MASALA GRILL
OFFERING FINE INDIAN FUSION

I often think of Indian food as international comfort food. I wasn’t necessarily raised on it but when I discovered Indian cuisine, with its rich, lovely sauces, it felt like I found nirvana. I a fan of burying meats and rice with sauce as I just love the flavors the combination creates. And at Masala Grill, where the concept features tasty Indian fusion, the boldness of spices and fantastic flavors really takes Indian fare to a whole new level.

The menu features classic Indian staples along with street food favorites and fusion offerings. Faves such as vegetable samosa and chicken tikka samosa are perfect starter items. A not so standard appetizer that delights is the Mixed Pakora—cauliflower and spinach fritters served with mint, coriander and tamarind chutney.

If you’re looking for authentic Indian street food, there’s plenty to choose from. Mom’s Special Maggie Noodles with onions, cilantro, and mixture of spices served with Maggie sauce is apparently a dish the owners were raised on. Likewise, the Anda Omellete—think veggie omelette stuffed with fresh spinach, onions, zucchini, tomatoes, ginger with mixture of spices served with sourdough bread, Maggie sauce and mint chutney—is not your standard Indian dish but it is familiar and very comforting.

A chef special from the streets of Delhi that should be considered a must-have is the Chicken Keema Paratha with unleavened dough stuffed with spiced minced chicken. The flavors and spices combine to create a very pleasing offering.

Fusion favorites come in the form of menu tacos, burger, quesadilla and burrito and the combination really works. Jackfruit tacos are a great meatless option and the Chicken Tikka Quesadilla with chicken tikka, pepper jack cheese, onions, cilantro, and tomatoes served with mint and cilantro chutney is out of this world good. Likewise, the Chicken Tikka Burrito with chicken tikka, rice and beans is very flavorful and filling. I loved the nuance of the quesadilla but go for the burrito if you’re ravenous.

Another favorite menu item of mine is the Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Masala) as it offers exactly what you’re looking for in Indian cuisine. It’s one of the most popular of Indian dishes for good reason and this one really satisfied. Classic tandoori clay oven options include Tandoori Chicken, and the Chicken Tikka, both of which will not disappoint.

Masala Grill offers free delivery within a two-mile radius. The restaurant itself in case you want to dine in is cozy and subdued, but rest assured that its outstanding offerings do delight.

Masala Grill is located at 5607 San Vicente Blvd. Open Tues through Thurs 11am to 9:30pm, and Fri and Sat 11am to 12am. Call 323-954-7570.

Story By; Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy Of: Masala Grill