until I choose the three items for my combo. the food was WONDERFUL especially the Spinach and Mustard Greens entree. I'm from the south so we are ALL ABOUT seasonings... and this was AMAZING.. and VEGAN.. Which is a great option when I'm tired of the normal Vegan dishes..
The owner was GREAT the food was inexpensive and the atmosphere was pleasant... so I HIGHLY recommend checking it out if you are in the area.
Some of the comments about the food being bland.. I don't get.. I tasted pretty much everything and the only thing that was remotely bland was the lentil dish.. (which I'm sure with a little pepper and salt would have been wonderful.)
Anywho.. not everything can be perfect ALL the TIME..
Great place, Great menu (LOVE THE OKRA) and Great price.. -
Review from Dory S.
Los Angeles, CA
11/12/2010
I LOVE Ambala Dhaba. In my opinion, it's the best Indian food in Westwood, and the best Indian restaurant I've been to in LA (I HAVE had better food at India's Sweets and Spices, but there isn't one in Westwood, nor is it really a restaurant).
The most important thing to consider here is the food. It's awesome. They have a huge vegetarian selection (their Malai Kofta is an outstanding dish, and their paneer is always the perfect consistency) but they also have good chicken and goat dishes.
Recommendations: MALAI KOFTA. It's not a huge serving, but it tastes so good, I'm glad I'm not forced to absolutely pig out the way I would if it were a ton of food. The Eggplant Bharta isn't quite what I'm used to, but it's very good. The Mattar Paneer is phenomenal.
As for the garlic naan, if you don't get it, I swear I will hunt you down and force-feed you soft, delicious warm naan until you explode. And you will enjoy every moment of it. Unless you are some sort of garlic-hating freak, in which case I pity you.
The lassi here is very good, but to be honest I've never met a lassi I didn't like. The pistachio shakes are out of this world.
I've eaten here many times, and I've never been given anything that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. That said, it's pretty simple and traditional. If you are looking for something more exotic, you might not find it here.
The decor is nice, but not stuffy. Pretty classy, compared to a lot of places. I love bollywood, but if you are having a serious conversation the music videos playing in the background can get really distracting. If you're on a first date, though, and conversation peters out, those music videos might save the date. Just don't get caught paying too much attention to the dancers, yaknowwhatImean?
Parking is miserable. Don't even bother with the lot, park on the street or in the residential neighborhood a block over. The service is sometimes a little surly, but never downright rude. When I've come at off-peak times, I've sort of gotten the feeling that there was only the one guy there, taking orders and cooking. He will disappear for a while, leaving my party completely alone in the restaurant, and then bring out the food and watch us eat. Not a bad/weird feeling, just a little strange and sad. The food is a little pricey, but not unreasonable. Take advantage of their lunch specials for a good deal.
Overall, this a really good place. If the location were better (it's basically invisible from the street) and the parking were better, I would expect this place to be packed. As it is, it's almost always empty when I come here. If you like privacy, perfect. If you are comforted by the hum of a busy restaurant, you will not find it here. -
Review from Renu S.
Simi Valley, CA
5/19/2011
We took our guest from india to AD. We were ten people and ordered goat curry, chicken curry, saga chicken and few veg. Items. The food was absolutely horrible which was added with horrible and rude service too. I really wonder how people can eat such kind of food. I would recommend that someone may give his money to charity rather than spending on eating food at Ambala Dhaba
My rating: zero star. -
Review from Sabrina S.
Los Angeles, CA
3/18/2011
So this may be my first review in fact, and here its goes!
Delivery was ooober fast, especially for how much we ordered! Thats a definite 5 stars, and only charged $5.
As for the food goes, it was more than ok. It wasnt fabulous, it wasnt horrible, it was well, o.k. I would definetly eat here again, because the prices are also great, and the food was good!
the end -
Review from Robin Z.
2/26/2009
A typical, moderately-sized, Raj-rule decorated Indian eatery (obligatory Ganesha statuette squats near the till), the flavors were all there, spiced appropriately for most Western tastes and the naan fresh and delicious. While the tofu was a bit chewy and the portions small, the overall lunch was good for the price ($8 and $3 for a Bell Lager).
Parking is a bitch (imagine 8 vehicles, mostly SUVs crammed into a space made for perhaps 5) and the restroom needs some cosmetic touch-up. My biggest gripe would be eating off of Sing-Sing surplus prison issue steel trays. I've spent too much time eating in Army mess halls to appreciate this style dining experience. -
Review from Stephanie H.
Los Angeles, CA
11/10/2009
The boyfriend likes Indian food. He is partial to all things spicy and I am... well a huge wuss. But I am a nice girlfriend, and I like to make him happy, so last Saturday I decided we should have Indian food for dinner. I had been eyeing this place for a little while, ever since my lackluster trip to Ramayani next door. It is hidden away in a tiny shopping center that is jam packed with ethnic foods.
We arrived at the restaurant at about 8pm and I was very hungry at this point because we had gotten caught up in some video games and had forgotten to eat. The restaurant is advertised as Homestyle family dining and when we entered the restaurant, that is exactly what we saw, families doing just that. After a few minutes of standing in the entrance, the host/waiter/possible owner sat us in a booth up against the window.
The decor of the place is nothing spectacular, but it is appropriate and cute. They have a pretty extensive menu including many vegetarian and tofu dishes. We started with some samosas with chick peas. They were very well done, not too oily or over fried. I had a tasty fish dish which they made extra mild for me. The BF had one of their vegan friendly options though it was tough for him to stray from his usual order. It was not quite spicy enough, but that was quickly fixed when he asked for something to make it spicy and they brought him a plate of fresh chilis. On top of that we had saffron rice (not sure how I felt about the cherries in the rice) and some bread. Overall my food was really good. I have never been a big fan of Indian food, but I found myself really enjoying my meal.
The service was spectacular at this restaurant. Our waiter made good suggestions, was very attentive and extremely helpful. I will say I am not crazy about the videos they play on the TVs, mostly because they are a bit distracting when you are trying to stare longingly into the eyes of your beloved. All in all, I will be back here again next time I want to make the boyfriend happy. -
Review from Daniel L.
11/28/2009 6 photos
At the recommendation of my friend who's Jain, we came here with two other friends for a round of Punjabi dinner. This was where my friend had her graduation dinner from UCLA last June, and her party included her parents who have discriminating palates for Indian food. This place is easy to miss since Sunnin is just next door, and the interior is made with dimmed lighting, wall-to-wall cultural artifacts with two flat screens showing Bollywood music videos for a modern flare. In the interest of a family style dinner we ordered a bunch of food to share:
Aloo papadi chat ($5.00): Served at room temperature, this appetizer came with pieces of firm fried bread with air pockets at center, and layered potatoes and chickpeas on top with yogurt and cilantro and tamarind chutney to add flavor. It was an acquired taste for me at first but a few attempts later had me liking this dish.
Chicken tikka masala ($8.00): The best chicken tikka masala I had to date. It arrived with thick, chunky boneless chicken that came with a creamy semi-sweet and spicy tomato sauce. The hint of spiciness catches your tongue and it was definitely an attention getter.
Tava Bakra ($11.00): At the server's recommendation, the boneless goat meat was prepared on a skillet with herbs and spices. Goat meat was soft and tender immersed in a thick stew-like savory sauce. I only wished the spiciness that catches you at the back of the throat could be more pronounced.
Paneer tikka masala ($9.00): Cubes of paneer that came with creamy tomato sauce. It was flavorful but I only sampled it to be considerate of my friends who were vegetarians.
Bhidi Masala ($9.00): There were plenty of okra cooked on a skillet with tomato and spices. The gooey texture stemming from the okra was delightful and delicious. I would love to have it again.
Chili garlic naan ($3.50) and regular naan ($4.00): Generous serving with soft and crispy texture in all the right places. The chili was not noticeable with the garlic aroma pleasant and not overpowering. I'm pretty particular with naan and their regular ones had a softer texture and were delicious as well.
Thums up ($2.50): My friends told me to try this Indian rendition of Coca Cola and it was pretty different from what we have here. I'm not a regular coke fan but it was worth the try.
Service was attentive, personable, and knowledgeable. I thought prices were reasonable and portions were hearty and generous. It was helpful to dine with my friends know Indian food quite well so the entire experience was less stressful but rather experiential and educational. 4 stars for the wonderful experience. I will be coming back for more. -
Review from Justin N.
11/13/2009 2 photos
Sitting in a booth with a mini thatched roof over our heads, I knew the experience was going to be a good one. The patrons appeared happy, the mood was quiet and cute, and my lady was looking hot as always. Do you ever settle into a dining experience and just feel that it's going to be a good night? That's the vibe I had going.
For starters I am now addicted to their pickled carrots, a specialty of theirs. They sell them so I can take my addiction with me, and as far as substance abuse goes there are certainly worse things than pickled carrots. These are Indian pickles, not typical pickles seen in American food, but a tangy variety. You get a cute little dish with your food to use sparingly as a garnish but embarrassingly enough I ate the whole thing and was forced to asked for more. I ate them with the paratha, I ate them with the samosas, and I tossed them all up in my main dish.
The samosas were a highlight for certain, you'd be surprised how many restaurants screw up some aspect of these tasty starters. Overzealous chefs often fry the living christ out of samosas leaving you with an oil soaked mess. These were crispy to satisfy my fried food craving without being drenched to the max in oil. The paratha was flavorful and presented in an attractive way, not just your usual bread in a basket.
For the main event I gave the Aloo Bhain a go and I found it a touch lacking.. I couldn't put my finger on it, it was still good, but somehow missing a layer of flavor I'm usually expecting with Indian. However the rice was on point and the pickled carrots tied it all together.
The servers were knowledgeable and polite, catering to my carrot pickle demanding ways. I still can't decide if I love the fact they play Bollywood music videos or if I desperately want them to turn it off. I can't. Stop. Watching. It's perplexing.
I will be back, I wanna give another main dish a shot with about three orders of samosas. At least I know if the meal I ordered is lacking I always have amazing pickles to save the day. -
Review from Ani P.
11/8/2007 3 Check-ins Here
YIKES! So many bad reviews. I haven't been back to Ambala since Summer of 2005. This was the place I hit up whenever hubby and I were in the mood for North Indian food. It hit the spot just right!
We always ordered a chicken dish and tons of naan. The garlic cilantro naan was bigger than my dinner plate and the perfect combination of crispy and soft. My husband still drools over their naan. The chicken was always juicy and the curries zesty and full of spice-a-lacious flavor. The mixed vegetable pakoras were sinful.
My husband, a bad little Punjabi, doesn't even like Indian food. His tongue is white washed. But this man never complained when I recommended we go to Ambala Dhaba. Awesome North Indian fare. I hope the management hasn't changed.
The decor is very elegant. Great place for a date. They even have outdoor seating with heat lamps! -
Review from Dianne J.
Los Angeles, CA
11/2/2011
It is walking distance and a great restaurant. The prices are reasonable and food is fresh. I love vegan and they have a variety that will suit almost any one's palates. This is a place to check out if you are in the neighborhood.
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Review from Mad H.
Beverly Hills, CA
7/18/2008
This place is the BOMB DIGGITY my friends!
Sure the atmosphere is a bit kitchy and the videos they play are like a bad acid trip but the food is KILLER, bit pricey but whatever. I get the chicken Tikka Marsala with some Nan and rice and your SET. Oh yeahhhh baby! -
Review from Sri P.
Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2009
Really nice atmosphere. I like the thatched hut/village look over the booths with the hand-painted murals on the walls, and the Bollywood playing on flatscreen in the background.
The food though, I'm not impressed with. It's true that you can get some more obscure Punjabi dishes at Ambala Dhaba. Methi paneer. Makki ki roti. And some interesting novelties. Lotus root curry. Bakra dishes (yes, that's goat!). But that just isn't enough for me. Considering especially, that for what you end up paying, their portions are really small.
I thought I'd try them again after a long time a couple of weeks ago, with an Indian friend. He was in agreement. We had the shahi paneer, makki ki roti, some rice and the lotus root curry. The rice was a little overcooked, the shahi paneer and lotus root curry were just a little bland, and the dishes were too small. I have this rule about Indian food. If you can actually finish the food (and are possibly hungry afterwards) and you paid $15 or more for your meal, you got jipped. We just don't roll like that.
The saving grace was the makki ki roti, the pan-fried maize bread, which was huge and really yummy. Their chai was nice too, I'll give them that. I don't know what kind of masala they use, but high five.Listed in: Vegetarian-Friendly Places, Indian Restaurants
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Review from R J.
Los Angeles, CA
7/14/2008
I like this place. I'm not peeing myself with exuberance, but it's good food. The place is in a little nook around the Westwood area with some other surrounding eateries, some of which have failed while Ambala flourishes!
Parking sucks, but you can usually find something in the residential area the next street over. They've been adding decoration to the joint progressively over the years. Nice ambience. But best of all...
Bollywood music videos while you eat! Your date boring you? Just watch the sexual frustration of Indian musicals!
We also had a waiter with coke bottle glasses, a wiry moustache, and an ability to take our order without a notepad. He looked like a supervillain. That's a plus for me.
And the food is good. Garlic naan and biryani rice are great. The saag paneer is woodsy tasting, which I'm still not sure if I like. My opinion troubles me to this day. Good samosas. After that, my memory fails me. I just know that I've had really good food here and it's reasonably priced. -
Review from Andrew L.
New York, NY
3/9/2008
C'mon yelpers, this place does not live up to it's 3.5/4 star rating. It's 2 stars AT BEST.
The place is in a horrible location...right on westwood near pico, where parking is not aplenty. They are tucked in this little inlet shared by several other restaurants, and from the outside the place is completely non-assuming. There are a few spaces there if you get lucky, but I pass this place to go to work every day and haven't ever seen a space available.
The food was very, very mediocre.
As my grandfather always says, you can measure an italian food restaurant on their spaghetti and meatballs. While I don't necessarily agree with him entirely, I do however feel the same way about a punjabi indian restaurant -- the basics need to be excellent.
Here is what I ordered, and as you can see, I didn't venture far off from the standar, classic dishes.
-a full tandoori chicken. Honestly, it tasted as though i had personally put some chicken in the oven with some indian spaces and took it out 10 minutes too late. It was stringy, dry, and lacked that classic tandoori punch you'd find in other tandoori chickens.
-Next I ordered a lamb paneer. This was the standout dish. The paneer was creamy and delicious, but the lamb lacked any noticeable flavor and added nothing to the dish.
-Next I ordered a chicken tikka massala. This was, again, very average. It wasn't creamy, nor did it have that smoky, tomatoey flavor that I was craving. It tasted like some cubed chicken in vodka sauce, no joke.
-We also ordered another chicken dish in some almond, mango sauce that looked like vomit and tasted similar. We left almost all of it. This was, unfortunately, the dish that our waitress had recommended we order.
We of course ordered some plain naan, that was not standoutish and dried like a raisin in the sun towards the end of our meal.
The rice was standard.
This was extremely westernized, bland, and average indian food. absolutely no spice, no kick, no punch. Most of the dishes tasted similar and melded together easily into one super-bad indian concoction soaked up by crust, dried out "matzah" naan.
-The thing that probably irked me most were the prices and portion sizes. It was pricey! a full tandoori chicken (that was the smallest bird I have ever seen) was 15 dollars. The other dishes came out in tiny bowls, and were all around 9 dollars.
To give them credit where credit is due, the service was fast and efficient, and the mango lassi was the BEST i have ever had.
Never will I eat at this place again, and I warn all those against trying this middle-of-the road joint. -
Review from Ishani D.
Beverly Hills, CA
9/30/2009
Ambala Dhaba. Say that five times fast then try and say it backwards.
I must still be stuck in junior high because I find that name so amusing that I couldn't stop saying it the entire time we were there.
A n y w a y s, is probably the word you're looking for right now.
On to the review....
It was a cute little restaurant. I loved the decor and the Indian uncle serving us was very nice. We came on a Tuesday at 6:30, there were only 2 other tables occupied when we got there. Since we were early there was a spot available in their minuscule parking lot. There's plenty of metered parking on the street (free after 8p.m.).
We ordered the following:
Channa Masala ($7)- we asked for it extra spicy and it was! I thought it was very tasty and enjoyed it.
Vegetable Biryani ($8)- we forgot to ask for this spicy so I thought it was extremely bland. When I mixed some Channa into the mix it tasted a little better, but I wasn't very impressed. The raita that was served with it was good though. The biryani was lacking any personality and was boring, which is the complete opposite of what it's supposed to be.
Poori ($3)- an order comes with 2 pieces. It was decent, but far from the best I've ever had...a little too oily also.
Roti ($2)- an order comes with 1 giant roti. My boyfriend and I ordered it at the end of the meal because we still had some channa left over and nothing to eat it with! The Roti was fine. I actually liked it better than the Poori.
Mango Lassi ($3)- Wasn't excellent, but I needed it at the end of the meal to soothe my tongue and my stomach from the spicy channa.
Total bill after tax and tip was $30.
This restaurant was just okay for me. Annapurna will always have my heart (and more importantly, my stomach) so if I want Indian food, I know they'll satisfy me like no other (hey, get your mind out of the gutter...I'm still talking about food here).
If you live in the area I'd give it a shot.....but just know that there's better out there... -
Review from Megan S.
Santa Monica, CA
12/5/2009
Very solid but frankly rather forgettable Indian food. I came here on the recommendation of one of my Indian friends, who said that it was as close to authentic as it gets. Well... I think I've just established that I don't know "good" Indian from not, because I was sort of underwhelmed.
The BF and I walked here on some random weeknight when we were craving Indian food and didn't feel like driving anywhere. We were seated immediately by a very polite waiter. The restaurant is very nicely decorated, with a cool outdoors-indoor look, and a nice patio with a horizontal fountain. As we looked over the menu, we had a nice assortment of pickles and sauces to munch on (the pickled carrots were particularly good). We decided on an eggplant dish (Bengan Bartha) and a lamb dish (can't remember name, but it had a citrus and curry sauce), as well as naan and rice.
The food came promptly in those ubiquitous metal dishes, although these were perhaps a bit more petite than usual. The eggplant was just ok--I haven't yet found good bengan bartha in LA, and this was no exception. It was a little too delicately seasoned, and the eggplant tasted a bit raw. The lamb and naan were tasty but totally forgettable. Our bill came out to be about $15 a person for two entrees, one naan, and one dish of rice. We were tempted by their Indian beers, but at $10 a pop, we cheaped out and opted for water.
So, even though we liked the restaurant at the time, and it's within walking distance of my apartment, I haven't been back since. It was just a little too pricey, and not special enough for me to warrant eating there again.
NB: Do not park in their terrible little lot, unless you want someone to block you in. There's a ton of metered parking up and down Westwood. -
Review from Michelle Y.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2010
I've been meaning to start writing yelp reviews for quite some time, and it's interesting that it took a bad review to finally get me online.
I ordered take out, so this review it based purely on the food experience and not on service/atmosphere. Seems like there aren't many good Indian restaurants around West LA, but a 3 1/2 star rated place should definitely suffice to take the edge off a major indian food craving.
Ordered the mattar paneer and chicken saag, along with a chili garlic naan. The serving sizes are passable, something like 16 oz containers. Unfortunately, what was inside those containers were over-salted, watered down disappointments. After first trying the mattar paneer and feeling underwhelmed, I moved on to the chicken saag with high hopes, as the consistency of the saag was good and the chicken felt tender. Holy freakin saltlick! Not even copious amounts of bland rice and naan could salvage that dish. At least the chicken was in fact tender?
Maybe I'm being a little harsher than I should be because I was starving when I sat down to eat and was wishing for some really solid food. I even contemplated bumping up the rating to 2 stars because the prices aren't egregious. And then I tried another bite of the saag. Wah wah. -
Review from Grace C.
Los Angeles, CA
2/20/2007
Love, love, looooooove this place. Thank you, yelpers, for helping me discover the best indian food i've had so far in LA.
I have yet to find Indian food that is as rich, flavorful, and intricate as the Indian food I've had in London. Except --- Ambala Dhaba SURE COMES CLOSE. Read the reviews below for all the reasons why. I'll just say that I'm extremely impressed by their variety (goat, anyone?), undiluted flavors, and that waiter who always remembers that I love my food extra spicy.
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EDIT: 3.31.07
i just went again last night, and it just seemed DIFFERENT. the food wasn't nearly as flavorful. it tasted like something was MISSING. then we realized the waitstaff was entirely different. (mexican as opposed to indian) our usual waiter wasn't there. (short man replaced by tall man with mustache). the lights were on way bright (as opposed to darker, moodly light). and there was a brand new tv playing bollywood movies. and the service was SO OFF TOO. we asked for our stuff EXTRA SPICY as always, and it came out mild. we asked for no tomatoes in another dish, and lo and behold there were tomatoes. ITS NEVER BEEN LIKE THIS BEFORE THERE!!!! i SWEAR they changed owners or chefs. we asked said tall man and of course he said NO. but hmmm... i dont know. i'll have to go back a few more times to see if night wast just a fluke.
im hoping it was. because last night i was nearly mourning the loss of my favorite indian place. can you other guys go and see if i'm just totally wrong?? -
Review from Kristina R.
West Los Angeles, CA
10/13/2010 1 photo
My Indian friends took me to Ambala Dhaba sometime during college, raving about the quality and authenticity of the food here! My taste buds and tummy definitely concurred, and I have been back on numerous occasions for great Indian food!
I've ordered various items from their menu.. From appetizers to entrees to desserts to mango lassi drinks! All were very delicious! Really.. Everything is good! --I've never had a bad meal here! The garlic naan is especially amazing! (You'll keep ordering more and more!) My only complaint about this place is that it's a bit pricey for somewhat small servings.
Other than that, I'd definitely recommend this place for Indian food in West LA! -
Review from George N.
San Francisco, CA
6/8/2006
This may be one of the more authentic Indian restaurants in western Los Angeles.
My complaint with much Indian food around LA is that it ends up tasting rich, heavy, and homogenized, with piles of creamy mush that have little flavor impact. Unlike most Indian joints that spike their sauces with cream to appease dulled western palettes, the folks at Ambala Dhaba serve food that is bright, fresh, and full of the taste of herbs and spices. It's simple food, the kind of food you might find at roadside in Northern India, but it's quite good. I recommend trying one of their goat curries for a different sort of taste experience, and their tandoori cooked chicken (Ludhiana chicken) is covered with powerfully aromatic chopped fenugreek which is quite delicious, although it will infuse your pores for days. I'd stay away from their tiki masalas, samosas, and other usual Indian menu fare and try their specials and recommendations instead.
Ambiance here is comfortable, but not fancy, and the service is friendly but casual. Altogether, this is a solid Indian food experience: Simple, inexpensive, and tasty. -
Review from N.oah Q.
Santa Monica, CA
3/23/2007
So, I've been to India, and it's very difficult to find food here that is as good as it was there. Well, except for In 'n Out.
I've been going to Ambala Dhaba for some time, and it's quite close to the experience I had eating in Southern India (though Ambala is more Northern Indian style)...subtly spiced, packed with flavor, and appealing to the eye (come on, we're all obsessed with looks, right?). I've never had a bad plate here...I recommend anything on the menu - no joke! Ludhiana Chicken is fantastic, as are the lamb dishes. Also, the vegetarian options (which are immense, as should be at an authentic Indian restaurant) are full of taste. You won't feel like you've inhaled a mountain of mashed potatoes and are therefore incapacitated, as long as you order the amount that you normally would (the portions are a tad small - but this is a good thing).
Nice vibe and decor, and not scene-y at all.
Just go eat here, for cripe's sake! And make sure to drink a mango lassi. -
Review from Giselle U.
Newport Beach, CA
9/3/2006
Everytime I crave Indian food, I think of Ambala Dhaba. I like the Dhaba Chicken (yogurt, garlic, mint, green chiles) and the Lhudiana Chicken as well.
Cute decor and clean restrooms (at least when I've been there!!). -
Review from Shaila C.
Santa Monica, CA
6/20/2008
This is real Punjabi food. Straight outta the village!
Makki ki roti, sarsong ka saag. YUMMY! ORDER IT! And it's good for you!
Urd dal, tandoori paratha. Forget the white flour naan. Eat the whole wheat stuff.
Dhaba Fish was excellent!
The stuff here is like all the good food my mommy makes.
This place would have gotten 5 stars, but I didn't care for the bakra (goat) curry. The meat probably wasn't trimmed enough and I found it to be too gamey. My dad was right to not order it at the Artesia location. So much for trying to act cool by eating weird meat....
Stop whining about the lot. Park on the street & walk. -
Review from Scott T.
9/26/2008
This is it. Man, I have been here literally countless times. I started going to the Ambala down in Artesia, when it was this little hole in the wall and before it moved to the new location down the street. It quickly became my favorite place, hands-down. Since moving to L.A., I've been going to this westside location, and the food and service is just as good. I've had get-togethers here, family dinners, big parties out on their patio, dates, you name it. So yeah, you could say I'm a fan.
In terms of food, their bartha is fantastic, as is their chicken curry (spend the extra $ to get the white meat) and tikka masala. Their kulfi is good, too. I wish they hadn't put in the two flat-screen TVs which loop Bollywood movies, because it's a little distracting and takes away from what I thought was a really great environment.
There's a tiny lot in front that fits like three cars, or you can try your luck on the main street. Here's what I do, though... go through the alley or around the other side of the gas station and park near the residential area by the used car lot. There's almost always parking there.
If you go, say hi to Papoo for me (shit is that how you spell his name?) -
Review from Eva K.
11/28/2009
If I lived closer to this place, I'd come more often. We got delivery since we were staying nearby for the night. Tofu Tikka Masala. Gosh, I love tofu. Also, samosas were tasty. Channa Masala was flavorful, as well.
Although the flavors were on the mark, the portions were a bit small for the price. I know we're in a recession and all...sigh... -
Review from Alison B.
Long Beach, CA
7/23/2009
I admitt I don't know Indian Food like the back of my hand. In fact I didn't know there was a large difference between Northern and Southern but I assume like anything with regional variation that it's a super big deal. Now if you haven't lost all hope in my lack of knowlegde let me walk you through my reasoning.
I have been here multiple times over the years and this is actually the only Indian place I will eat at. It may sound crazy but I just don't love curry but I do love sauce and carbs and anything meat or cheese covered in sauce. (Am I like the only person in the world not ape shit about curry?- perhaps whatever)
So with that in reguards I have to say I love this place because no matter who you bring here there are plenty of options and I just can't get enough of the Bollywood Music Videos Playing here. (It's almost like a cross between Michael Jackson, Prince, Ali G, The Riza and just cool Indian Dancing and Super sexy ladies that are wearing a ton of clothing but sexier than any half naked lady.)
Okay, Okay but back to the food! I love the Chicken in Mango Sauce with the garlic bread also called The Chicken Dehraduni and Garlic Naan. I love that there are two full pages of Vegatarian Options that include different types of Lentils and Veggies mixed with saucy goodness. For the record I have even brought vegans here and they are able to grub and enjoy like everyone else, not feeling limited. Any place that has stuff covered in sauce is yummy. I dont eat the curry but I am told it's really good. The smell and flavor is just too strong for me but I am counting on like everything I soon acquire the taste.
The enitre decor and service is just perfect to a 'T'... Cleanest bathrooms in the freakin world! I always park on the street behind the place and walk through the alley because the little parking lot is always full and I wouldn't dare try the Westwood parking curbside! -too much pressure!
Anywho- boozers! They have a large selection of beers and some tasty vino. Not sure if you can get a cocktail but this place is two thumbs up! I just have never left here unsatisified or remotely unhappy. It's just straight yummy. -
Review from Ross R.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2007
The first time I went here I remember it being semi-memorable.
This time the goat curry had me craving Indian food all the next day. Want to go back tonight. -
Review from Fiona C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2009
I wandered here on thanksgiving day since not much else was open. Turned out it was pretty good.
Had the lamb biryani and mint lassi (mint lassi! who would've thought they'd have MINT lassi. I luv mint).
They do play bollywood MTV on their 2 TVs all the time though, making conversation hard :P -
Review from Aaron B.
Los Angeles, CA
10/27/2008
This is an excellent little Indian restaurant. I come here fairly often, and it's usually my first choice for Indian food. I've tried a number of items on their menu and have yet to be disappointed! It's a little pricey, but really not that bad for a sit-down on the West Side.
Their parking lot is tiny, but I never have trouble finding a street spot. -
Review from East N.
Santa Monica, CA
3/12/2009
Restaurants are pulling out all of the stops in this here New Economy and lunch deals are gaining steam.
To wit: Ambala Dhaba, Westwood location, now offers a lunch buffet.
Yelpers have long debated the merits of various West L.A. Indian joints and this one comes up a lot. I've always liked it. They offer dishes not often found at other eateries and proudly serve goat. Their lunch specials, which price a little higher than most buffets, are fantastic. They offer chicken, fish and goat dishes that are more earthy and spicy and less saucy and sweet than your typical fare (which is available as well). They are generous with the bread and cook it to my liking (well done - edges a little crispy but still soft enough for wrapping and nudging).
So I was a little nervous to see the big Lunch Buffet sign out front because the contrarian snob in me enjoys eating at the only buffet-free Indian restaurant in town. On the other hand, the Homer in me loves some all-you-can eat so I grabbed a plate and made my way through the chrome-domed chafing dishes.
Underneath lid number one hid some cauliflower pakoras. I thought this was a good start - a little different than the usual samosas; not as satisfying, though, and they don't stay crispy under the lid. The rice contains a a few small, turmeric-colored vegetables (probably folded in - maybe it's a light biryani?) - it's nice and has some food value. The saag has potatoes, not paneer. A chicken tikka masala and another curried chicken dish look familiar and are decent. There was a nice vegetable korma - it may strike some as a little plain but I appreciated the fact that it wasn't swimming in goo - it allowed some of the bolder spices to come through. There were chickpeas - channa masala, or something like it.
Pieces of goat shortribs on the bone are in the far corner. I like this chewy meat and am thrilled to see that some of the bones HAVE MARROW IN THEM. They are small and dry enough to eat with your hands which makes it easy to suck the marrow out for the final bite. Hell, that alone pretty much ensures I'll be back.
Plenty of fruit for dessert; fresh salad available with actual vinaigrette for dressing (i like raita but not as a salad dressing - I don't claim to know what's proper or authentic i just know i don't like it). At the very end i was glad to see couple of their chutneys. Ambala Dhaba's lunch specials always come with a small serving of chutney/pickled tidbits. Again, these are dishes that you don't get at Bombay cafe or East India Grill - STRONG tasting and sometimes very spicy-hot concoctions; I think that East Asians need to come up with a word for the flavor that characterizes these pickled carrots, peppers, limes, etc. They aren't savory or sour or sweet or salty and they certainly aren't umame... someone help me out here.
About 5 minutes after sitting down, here comes the waiter with a sizzling hot piece of "tandoori chicken" with some onions. Nice touch but I'd leave the tandoor meats to Chutney's - kind of dry and not that flavorful and left me wondering if they actually have a tandoor (they say that they do). The naan came shortly thereafter... i really love it... they MUST have a tandoor oven! I ordered a Coke but, fyi, they also make a nice limeade and, for the adventurous (seriously - drink a whole one of these and call me in the morning), Jal Jeera, a north Indian drink made with mint, ginger, tamarind, cumin & black salt. This is the single most powerful drink you will ever consume. It will cure anything and everything.
Anyway, it's obvious that I like this place and I'll be back to see how the buffet evolves. It wasn't perfect but it offered some diversity and, because not all of the food is swimming in starchy, oily goo, this is probably a healthier choice than most Indian smorgasbords.
If you're trying to manage expectations in a group-type-work-lunch situation it might not be the best choice because the funkier items are really the best offerings and the familiar items aren't quite what you expect.
PARKING NOTE: Ambala Dhaba's parking lot is much maligned because it is extremely tiny and busy and awkward. However, parking at a meter on Westwood Blvd. is EASY. I've been eating here at prime lunch hour for years and park across the street at a meter almost every time. I've never had to park more than a block away. It's a big city but a little change goes a long way (despite the recently-doubled meter rates). -
Review from Lorraine L.
Los Angeles, CA
3/21/2009 1 Check-in Here
Enjoyable Northern Indian cuisine in Westwood, though not the best, their dishes are definitely flavorful and well-prepared. I recommend starting off with the Gol Gappe for a starter. It's a sort of fried, thin, puffy and crispy bread. The trick is to poke a hole at the top and fill it with the potatoes and chutney that come with it. Very delicious!
Another must-try is the Bakra Curry. The goat meat is very tender and the curry has just the right amount of hot spice. I've also had the Tofu and Chicken Tikka Masalas, Channa Masala, as well as the Saag Paneer. All good, except that the Saag Paneer was a little bland. I probably won't be trying that again. Overall, I've had pleasant dining experiences here. The waitstaff is always very friendly and attentive. The quality of the food is ok for the prices, and they do have lunch specials if you're not up for paying dinner prices. Overall I recommend it for a pleasant meal in Westwood, away from the undergrad madness of Westwood Village -
Review from Max N.
8/28/2007
I normally go to the New Indian Grill when I am in the mood for indian and I am not in the mood to leave the Westwood area but it was closed for renovations so I decided to try this one.
It is a cute, cozy little place, the owner was very friendly and seated us immediately.
I ordered vegetable samosas, nan bread, rice pilaf and Jallander Lamb (lamb simmered in a tomato, yogurt sauce spiced with mint, ginger and other herbs) along with a mango Lassi (I fell in love with Lassi's when I went to Thailand)
Everything arrived about 10 minutes later...
My lamb was delicious and tender and delicately spiced, I will be returning for this lamb! The rice, nan bread and samosas were not fantastic but the lamb was so good that I did not focus too much on what wasn't great.
My mango lassi was ok...it was definitely sweetened with too much sugar so the taste was too cloying for me personally but someone else may enjoy it that way.
A decent place but I prefer New Indian Grill to Ambala Dhaba when it comes to Indian food in Westwood.
Update...I was in the mood for Indian and The New India Grill has still not reopened so I want back to Dhaba. I ordered my favourite Lamb dish once again, as tasty as the first time and some chicken curry which was also very good!
I am bumping up my 3 stars to 4! If New India Grill doesn't reopen soon this may take over as my favourite place for Indian! Yum!
One more thing...this place is better for eating in then delivery! -
Review from hello y.
Los Angeles, CA
1/19/2009
A dubious line exists between a rating of 2 and 3 stars.
5 stars: So good I don't even want to tell you about it.
4 stars: I'd bring my friends here.
1 star: Dead to me.
2-3 stars is a range between "If I was a starving child in Africa I might go there again" and "Sometimes I eat here when my soul is on vacation."
Here's the skinny on Ambala Dhaba.
- Chicken samosas. Bland bland bland, even though they come with a cute sauce.
- Lamb curry. Ditto.
+ Taro veggie dish. I asked the waiter for a rec and this one is kind of like vegetable chilaquiles. Weird but good, and he didn't give me a totally generic rec like he did with the appetizer, which is also a +.
+ Naan. But srsly how do you mess up naan. They didn't burn it so that's a plus.
+ Carry Thums Up.
+ Coworkers were impressed at the art piece I made for brunch out of my leftovers. I squished the rice and taro into one of those tiny take home containers and adorned the plate with naan flakes. You had to be there.
+ Ambiance.
Factors not taken into account:
Most definitely this is NOTHERN Indian food, even says so right on the menus. Was it once owned by southern Indians years ago? Did only dyslexic people dine here in the past? The world will never know, but my night was devoid of dosas, and for that I am sad.
