Chat Patti

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
Nestled between an exotic fabric store and Taj Mahal Imports grocery in the predominantly South Asian Briarcliff Shopping Center, this modest space betrays little of its bounty at its cafeteria assembly-line counter. The menu isn't translated, but you can peek at the offerings and the father and daughter proprietors warmly explain and recommend dishes.

The Food
Potatoes, jalapenos, lentils and chickpeas saturate the meat-free menu. Like marketplace stand snacks, the fried offerings are nice for sharing, and they're not too greasy. Order the vegetarian thali for an assortment of foods, including curried and cucumber soups and vegetable stew, best scooped up with puri--rounds of fluffed, fried wheat bread. Bhel puri mixes puffed rice, potatoes, hot chilies, sweet chutney and cilantro. Dhosa are savory potato, onion and chutney-stuffed crepes. Mango Lassi, a blended yogurt drink is refreshing and try sweetened wheat flour and pistachio yogurt cheese balls for dessert.