DELHI BELLY
ALHAMBRA’S MODERN INDIAN BISTRO

I’m not super familiar with the San Gabriel Valley food scene but I must say that a recent outing to Alhambra did prove to be very eye-opening as I was quite taken with the vibrant atmosphere and energy along West Main Street.

The busy street is like a United Nations of food and drink. Name your cuisine of choice and chances are you’ll find something to your liking. There’s an ale house, Korean barbecue, sushi, Italian, Chinese food, and noodles galore. There’s also fab Indian fare thanks to Delhi Belly, a casual modern Indian restaurant that everyone should know about.

Delhi Belly serves regional Indian formal and street food classics in an inviting setting. Its wide-open performance kitchen is the main attraction for all to see how your delicious menu items are made.   

The extensive menu draws from many regions of India, along with nods to international favorites.  Inspiration begins with the distinctive, prized flavors and ingredients serving world famous Tikka Masala. Beer and wine, including Indian beers, are also served.

During our recent visit for dinner, we started with clever and inspiringly original dishes like Chicken Tikka Tacos served on soft flour tortillas with salsa, lime, and cilantro chutney. Choose between paneer or chicken.

The Tandoori Chicken Wings with spiced yogurt marinated split chicken wings were delicious. They’re big, tasty and perfect to share. The wings and a beer alone with make a mighty magical meal.

The Chicken Chili--sweet and sour wok tossed chicken bites—proved to be a hit at the table. They’re just so flavorful. Every bite was delightful.

Another unique item was the Butter Chicken Burger with brioche bun, crispy chicken tenders, butter gravy, and served with fries. This was a cool and creative way to serve butter chicken.

Of course, there are all the Indian staples such as Chicken Tikka Masala, as well as Lamb Tikka Masala and Fish Tikka Masala, available. Vegetarian dishes, like the popular Saag Paneer (vegetarian curry) with tempered spinach puree and cottage cheese are aplenty.

We opted for the Mix Seafood Medley with swai, shrimp, mussel, coconut milk, curry leaf, mustard seed, and madras curry powder. This was a new Indian dish for me and it proved to be full of flavor. Enjoy this item with the Garlic Truffle Naan and you will be in Nirvana.

If you save room for dessert, get the Gulab Jamun as you won’t regret it. There is a reason why this dish of berry sized balls soaked in rose flavored sugar syrup is so popular. The sweet flavor of milk and sugar and a hint of the rose and cardamom in the sugar syrup is an excellent way to end a night out.

Delhi Belly offers weekday lunch specials from 11:30am to 3pm, which includes an entrée, think butter chicken or Paneer tikka masala, rice, lentil soup and house salad for $14.  And don’t forget about weekend bottomless mimosas from 11:30am to 3pm for only $12 with the purchase of an entrée. Happy Hour is offered daily from 3pm to 7pm and all beer and wine are $5.

Delhi Belly is located at 8 W. Main Street in Alhambra.  Open daily from 11:30am to 10pm.  Call 626-703-4710.

Story By: Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy Of: Delhi Belly