Ueno/Okachimachi’s Andhra Kitchen (still among our very favourites in Tokyo) celebrated their 6th anniversary in August, and the meal they prepared to honour the day is this month's iCOTM.
Both the vegetarian and non-veg Thali feasts on offer were so plentiful that everyone in our party left stuffed like kulcha, but all agreed it was some of the best Indian food we’d tasted anywhere. My vegetarian Thali came with a starter of exquisite Idli and Vada (savoury lentil cake and fritter, respectively) which could have been a meal unto themselves with accompanying Sambar (soup), coconut and tomato chutneys. Then came the course: Ulava Charu and Dasakaya Pappu (both lentil soups), fried cauliflower, Gutti Vankaya (an absolutely outstanding stuffed eggplant curry), Aratikaya Pulusu (wonderful spicy vegetable and banana curry), Vegetable Pulav (a dry veg and rice dish, like a Biriyani), Basmati rice (of course), a rich Malabar Parota (flat bread), and a Rava Laddu (sweet coconut desert cake).
If you think that menu’s a mouthful, try putting it in your belly. I’ve never known Andhra to be anything less than spectacular, but they really outdid themselves for the anniversary. If you haven’t sampled their wares yet, do yourself a big favour and try them out. Bring some friends while you’re at it - this food is meant to be shared!
Both the vegetarian and non-veg Thali feasts on offer were so plentiful that everyone in our party left stuffed like kulcha, but all agreed it was some of the best Indian food we’d tasted anywhere. My vegetarian Thali came with a starter of exquisite Idli and Vada (savoury lentil cake and fritter, respectively) which could have been a meal unto themselves with accompanying Sambar (soup), coconut and tomato chutneys. Then came the course: Ulava Charu and Dasakaya Pappu (both lentil soups), fried cauliflower, Gutti Vankaya (an absolutely outstanding stuffed eggplant curry), Aratikaya Pulusu (wonderful spicy vegetable and banana curry), Vegetable Pulav (a dry veg and rice dish, like a Biriyani), Basmati rice (of course), a rich Malabar Parota (flat bread), and a Rava Laddu (sweet coconut desert cake).
If you think that menu’s a mouthful, try putting it in your belly. I’ve never known Andhra to be anything less than spectacular, but they really outdid themselves for the anniversary. If you haven’t sampled their wares yet, do yourself a big favour and try them out. Bring some friends while you’re at it - this food is meant to be shared!
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