As the only yak chili I've ever had I can't confirm if it's the best,
but that chili -- as well as many of the other entrees at this
Himalayan-themed restaurant -- are worth a visit to Tara's Himalayan
Cuisine in West L.A.
Now, while you may be asking yourself exactly how many places in Los Angeles actually serve yak chili, I don't bother too much with numbers, just with flavors -- and this place has flavors for sure. (Though the pronouncement does make me wonder if I could get away with a new tagline: "Best Indian blog in Los Angeles written by a newlywed who married a Nepalese guy and she isn't that good of a cook yet but is really improving?")
The restaurant until recently also had a location in
Woodland Hills, but unfortunately it's now closed. Sounds like a loss
for Valley folks, but hopefully I can get out to the Valley soon and do
some "research" on Himalayan restaurants there and report back.
THE SETTING
Styled
ethnic fabrics and Himalayan artwork decorate the walls, and I love the
cool hanging Om lanterns. I also love the pink salt, presumably pink
Himalayan salt, in the grinders. I noticed what looked to be a large
group banquette in the back, and I believe there's an outdoor patio area
as well. I suggested to Nick that he consider having his group birthday
dinner here, since its much closer to us now than his usual choice of
Tibet Nepal House in Pasadena,
but he indicated his loyalty lies with Tibet Nepal House. (Although he
later decided that we should have the party at our house, because we can
get a keg like we did for our housewarming party....So now we see the
truth about where his loyalties really lie.)
The service was OK, but I remember the server being slow on drinks refills.
It
was a Sunday night, and I was able to park close by on a residential
street. If it's a busier time though, you'll want to add in time to find
a parking spot.
THE FOOD
Tara's Himalayan Cuisine has a large and diverse
menu (with the one exception being dessert; the restaurant only offered
rice pudding the night we were there). There were eight different kinds
of bread offerings alone. And it's more affordable than many other
restaurants, with most entrees being under $10. Also part of the
restaurant's proceeds go to education in Nepal, where the restaurant's
founder, Tara Gurung Black, is from.
We got complimentary Papadum. Nick's brother Bobby commented that they were great and not too greasy.
We got two orders of plain naan to share among three people. It was so fluffy and yummy.
We ordered two orders of
Chicken Momos because, being one of Nick's favorite foods, he knew that
one order wouldn't be enough, even if it was intended as an appetizer.
They came six to an order. Nick, the momo connoisseur (if such a thing
exists), approved the momos and said he'd recommend them. We ordered the
momos steamed, but pan fried momos are another option here.
I guess Nick and Bobby must
have been really hungry this night because we also ordered Aloo Achaar
as a second appetizer. It was drier than normal, commented Nick. Bobby
liked it. For me, the herbs were too strong and potatoes are generally
not my style anyway. It certainly was full of flavor though.
Nick got the Machha Ko Masu, which is shrimp in curry sauce with ginger, garlic, and onion.
Bobby
got the Kukhura Ko Tarkari, which he commented tasted like a milder
version of Indian chicken curry (which is how Nepalese food typically
tastes).
I had to see for myself what
that storefront banner was all about, so I got the Yak Chili. This was
my first time ever eating Yak Chili and the first thing I noticed was
that it wasn't in a bowl like a typical chili, but rather on a plate.
Despite the lack of expected chili juices, it was really tasty and
flavorful. I'd ordered it mild, but let me tell you it was a medium for
sure spice-wise. Whoa. I'd order it again, even now that the novelty's
worn off, though Nick, who tasted it, is sticking by his allegiance and
says the yak at Tibet Nepal House is better.
I also ordered a Sweet
Lassi, which was a nice contrast to the heat of the chili. It was
unusual in that it had ice in it, but the ice wasn't obtrusive like it
was at Taj Mahal Taste of India in Aruba.
The Raita also had a cooling
effect, though we thought the portion was small. The cucumbers were in
the background, instead of more prominent, which we didn't like.
We wound up with an order of rice, which I'm pretty sure was included with (at least) one of our entrees.
Now
then, on the subject of both rice and good fortune, saagAHH got a most
welcome surprise visit from the Fairy Hobmother of Appliances Online. As a quick Google search will show you,
the Fairy Hobmother visits hard-working bloggers around the globe,
dispensing treats (disclosure: in my case, and in most cases, an
Amazon.com gift card -- which I plan to spend on a rice cooker, yay!) for blogs the fairy enjoys. (The Fairy Hobmother
particularly enjoyed saagAHH's Your First Time (Eating Indian Food)
post.) So, if you're wondering about all of the fairy dust sprinkled
over this post, well, I'd bet one of the Fairy Hobmother's Washing Machines will clean that right up.
Also, if you're a blogger who's reading this, leave a comment on this post with your wish for the Fairy Hobmother, which will put your name in the hat to be next.
Also, if you're a blogger who's reading this, leave a comment on this post with your wish for the Fairy Hobmother, which will put your name in the hat to be next.
Tara's Himalayan Cuisine, 10855 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles (neighborhood: Palms) 90034. (310) 836-9696.
Sweet! A post about yak chili and a Fairy Hobmother?? Awesome. :) I think my wish would have to be for a table top dishwasher.
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I love the fairy Hobmother!! Looks like a wonderful dining experience! Have a great weekend! ~ Ramona
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