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| - This has historically been my favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately I eat a diet that isn't compatible with the carb-heavy S. Indian diet, but that doesn't change the fact that I will occasionally cheat and have a good meal here, and I will never stop praising it!
There is no 'atmosphere', unless you count the fact that it looks like your average restaurant in Chennai. It's clean, spartan diner booths, and up until a couple years ago didn't even use silverware (plastic forks and paper napkins in a cup at every table). But the food is what makes this restaurant amazing.
My favorite dish is the vegetable pullao, which is a mixture of rice and vegetables with spices served with raita. All of the dosas (big thin crepes) are wonderful, and it's difficult to choose a favorite-- you can't really go wrong. All of the chutneys are amazing, though the hari (green cilantro chutney) is the best in my opinion. The curries are good, too, but definitely not the strong point of the restaurant.
Udipi has some of the best appetizers around. The best thing to do is order the appetizer sampler and share it with someone-- the combination of samosas, onion pakora (like onion rings), potato pakora, chili pakora, etc. is deep fried heaven. The idli are a healthier option, and they're always cooked to perfection. Light and fluffy and filling.
The food is very cheap and high quality. The waitstaff might seem a little gruff at first, but they're all really great, friendly people whom I've gotten to know over the years. Be prepared to wait if you choose to go during peak hours on weekends, after temple or during Hindu holidays. During off hours, there is never a wait, but I have waited up to an hour for a table during peak times.
Make sure to check out the Indian goods import store, Shingar, next door for Bollywood films to rent or purchase, saris, beautiful jewelry and religious decor.
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