DT APPETITE: TUSLI EATERY BY KERI FREEMAN
VOL 15 NO 10 - NOVEMBER 11TH - NOVEMBER 17TH, 2021 DTLAWEEKLY.COM
Y R E T A E N A I D N I I S TUL
Still fresh from celebrating India’s annual Diwali festival of lights signifying victory of good over evil, there’s never been a better time to surround ourselves with peace, beauty and the promise of a positive, healthy life.
As individuals, each responsible for our own health and well being, it’s up to us to find our own paths to love and joy. Luckily for DTLA, Main and Forth Streets are the way to Tulsi Indian Eatery. Side Note:Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a healing plant found and celebrated in India for its immune boosting qualities, and sweet aroma. For thousands of years, the people of India have turned to the plant to cure what ails them. Visionaries, Chirag Shah, CEO, Antonio Kanickaraj, Director of Operations and Amjad “AP” Pathan, CMO, opened Tulsi Indian Eatery in DTLA and it’s sister location in Northridge almost simultaneously in 2020, with the purposeful intent of bringing Indian food into America’s mainstream food scene. Where traditionally, Indian food restaurants have been dimly lit enclaves run by mom and pops, offering
well known mainstream dishes, Tulsi brings America affordable, exotic items most may have not yet been exposed to. “We offer full regional menus prepared by master regional chefs; we strive to provide a high quality Indian fast casual dining experience-in that sense we are among the first in the nation.” Said Shah. Upon entering Tulsi on Main, one’s attentions are immediately called to admire its enormous bright and airy modern space. Natural lighting illuminates lime green seating as pale wood decor provides enough proclivity to establish the location as a fast-casual dining room. High above the register are four main menus each representing the regions of India inviting visitors to discover the culinary delights found in the North, South and
West. Because of this, fans have branded the eatery with the catchy term, “India on a plate.” Open Your Mind Then Open Your Mouth Tulsi items are not typical, each requiring an adventurous palate and the intellect to open one’s mind and explore new flavors. From the North, VEGETABLE DUM BIRYANI; Basmati Rice with vegetables and cottage cheese, served with yogurt and pickles - a dish that originated from a 16th Century steam & smoke style of cooking. From the West, PANI PURI SHOTS, eight pieces of crispy puffs filled with a potato bean mixture dipped in spicy cilantro & tamarind masala waters. From the south, (something truly unique) in the form of a rice crepe smothered in cheese, onions and tomatoes filled with potato, onion and masala
