Eat It And Love It is written by 6 friends in Pittsburgh, PA - we have 2 vegetarians, 2 vegans, and 2 omnivores in our group. We don't make any money from the site and do the reviews for fun and to aid others when searching for the perfect spot to eat!
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Udipi definitely has its own style. It is aptly named a cafe because it is set up like an American diner and is decorated sparcely with unmatted, unframed Indian artwork. The floor is a black and white checked tile similar to one you would likely find in a classic diner. The utensils are plastic and are supplied in abundance in small cups next to a stack of napkins. I also LOVE that they give you a pitcher full of water to refill your own cup at your leisure--very simple and logical.
I also found the menu to be somewhat unique. We ordered dishes we are familiar with from other restaurants as a means to compare quality, but as we waited for our meals, we noticed the interesting dishes being served to the other patrons. One in particular looked like a basketball sized and shaped hollow bread served with a small portion of vegetable curry. The bread is meant to be torn apart and used to eat the curried vegetables. Mike scolded me several times for staring at people eating this dish. I couldn't help it! It was so different from anything else I've ever seen. I will write another review when we return to try the ball of dipping bread. I can't wait!
I won't go any further than to say the food was good. As I consistently say, Taste of India is still the best. The prices at Udipi were somewhat inexpensive when compared to other Indian restaurants in the area; the average entree cost about $6.99. I thought this cost reduction was appropriate since you're not really paying for any real panache.
I look forward to going back the next time we're in the Monroeville area. I am intrigued by the unique dishes I mentioned.
Udipi Cafe - MAP
4141 Old William Penn Hwy
Monroeville, PA 15146
(412) 373-5581
indianfoodsco.com.
Posted by Corinne at October 9, 2006 07:44 PM
One in particular looked like a basketball sized and shaped hollow bread served with a small portion of vegetable curry. The bread is meant to be torn apart and used to eat the curried vegetables.
This dish is called Chana (or Chole) Batura. The Batura is pretty much like a fresh flour tortilla that's fried until it balloons up. The Chana (also called Chole) is made of chick peas, onions and indian spices.
Posted by: sri at October 9, 2006 09:13 PM
I love the udipi cafe and just wish I knew the names of all the dishes so I could order intelligently when I go there! They have a divine cilantro flavored condiment they serve with some dishes; I don't know what it's called, also a rice(?) pancake-y thing with onions I had once. I saw someone eating that big hollow bread, too. I don't get there too often because my husband is a meat-eater and doesn't like that it's vegetarian; I have to go with friends who don't care about that.
Posted by: Rebecca at October 30, 2006 02:47 PM