CLOSED: Himalayan Cafe and Grill

Himalayan Cafe and Grill in Santa Rosa serves up authentic Indian and Himalayan dishes including tikka masala, palak paneer, daal, naan and more.

Palak paneer at Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa
Palak paneer at Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa

CLOSED
Namaste, my little pakora.

Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa
Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa

I dropped by this new strip-mall Indian/Himalayan restaurant on Mendocino Avenue about a month ago, and was really impressed. Not surprisingly, since Himalayan Cafe & Grill was a favorite of mine when they were located in Windsor several years ago.

Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa
Tikka Masala at Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa

What was a depressing steam table of meh biryani and tikka masala has been transformed into a cozy little eatery with wood tables and some spectacular Indian food. Top picks include lentil soup (dal), which is rich and flavorful rather than it’s usually watery counterpart; fresh butter naan, exotically spiced biryani (rice with dried fruits and meat), saag paneer (fresh cheese in creamy spinach sauce) and my surprise favorite, tofu chili. Stir fried tofu is punched up with red onions, peppers, spices and a touch of heat.

Tofu chili at Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa
Tofu chili at Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa

The only miss: Very tough cubes of chicken in our Tikka Masala. We’re willing to forgive and forget, however, since the other dishes were so impressive.

Tofu chili at Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa
Pakora at Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa

1880 Mendocino Ave, Suite D, Santa Rosa, himalayancatering.com Open for lunch and dinner, but closed Sunday.

daal at Tofu chili at Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa
daal at Himalayan Cafe & Grill in Santa Rosa

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