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NY Dosas
Categories: Restaurants Indian Restaurants Food Stands Restaurants Vegetarian Indian, Food Stands, Vegetarian [Edit]
50 Washington Sq SNew York, NY 10014
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
(917) 710-2092
- Nearest Transit:
-
W 4 St (A, B, C, D, E, F, M)
Christopher St - Sheridan Sq (1, 2)
8 St - Nyu (N, R)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 4 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
155 reviews for NY Dosas
Review Highlights
"thanks thiru for all of the amazing dosas."
(in 41 reviews)
"Dip your masala dosa in the yummy coconut chutney."
(in 26 reviews)
"...of the best lunches I've ever had in Washington Square Park."
(in 17 reviews)
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155 reviews in English
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Review from Ed C.
Virginia Beach, VA
1/30/2012
This guy is amazing.
To stand in cold weather next to a hot stove in a tiny cart wrapped in plastic and create these incredibly delicious plates for next to nothing- and do it all with a smile- he is truly a gem amid other food carts and restaurants anywhere in this neighborhood.
The Pondicherry and Masala Dosas are wonderfully spicy, the spicy soup in the side has great flavor, and the coconut chutney cools off your mouth perfectly so you're ready for your next bite of awesomeness. And he's situated perfectly next to the park so you can sit down and watch the weirdness that typically happens there. The day we went we were treated to a couple of girls in workout gear doing some bogus looking routine that involved a lot of jumping, someone playing the mess out of a Steinway, two guys doing street acrobatics, and a person dressed as a tree. All while eating some incredibly fresh and tasty food. Can't beat that at all.
Thank you NY yelpers for steering us to this place. I hope this guy never stops doing what he does. -
Review from Michael O.
Nesconset, NY
1/10/2012
How is this so cheap?
The food is fantastic and inexpensive. A favorite for vegans and gluten intolerant people.
The Veggie Uthuappam is a massive hearty meal. The Samosas are incredible (get the mint sauce with coconut chutney) and I have no idea how the veggie drum sticks are because he is always sold out. That makes me think they are amazing.
Seriously go there.
now! -
Review from Rita F.
Maspeth, NY
12/29/2011
Thank you Yelpers! I was desperately looking for something new for lunch near work and a quick search lead me to NY Dosas. I found the little cart on the south side of Washington Square, all wrapped up in plastic to battle the cold. I peeked in and saw a happy man cooking dosas. No line today--it's friggin' cold! I got the special Pondicherry dosa. The guy is amazingly cheery and infallibly polite and helpful. He explained exactly what he was cooking me, offered drinks, and thoughtfully offered utensils so I could sit and eat somewhere. I did, which was kinda stupid because it's, like I said, friggin' cold.
The dosa was delicious! The potatoes were tasty, the veggies were crisp, and my god I loved the coconut chutney. The soup was good too. The "medium" spiciness isn't bad at all, and I probably could have went spicier. I got in a few bites of piping hot dosa before the chilly air cooled it off. My fingers were freezing off, but my mouth was happily spiced. The dosa looks huge, but it's really not. Perfect if you're hungry, but not "omg, I need to devour something." -
Review from Andy H.
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY
2/1/2012
Gotta give him the props for making some very delicious Dosas in a cart. I didn't get to try the Masala dosa or the Simosas but I will definitely try them next time. Then I might up the rating to 5 stars.
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Review from Ying Yi D.
Manhattan, NY
12/7/2011
What excuses can you have for denying these? It's gluten free and vegan, spicy, flavorful, crunchy, delicious and satisfying dosas! Each bite is a delectable vortex of the crispy griddle-cooked crepe-like wrap with potatoes and veggies cooked the awesome Indian way. For only SIX dollars. It even comes with a side dipping soup. You will leave nothing left in the box.
My first time at NY Dosa's cart, he let me see my dosa getting cooked and filled. I recommend the pondicherry. Friendly & honest guy and an inspiration; people should be supporting grass-roots folks like him with their lunch dollars instead of spending the same amount of money on a sugary latte with a cookie. -
Review from Louisa T.
San Gabriel, CA
11/23/2011
There are only 3 things I miss about NYC since moving back to Los Angeles 2 years ago:
1) My friends
2) The interesting people on the street
3) Dosa Man
I think that about sums up how amazing he is. Especially the time when I ordered in 19 degree weather. He gave me an extra soup as I waited for the delicious he was about to impart on me. Well worth shivering in the snow.
I miss you Dosa Man. -
Review from Jay Z.
Manhattan, NY
11/29/2011
Why Come Here? Quick, inexpensive and healthy Indian food, fantastic spiced potatoes and friendly owners.
Finally tried stopped by this cart today as I was walking through Washington Square Park at lunch. The owner was very friendly and recommended the Special Rava Masala and I obliged. It was definitely the most flavorful dosa I've ever had with potatoes soft and spicy and a good mix of veggies providing other flavors. I ordered it spicy, which wasn't too hot, but the side coconut curry helps cool the mouth. -
Review from Krystal L.
Brooklyn, NY
10/26/2011
If I was rich, I would buy Thiru a house close to mine so that we could be neighbors and he could make me dosas all the time. That's how much I love this food. I literally lay in bed and crave this stuff.
Thank you, Thiru, for making it a little easier to be a new vegetarian. And for doing it with a smile. -
Review from Vineet S.
9/29/2011
In the midst of carts selling Sandwiches and hot dogs, Dosa cart brings a refreshing change. Dosa carts offer 100% vegetarian food which I really like. There ain't many carts which sell this kind of food.
Thiru who prepares the food is a very humble and down to earth personality.There was a long queue at the dosa cart. I tried the masala dosa which was good but not exceptional, but it was worth the buck($5). The dosa is served with sambhar(lentil soup) and coconut chutney(sauce). I hope to try other things on the menu when I am in the neighbourhood. -
Review from Kara C.
New York, NY
1/8/2012
Five dollar healthy deliciousness. Do yourself a favor and try it.
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Review from David W.
11/7/2011
If you don't work in the area, it can be pretty difficult to get a meal here since I think they close up shop by 4pm, and I think even earlier on the weekends. But I lucked out one Saturday and got to experience this cart I've read so much about, and it didn't disappoint. Honestly, I have no idea what I ordered at this point, but I remember the texture of the crepe being perfect. Also provided some type of soup with lentils in it which had some good spice to it.
My only complaint...stay open a little later so I can get home and still grab some food from here! -
Review from Anne H.
Manhattan, NY
Best bang for the buck! This place is fantastic, though he should multiply and open up several locations. There is almost always a line, but it is worth it.
If you need to know if he is in the park, check out his twitter account:
http://twitter.com/#!/...
He is usually on the South side of the park.
Hope this helps! -
Review from raymond b.
Brooklyn, NY
12/26/2011
Thiru - what would a vegetarian with Celiac disease do without you? I hope that this one never has to find out.
If not a Dosa, then a bag of the vegan drumsticks are an ideal lunch, and a small cup of soup tops it off.
The food is cheap, healthy, freshly prepared and Thiru always has a smile on his face! -
Review from Venus C.
New York, NY
10/21/2011
I've passed by the dosa cart countless times for the past two years, but never had the time to wait in line and get one. so a few weeks ago, when it was a beautiful day out and my friend and I didn't know where to go for lunch, we decided to get dosas and eat them in washington sq park!
first of all...the man who runs the cart is super nice. he's also very patient with newbies. my friend and I both got the masala dosa, and it was really good. it was a lentil crepe with seasoned spicy (or non-spicy) potatoes, and two sauces on the side (no idea what they were). it's a lot of food for $6, and really yummy! I have to admit, after hearing crazy reviews on it, it wasn't quite as amazing as I expected. but it's definitely very unique and worth trying! I'd probably go back to try some of the other items on the menu. -
Review from Kimberly K.
Manhattan, NY
7/21/2011
Service with a SMILE!
The gentleman serving up these delicious dosas is the best :)
The dosa batter is light and crisp. This big and beautiful crepe hugs a generous serving of curried potatoes and colorful veggies. You don't have to be a Vegetarian to appreciate all the amazing flavors packed into these dosas.
Each meal comes with a side of coconut chutney (addicting) and sambar (vegetable soup). $6 later, I'm more than full and leave a happy camper. If you like samosas (fried pastry stuffed w/ all sorts of yummy goodies), they serve that here as well. I believe it's $1.75 for one and $3 for two.
When strolling along Washington Square Park, don't forget to visit the Dosa Man! -
Review from Lorelei D.
Queens, NY
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great food. Huge fan of the pondicherry and the drumsticks.
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Review from Rei V.
Las Vegas, NV
7/14/2011
Quite possibly one of the best lunches I've ever had in Washington Square Park. I went during lunch time so the line was obviously long. Plenty of NYU students and it's a great area to have lunch in the park.
Thiru is incredibly nice and you can tell he prepares each dosa as if it's the most important one he'll ever make. I had the pondicherry dosa and it was simply delicious. I was trying to savor each bite.
I will definitely return because this is the best place in the city to get food from a cart, hands down! -
Review from Kevin L.
Berkeley, CA
6/18/2011
I love dosas -- a lot! Any place that serves me dosas automatically earns 5 stars.
In addition to my masala dosa, I got an orange barley soda. Thiru called it "a very special soda", and that made me feel very special indeed. -
Review from Ed T.
New York, NY
7/29/2011
The long wait, the scorchingly hot weather, the random obnoxious guy who kept on talking about himself and his "accomplishments" were all worth the deliciousness that was served to me with a warm smile. Hope he sticks around for a long long while!
hint: if you're going for just the samosas skip the line and head straight to the little window to order up. Get there early people, they run out quick! -
Review from Bin H.
Manhattan, NY
8/10/2011
First meal around my campus, and it was amazing!
Luckily when I got there, there were only a handful of people waiting for their orders. Having been the first time, silly me just stood behind them thinking they were also waiting to order, but obviously it looked like I didn't know what the hell I was doing, and the owner called me out. How embarrassing, but he was really nice about it.
I got the masala dosa, medium spicy, and to my surprise, I was SO full after my meal. I totally underestimated how a 'crepe' can be so filling. I don't know so much about the chutney, but the veggie soup (sorry, I don't know the technical name) was full of flavor. I'm a total carnivore, but didn't mind that my lunch didn't have any meat in it. It was THAT good.
This place is definitely my go-to place for lunch once school starts in the fall. -
Review from Sean W.
10/19/2011
I've eaten Dosas since my high school days at Dosa Hutt in Flushing. Its funny to finally eat them again at NY Dosas. I wasn't able to try these out when they're regularly in the West Village since they close early around 4-5. But, I got to try their famous Pondicherry Dosa at the Carts in the Parc food festival. Served with their Coconut Chutney and another vegatable sauce (forgot what it is called), it made me very nostalgic and surprised that this is probably one of the best vegetarian dishes I have had ( I am a huge carnivore). Funny fact, one of the chefs I talked to used to work at Dosa Hut in Flushing for years. Talk about coincidences. But, if you want to experience great Indian cuisine. This is one of the best places to try out in NYC! 5 outta 5!
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Review from Lauren L.
Manhattan, NY
2/25/2011
Best NYU-area (immediate area anyway... for days when you have a half hour or less) Lunch, hands down!
1. It's deeeeelicious
Seriously, a huge, deliciously thin, crispy, flavorful crepe filled with spicy curried potatoes and vegetables? Really? You don't think that sounds absolutely delicious? What the fuck is wrong with you! You don't know what food IS.
2. It's inexpensive
Nothing's over 6 bucks, and you won't need to spend more than 6 bucks to have a hearty, satisfying meal. You'll spend twice that at most of the delis in the area for subpar food. (seriously, haven't we all hit up the pay-per-pound buffet and spent like $15? I mean really..)
3. It's relatively healthy
Of course there's oil involved, but there are no animal products, so saturated fat and cholesterol are at a minimum.
4. Service with a smile
The guy is so nice and clearly is passionate about making good food for the hungry Village/NYU masses. Food is always solid, he is always friendly and quick, it never disappoints.
It's hard to try to convince myself to stand out in the cold to wait for delicious dosa goodness, but it is ALWAYS worth it! Tastes great, keeps me full throughout the afternoon, and is easy on the pocketbook! -
Review from Matt E.
8/22/2011
I really enjoyed the NY Dosa cart and friendly guy who works it but unfortunately I've never had a dosa before so I've got nothing to compare it to. For those in the same boat, a dosa is a South Indian type of street food which is a pancake (almost as thin as a crepe) made from rice and lentils. It contains no salt, sugar, or other fats and carbohydrates aside, is quite healthy. The dosas here are rolled up with seasoned potatoes (spicy or mild) and/or vegetables and are served with a small cup of spicy vegetable soup (mostly broth) and a coconut chutney. The dosa itself is obviously sort of bland so scooping up some of the chutney or dipping into the soup adds a lot of great flavor and the potatoes add enough to the dish to make it nice and filling. For $5 you can't go wrong. The cart is vegetarian so there aren't any meat dishes but they do have some sort of imitation chicken drumstick and a few other options like a lunch platter and samosas which I'll definitely be back to try.
(this cart won the Vendy award in 2007)Listed in: Meals $6 & Under
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Review from Peter L.
Paramus, NJ
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I feel like my expectations from this place were too high when I went here. Don't get me wrong the food was amazing.
Thiru makes each dosa with so much care. The dosa is not too heavy but not too light. It fills you up and it's delicious.
Nothing against Thiru but the whole time I was eating the dosa I couldn't help but wish there was some kind of meat inside it. That's just my problem. I know it's supposed to be a vegetarian dish and for that it's really good. But if there was meat, this place would be 5 stars hands down. -
Review from May O.
Burbank, CA
2/10/2011
Found this guy on Yelp and ventured out in the record-low January weather while on vacation in NY to check it out. SO GLAD I DID!
At first, I was like, "really? there's just gonna' be some random guy with a cart in THIS weather?!" And there he was... long line and all!
He was really friendly, and I ordered the pondicherry after reading reviews, and not disappointed. Sat and devoured the entire takeout box at a train stop freezing my fingers off. I couldn't stop. I didn't expect Indian food to be so fresh and healthy tasting (who knows - maybe I'm wrong about that last part!). Wished to God that I had ordered a samosa or ANYTHING else so my taste experience didn't have to end. -
Review from Claudine G.
Wantagh, NY
10/22/2011
Delicious! Read the reviews and had to search for the cart. Totally worth it! Thiru was so personable and even gave us a sample of something differerent to try. Can't wait to go back. Worth the effort to find him!
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Review from Sophia K.
Manhattan, NY
3/14/2011
Fantastic.There's not much to say that isn't in the other reviews.
This is the right place to go if you want a huge delicious, healthy lunch for under $6 to eat in the park.
I recommend the samosa. -
Review from Tyler L.
1/20/2011
This guy is still here. NY Dosas is a food cart near Washington Square Park run by a very friendly man. I first tried his grub years ago when I worked at a nearby cafe. A dosa is basically an Indian crepe made of rice and lentils. The guy here adds on curried potatoes, and it is served with coconut chutney and a small soup. Very flavorful! You can also get samosas from him as well.
A nice cart to get a quick vegetarian lunch. -
Review from Leeann C.
3/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yum! Delicious and cheap -- great for a quick lunch around NYU. I ordered the masala dosa, which was HUGE but tasty. I would definitely try some of the other items. Yay for food carts!
-L. -
Review from Ian W.
Princeton, NJ
4/15/2011
Outstanding and exceptional! Thiru's awesome food cart, serving wonderfully prepared vegan South Indian food, was my near daily lunch for several years. I have had South Indian at several other places and nowhere has come close to being as delicious. I'd recommend favorite dishes, but they are ALL great! The sambar is amazing, roti curry, dosa's...i think the most uniquely delicious thing you won't find ANYWHERE else is Thiru's Jaffna Curry, which is a dry curry specialty local to his hometown (I see it in one of the pics here on Yelp)
Inexpensive too!
The only issue, the lines in the summer could be up to 30 minutes long (totally worth the wait, and your hanging in the park that whole time anyway). -
Review from Colin S.
New York, NY
9/30/2011
Thiru is an artist. His food is delicious, creative, healthy, and affordable. He is excellent at relating to his customers and fans. Arrive early for best selection, and if you see a long line and have a tight schedule, just approach the window and ask for an appetizer - I recommend the samosa or a vegan drumstick. This will give you a taste of his genius without a wait. If you have time and/or there is a relatively short line, I recommend masala dosa. The coconut chutney that accompanies the dosa is exceptional. Enjoy!
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Review from Manish E.
New York, NY
2/24/2011
Fantastic food at super cheap prices. The dosas are amongst the best in the city. But I would suggest branching out and trying some of the other dishes as well, like the Singaporean dishes, as they are phenomenal.
I always get sad when I walk down West 4th to find he's already ran out of food and has left for the day. If there's a line then wait! It's well worth the wait. (I usually never advocate waiting in lines.) -
Review from grampa g.
PRINCE, NY
6/20/2011
It's hard to imagine this area without Thiru and his dosa cart. Truly one of the finer treats of going to NYU and living in the village!! Anything I've ordered there is true heaven, and it's always a great deal. We love going up to the cart and saying, "I'm starving and want something medium spicy" and then see what combination of dishes we get. You can't ever go wrong here.
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Review from Charlotte S.
McLean, VA
9/4/2011
Samosa and vegan drumstick were pretty good. Dosa was pretty bland tasting, just not a lot going on in it. Maybe I just don't like dosas. This place is so highly rated I think I will try it again. I ordered the pondicherry special, maybe that's just the wrong thing to order. So far, not impressed.
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Review from Ida C.
9/21/2010
It so happened that one sunny Saturday afternoon, I found myself wandering back to the east side from the West Village in search of a sporting goods store to buy myself a new softball mitt. Apparently, the single sock snatching elves decided to do a number on my previous two gloves, so I was left in a bit of a bind. On the way, I spied a Uruguayan family of 6 completely enraptured by some very attractive looking samosas on paper plates. My stomach protested with a loud rumble. I decided to investigate further.
Imagine my astonishment to discover that the samosas were from THE Dosa Man! Lickety-split, I jumped to join the 3 person queue. Upon my turn at bat, I implored the charasmatic chef to give me his best. He grinned and said, "Number 3 it is!" A quick check with the menu identified the #3 as the "Special Pondicherry" ($6). Rooting around in the drink bin, I was ecstatic to discover a can of apple sidra! That stuff is so good, tastes nothing like apple and extra carbonated!
A brief wait ensued when I paid the money man (a skinny white dude with a thick wad of cash), watched the patriarch of the Uruguayan family come by to pick up entrees and exclaim that they visit the Dosa Man every time they are in town, sipped my apple sidra and enjoyed the crowd. When I got my food, I was astonished by the heftiness. I cradled it carefully and sauntered over to Washington Square Park to enjoy my booty from a prize seat in the fountain.
I started my meal out rather politely, trying to use my lone utensil, a spoon, to eat everything. Eventually, my frustration outweighed my reservations against subway dirtied fingers, and I started eating with my hands. That was when the bliss skyrocketed. The dosas were crispy and fluffy and extremely light. The fillings were tasty but not quite enough for the dosa. This was no matter and I started dipping pieces of dosa into the savory spicy lentil soup. I enjoyed the variety of elements in my lunch box. It was almost like a South Asian bento box! The coconut chutney was extremely pleasing as well. I am usually against vegans out of loyalty to eggs, but while eggless, this was a solid meal!
PARTING THOUGHT: How does the Dosa Man manage to produce such wonderful food from such a tiny food cart? It boggles my mind! -
Review from lillie m.
New York, NY
8/11/2010
If you have not yet tried NY Dosas yet - WHAT are you waiting for?
Granted the hours are a little inconvenient, but he's there on Saturdays for us 9-5ers who can't make it for lunch on a weekday.
The Pondicherry special and Jaffna Lunch are the only two things I've tried so far, but both are so amazingly full of flavor and mouth watering goodness - I'm sure anything you chose will have the same pizazz.
Thiru - the man behind the cart is the other reason to come by. He's one of nicest human beings I've come in contact with. He treats his customers like friends, even after 8 years of service. While he is whipping up your lunch, he'll gladly explain his process and ingredients - all vegan, mostly oil free and ALL made by hand. And for $6 - you really can't beat it. -
Review from Aadharsh R.
Hackensack, NJ
5/15/2011
I am a South Indian Vegetarian and Dosas are our staple diet. In fact, the small town to which our ancestors belonged to, was where Dosas were invented (O.K, I made that up).
I went here on a cold April Friday afternoon for a quick lunch. In fact, I traveled from Teaneck, NJ to Manhattan, specifically for the food. Man oh man, yum. It is the best Dosa I have had in NYC or in the USA. And, Thiru, the Sri Lankan man who makes them is very much at ease serving people like me from the sub-continent and the rest of humanity. He chatted me up about the recently concluded Cricket world Series (in which ironically India beat Sri Lanka) and when I said I would pay by credit card, he said "Do not worry, next time". So yes, No credit cards. He remembers a lot of his customers by name or at least recognizes them by face. That is a great quality if you are running a one-man street cart business (OK, he has a helper). And, I think he has some kind of a cult status with the NYU students (and profs?), who frequent this establishment to save money as much as they do to have lunch.
For about $8, you can get a Dosa with filling and a Samosa along with water. Try a different filling each time. Btw, it is a kind of injustice to Dosas to describe them as deep fried crispy pancakes or something. Not even close (technically yes, but if you did just that, I think YMMV drastically)!
I will go there again (and again).Listed in: Best Indian Vegetarian food...
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Review from Anna S.
New York, NY
7/31/2010
I crave Thiru's dosas every day but unfortunately, I don't seem to go quite often enough.
During lunch hours there is usually a long line but it is totally worth it. Thiru is amazingly accommodating to every single customer, often giving suggestions of his own.
After a semester of going basically every week, Thiru began to recognize me and what I usually ordered. However, it's good to switch it up since EVERYTHING from the car is good, cheap, and healthy.
Non-vegetarian/vegans, don't shy away! I bring many omnivores here and they all have loved it.
Make sure to give the appetizers a try- especially the samosa! -
Review from s r.
Wallace, CA
7/30/2011
10 stars if I may Run to his place
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Review from Alexa C.
New York, NY
8/16/2010
Wow - best food cart experience of my life!
This was such a treat - an NYC food cart legend serving me up lunch to enjoy in beautiful Washington Square Park. I'd wanted to stop by forever, and I finally made it happen.
Thiru could tell I was a first-timer and was very helpful, walking me through the experience. He recommended the Pondicherry, as it's his most popular dish, asked my spice preference, and then had me watch him make it. I can see why everyone loves him.
The meal was lovely - really bright flavors and incredibly filling. The coconut chutney was spectacular. I just ate it with the spoon the "bouncer" had supplied me. The soup was also a nice surprise. And both packed a nice, spicy kick. The dosa was filled with a nice portion of potatoes, veggies, and salad that was spicy and sweet. The dosa itself was probably my least favorite component. I liked the softer middle but the crispy outer edge was a little too fried in flavor and slightly greasy (though honestly, I have pretty much zero-tolerance for anything fried and can't imagine it would be a problem for most people).
Overall, it was a wonderful lunch, and I'm looking forward to going back to try some of the other offerings.
