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Indian food in WS

Started 1 year ago by curryman
Latest reply from Seattle_Rose

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curryman
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Hello everyone -
I am interested in opening a takeway curry shop (with a few tables for dine in)in West Seattle. The food would focus on fresh and local ingredients, organic where available. The menu would be simple and small so I can focus on making high quality meals. Does this interest anyone? Would you try it? Any thoughts are much appreciated!
Thanks!
Curry Man

Posted 1 year ago #
andasai
Member Profile

Definitely! We are curry fanatics and drive all the way to Renton several times a month to eat at Naan n' Curry. Although I am a fan of fresh, local and organic ingredients, what I'm most after, is taste, complexity of spices and reasonable prices. Good luck!

Posted 1 year ago #
pigeonmom
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Yes yes yes yes and yes! :-D

Posted 1 year ago #
maplesyrup
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It all depends on where you want to put your shop.

But yeah I would eat more Indian food- especially for lunch- if it were good and convenient.

Posted 1 year ago #
AlkiCabCompany
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Pabla in Renton is really good. We go all the way there for good Indian food. Because they are vegetarian and know what Vegan means. Organic would be totally awesome. But yeah..that would be awesome to have a nice place to go on the west siide.

Posted 1 year ago #
voodoo
Member Profile

Ditto on the "depends on where you want to put your shop." I'd be more likely to visit you in the Alaska junction, Morgan junction, or Westwood areas than Admiral or Alki, just due to my traffic patterns.
Simple and small is fine, as long as the food is good. A new Indian takeout place, Saffron Spice, opened fairly recently in Pike Place Market and I really enjoy their food, which is always fresh and very reasonable, even though the selection is limited.

Posted 1 year ago #
guidosmom
Member Profile

I would love another good indian restaurant that uses local/organic ingredients.
I LOVE Royal India in Admiral, but if something were just as good and local/organic, I'd most likely choose that. Good luck! Keep us all posted.

Posted 1 year ago #
westseattledood
Member Profile

I try to cook Indian at home, but I'm a mere amateur who dabbles with a lot of failures. I love experimenting with spice blends a bit to put a new spin on common veggies in particular. Using a Bengali cook book as my guide thus far, I've learned to keep an eye out for sources of good Indian food (Seattle author - Bharti Kirchner "The Healthy Cuisine of India"). But I've not seen anything but the Royal India, which I admit I've not been into because I have the same hesitation/expectation, right or wrong, that the ultra-coagulated curry thing will be happening. I guess I should go try RI to be fair, I suppose.

If your curry is not the kind too many restaurants seem to end up with, which is the visually unappealing stuff which might taste just ok, but seems to have overly thickened in a most unappetizing way, I'll be there.

I'm not a technical kind of cook, so I don't know what those kitchens are doing to make sauces and curries appearance seem like that but it's a total turn off to me. If you do something that is fresh and prepared to order as much as possible, you will definitely have an audience of one, at least, here in WS. :)

I think doing lunch specials would be a smart way to go around here too and not just because it's a more economical way for many folks to eat out; it's just that I've noticed restaurants in WS are hoppin' busy then.

My two cents. Good luck.

Posted 1 year ago #
wsgolfer
Member Profile

Curryman, I would *love* to see an authentic Indian takeaway in West Seattle!!

That being said, please keep it truly authentic. To me, this means no neon red/orange food dye for the masalas, (esp the chicken tikka), no actual 'curry powder' - that being a western invention and not a reflection of any specific Indian food, and no excessive use of heavy cream. Contrary to most perception, and the food served in 9 out of 10 Indian restaurants, good Indian food doesn't need to be heavy, greasy or artificially colored!

Bonus points for using in season, local ingredients, and double bonus points for making some fresh bread that isn't Naan (like Rotis, Phulkas etc).

Good luck! We look forward to being customers!!

Posted 1 year ago #
curryman
Member Profile

Thanks to everyone for your postings - I really appreciate your thoughts and suggestions! All of your posts are making me very excited, so please keep your thoughts coming!

I would like to know from you all...
What are your favorite Indian dishes? Are you more interested in traditional dishes or are you open to a few unique options which are my own creation?

As I mentioned, I want to keep the menu simple. But most importantly, I want to provide the right mix of options. There will definitely be vegetarian options, as I know there are a lot of people out there who are looking for no meat items too.

Thanks again to everyone for their positve responses!

Curry Man

Posted 1 year ago #
Garden_nymph
Member Profile

Curry Man,

This sounds wonderful! I wish you the best and look forward to tasting what you come up with. I love curry, but cannot handle spicy hot food. Please offer something for those hot food wimps among us.

Posted 1 year ago #
pigeonmom
Member Profile

How about India via Malaysia? Roti Canai is out of this world good!
rasamalaysia.com/roti-canai-roti-paratha-recipe/
I would love you forever if you served that. :-)

Posted 1 year ago #
westseattledood
Member Profile

Oh yes! I love Malaysian too! When I worked at PP Market years ago, I was addicted to the coconut curry a stand made (just across the aisle from Jack's (the cioppino place)...omg, soooo lush and then they topped it on fresh steamed veggies from the market vendors. So. So. Good.

So, yes, curryman, a little Malaysian thrown in might be fab. (But no fusion though- I say keep it all authentic/traditional but with healthy upgrades). That's your niche.

Mint Raita
Lime Lassi
chunky tomato chutney
dal dumplings

(do these fresh and I'll be a regular)

Posted 1 year ago #
Debby
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That would be great!

Posted 1 year ago #
MargL
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My favorite dish: a sweet and savory (but MILD) chicken korma over rice with a side of naan and samosas. I'm a spice-wimp too, so I'd second the request for mild-curry options.

Posted 1 year ago #
k
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i welcome any GOOD new restaurant. indian would be great!!

Posted 1 year ago #
dawsonct
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As long as you realize that, along with spice wimps, we have spice lovers, so when I (or one of my compatriots) ask for it hot, I don't mean a mild tingle a few minutes after swallowing.
I know what the rice and bread is for.
---
Some traditional, some of your own creations; all would be great. Please open soon, I'm getting hungry.

Posted 1 year ago #
Lena
Member Profile

I would also love to see another Indian option in West Seattle. I love Indian food but am also allergic to dairy (I eat meat) so I would love to have at least one or two non-dairy options. We especially love the Saags and channa masala. Also love the curries:-)

Posted 1 year ago #
HolyKow
Member Profile

I have found Royla India to be more than adequate. Good food. Hot food. Take-out.

Marhaj on the Cali Strip was OK, but the RI took it hands down.

That is for what we have now. We would try another should it pop up.

I need a Tandor Oven.

hk

Posted 1 year ago #
pigeonmom
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hk, this one's on sale
http://is.gd/cPe7O
it's only $2,999.99 ;)
"Only 5 left in stock--order soon."

Posted 1 year ago #
waterworld
Member Profile

Curryman: We would love to see some authentic, tasty, local Indian here in WS. I've spent time in several areas of India, and I love all the food, but especially South Indian, which is hard to find outside of Redmond. Thali, dosas, idli, and spicy curries. I second the suggestion for non-naan breads -- I love buttery paratha -- and staying out of Alki, where I never go. Oh, and south indian coffee! I have yet to find that anywhere around here.

We wouldn't be in the lunch crowd, given where we work, but take-out is our preferred choice many nights.

Keep us all posted on when you are opening!

Posted 1 year ago #
curryman
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Thanks again to everyone for your posts! You have great suggestions - keep them coming!

More to come as I develop my plan further...

Posted 1 year ago #
angelescrest
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Couldn't you do your curry thing in that space vacated by All the Best on Alki? We miss them,but would miss them less if we could have fresh Indian food. Oh, please. We'd be there at least twice a week.

Posted 1 year ago #
nighthawk
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Yes, to Indian in W. Seattle. I'm also a fan of Naan n Curry in Renton.

Posted 1 year ago #
CrystalizedGinger
Member Profile

Alaska Junction has Indian, Admiral has one too.
Alki doesn't. Would be even better if you had a walk-up window in addition to sit-down, so on cooler days I can walk and wrap my hands around a bowl of curry on top of rice/noodles/by itself.
Mmmmmm....just like the curry stands in London.

Posted 1 year ago #
andasai
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I love: any vindaloo dishes (prefer chicken), saag paneer, eggplant bharta, any spicy daal dishes, alu gobi masala. Love roti or naan. Would love to top off my meal with something sweet like shahi kheer (rice pudding). Yum, getting hungry!

Posted 1 year ago #
Garden_nymph
Member Profile

Let me please be the first to volunteer to be a taste tester! All this talk has made me so very hungry. As one of my favorite old commercials used to chant, "Open, open, open, open..." Remember, "If you build it, they will come!" I know I will!

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
Member Profile

the trouble with ethnic food in america is that restaurants end up Americanizing it to cater to more customers...

you need a dish or two like that to bring new customers in.. and a couple of traditional dishes to satisfy those who have to have it just like they think they remember it from somewhere else... but what separates a line cook from a chef is the personal spin they put on their food.

Having encountered chefs in the most unlikely places including roadside stands... i vote for indulging your passion in a dish or two..

As for location.. the thing about take out is that it is so much more successful if there is someplace to park your car while you pick it up. it doesn't have to be a dedicated lot as Zippy's has proven with it's limited lot.. but it does have to exist in the neighborhood. As much as i love Alki.. I don't go there when i can't easily park... so you might want to think outside the junctions as well.

if you make it.. i will come:)

Posted 1 year ago #
dawsonct
Member Profile

Will you concentrate only on Indian curries, or would you branch out and offer Burmese and Malaysian curries? No need to add Thai curries to the menu, those are well covered in our region.

Posted 1 year ago #
shannon
Member Profile

Curry Man!!!

Yes, yes, yes!
I love Indian Food. So much! And am not enthralled with what West Seattle has to offer. Morgan Junction is where you should be! There are a lot of vacant storefronts along California to the north of Fauntleroy. Walk up window for lunch would be super!

As for dish recommendations, if you have a decent Biryani dish...I will be in heaven. Even my fave Indian restaurants seem to fall short with their Biryani. Naan is a must, same with Samosas. And Curries, of course!

Lastly, ditto what was said above about the spice lovers/haters. I am not a big spiciness fan, but my hubby is. So when we go out, it's usually me getting one star and him getting five. Being able to accommodate this would be awesome.

Wishing you success in your ventures...even if it's not in Morgan Junction. :)

Posted 1 year ago #
maplesyrup
Member Profile

I'd agree with the Morgan Junction location, just because I'm moving my office near there soon.

Posted 1 year ago #
miws
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And sadly, what seems like it would be a perfect location in the Morgan Junction, (former Tully's, in Thriftway's parking lot) is soon to be a cell phone sales place. :-(

Mike

Posted 1 year ago #
ws4ever
Member Profile

Wow. Any chance you could relocate to Westwood Village? Pabla has excelled in that small mall in Renton. Their food is fantastic and healthy, so a smaller version of their restaurant would be welcome here!

Posted 1 year ago #
newnative
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curry takeout in Alaska Junction sounds great, walking distance for me. I have to say that this topic made me crave the lunch buffet at Royal India yesterday. I had my fill and loved it!

Posted 1 year ago #
VestaLight
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YESSSS!!!!! We live in Highland park, but would definitely drive for good curry & naan.

Posted 1 year ago #
mlfrye
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YES! We love Indian and mostly frequent Royal India in Admiral. It is close, but good too. Alki would be great (there needs to be better restaurants down there)! but I'd totally travel to Alaska Jct.

I'd say an accurate spice rating is key. Nothing worse than ordering 1-star and having your tongue melt off or a 5-star and not breaking a sweat!

Like the simple choice idea. Keep some classics (korma) and perhaps branch out to those that could deal (vege).

Good NAAN!!!

Can't wait!

Posted 1 year ago #
westseattledood
Member Profile

This thread clearly got to me. I went to RI for lunch for the first time. Meh.

I think if you were to provide a quality, healthy Indian/Malaysian option in the southern/eastern part of WS, I'd think it very clever and astute of you.

Posted 1 year ago #
curryman
Member Profile

Great suggestions - and thanks for all of the encouragement!

Ok,time for a vote! Best location?

Admiral Junction
Alaska Junction
Morgan Junction
Alki
Or...maybe you have a different suggestion!

Would you pull over to grab a curry in a location such as where Prost is located?

I went all around West Seattle today, studying the different areas...really enjoyed and I found some places that I had never even noticed. Hard choice though!

Posted 1 year ago #
westseattledood
Member Profile

Why position yourself too close to other Indian restaurants?

Go South - if it is good, folks will drive there. Look at Zippy's and Full Tilt and Proletariat and Giannoni's as your inspiration. If they can do it because of quality, why wouldn't you?

Just a thought.

Posted 1 year ago #
angelescrest
Member Profile

When the weather is blechy, it's hard to get up the urge to drive somewhere for food. Meaning, the more central the location, the better you'll do year-round (though I'm on Alki and would love to have you around the block).

Posted 1 year ago #
AlkiCabCompany
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yep..I will drive all the way to the UW district for my favorite restaurant. If you make it right..they will come. That is the key! Make it right..not some version of what you think Americans want. Don't be afraid to make it authentic. And don't be afraid of Alki..hehe. We live here too..so a little biased.

Posted 1 year ago #
pigeonmom
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I vote for Morgan Junction or South of there.

Posted 1 year ago #
mlfrye
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Near Prost/Bohemian/Swinery area is a great choice actually - that little region is really developing nicely (and gives you a buffer from RI in Admiral). Alki or Morgan would be fine too; I'd be worried that you'd get lost in the shuffle in AK Jct.

When do the menu tests start? I'll volunteer!

Posted 1 year ago #
shannon
Member Profile

I vote for Morgan Junction or somewhere along the way from Alaska to Morgan (similar to Prost/ Bohemian...how they are in between junctions). And yes, I would (and do) stop at Bohemian/Prost locations for something I wanted to eat. My main reason for not wanting to see you down on Alki is because parking sucks down there, and while I don't mind it that much, my hubby hates going down there and dealing with it...and really I just want the Indian food without the hassle of parking/husband. ;)

Posted 1 year ago #
Sue
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I think parking is definitely important, even if just street parking. I don't go to the area where Prost/Bohemian are because I can never find parking. I also rarely go to Alki for the same reason (unless it's for breakfast very early on the weekend before the crowds get there). I don't go to Morgan Junction as much anymore either because parking has become more difficult.

As for location, I think somewhere between Morgan Junction/Westwood/Highland Park would be a great area for this type of shop. Admiral and Alaska Junction each have indian already, as has been pointed out.

Posted 1 year ago #
austin
Member Profile

Parking is an issue almost no matter where. I've found that there is always street parking within a block or two of Prost/Bohemian, but I've also heard people say that there is no parking at the Alaska Junction despite a few blocks of free lots behind the shops. Both the reality and perceptions of parking availability are something a new establishment has to contend with, particularly in the takeaway market.

Posted 1 year ago #
Hydrangea
Member Profile

Delridge is an untapped market. Consider North Delridge! You should see all the cars going up and down all day long, not to mention the buses full of people. Put in a tasty restaurant, and I'm sure you will have customers lining up! Those of us who live in the area would appreciate more restaurants we can walk to.

Posted 1 year ago #
squareeyes
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If you locate in the Morgan Junction you'll get a ton of business from the patrons at Beveridge Place.

Also ONION BHAJII!!

Posted 1 year ago #
curryman
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Hello Folks ! !

Many thanks again for all your suggestions regarding menu and location. We'll let you know about the tasting and menu when we are closer to opening our doors.
Its going to take a while before we open.
Stay Tuned and feel free to drop us any suggestions and ideas.
thanks again,

Posted 1 year ago #
roguedelux
Member Profile

Westwood area needs more eating options, especially Indian. I would grab and go if in the hood. Good luck!

Posted 1 year ago #