So many red flags. The name, the sign, the strip mall...yet it consistently keeps its spot on Eater LA's list of best South Bay restaurants.
How, you ask? The Dal Makhani is how. Black lentils and so many spices synthesize a flavor so deep and dark. Beautifully bold, surprisingly smooth, comfort food with a palatal pop. By far the most exciting dal I've had to date.
Goat Curry is quite nice, with its hard-hits of garlic and ginger. Not their best dish but no regrets whatsoever.
Opt instead for Butter Chicken. It's impossibly creamy, to a level I didn't think even butter chicken could achieve.
Palak Paneer is the one thing I don't think they do well. The paneer is dense and hard, and the spinach is dark and dull, unlike neighbor Al Noor or Bollywood Zaika, which has the best.
That Chana Masala, though. Aromatic, smoothly spiced, earthy curry with a gentle nudge from the garlic and ginger. I can't describe it well, but it's just a lovely, well-balanced dish.
My Garlic Naan is rather soggy on top, the garlic not so cooked. Skip in favor of rice, especially the Lamb Biryani. The lamb game is good, the meat is so tender, and every grain of rice has soaked up all the savor.
There are only a few little tables inside this small corner stop, but it dispenses the best takeout in town. Call ahead then grab your bag and take it home to enjoy. I know all the Indian food is supposed to be in Artesia, but all, I've had here, I'm pretty sure Lawndale can compete.
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