Nibbles + Bites

Savor the of IndiaStreet Food Masala Mastee in Davidson

by Karel Bond Lucander photography by Gayle Shomer Photography

You won’t need your passport to sample the exotic flavors of Indian street food at Masala Mastee in Davidson. Even the name encourages us to break out of the ordinary; Masala means “spice or food” and Mastee “fun,” so prepare your tastebuds for food and fun.

Indian cuisine is fresh and tasty with complex spices. Whether you like hot and spicy, mild and mellow (like me) or somewhere in between, there’s something delicious here to try. I’m a big fan of their Tuk Tuk Samosas and mild Mastee Masala.

“Our dishes can be adjusted to your palate and spice tolerance,” says owner Vishal, who runs the restaurant with his wife and operations manager, Marina. “We can always add more heat, but we can’t take it away. For those who like milder sauces, there’s the Kreamy Korma, Mastee Masala or Malai. Railway Station and Biryani are good if you like a spicy kick. Someone new to Indian food might enjoy Chicken Pakora.”

Left: Masala Mastee owners Marina and Vishal. Above: The popular Pakora Platter.

Atmosphere of “Dhaba” roadside restaurant

Step into Masala Mastee and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the streets of India. With colorful Indian-themed posters on the wall and a modern, funky vibe, their goal was a roadside eatery. This includes the “Tata” brand front end of a truck, which was imported from India and transformed into their service counter. They also have a “Tuk Tuk,” or three-wheeled taxi, from India that they can move outside near their patio seating once spring has sprung.

But the star of Masala Mastee—the street food—highlights casual portability (in 100-percent recyclable containers). There are many options for vegans and vegetarians, with entrees and apps full of healthy vegetables and plant proteins, as well as chicken, lamb and shrimp for meat eaters. Traditional Indian desserts, like rice pudding, have a “MM” twist. In the warmer months, they’ll offer Kulfi (ice cream). “We love kids and want to be known as a family friendly place with good Indian food,” Vishal says. unique, like craft sodas.” Their Strawberry Lassi or Mango Lassi (with optional Boba pearls) is similar to a smoothie.

Also coming soon: Indian beer and wine. “We’ll have Kingfisher beer on tap, wine and bottled beer,” he adds.

A background in restaurant business

Born in New Delhi, India, Vishal’s family moved to Virginia in 1997 when he was 9. They relocated to Cornelius in 2003 and opened Sangam Indian Cuisine. Vishal helped with the family business, graduating with an associate’s degree from Central Piedmont Community College and then completing his bachelor’s degree at Johnson & Wales University in food and beverage industry management.

The Indian food at Sangam is different than Masala Mastee, which has its own distinct flavor profiles. “I wanted it to be different than Sangam and offer something unique,” he says.

Excited about being in Davidson

For six years he and Marina sought a space in Davidson for their restaurant. After considering the Durham area and even a move to Colorado, Vishal’s dream materialized when the right opportunity finally arose. After months of preparing the building and halts due to COVID-19, they opened Masala Mastee last November in the heart of downtown Davidson. “You can’t get the feeling of Davidson anywhere else,” he says. “That’s why I kept coming back here. And the people in Davidson are amazing, by the way.”

Vishal and Marina, originally from Egypt, married in 2016 and enjoy time with their almost 3-year-old son, Shaan. Vishal says running Masala Mastee is a “labor of love, especially meeting our customers.” So, when you’re hungry for something extraordinary, they look forward to introducing you to their Indian street food.

Masala Mastee

107 North Main Street #101, Davidson 704.897.2211 | Masalamastee.com