Masalaa

After dining at your local Star/Little/Taste of India, have you ever asked yourself, "Why did I waste $16.95 on overcooked Korma and watery Chai tea?" Chances are you’ve also had your fair share of greasy curries, saccharine sweet mango lassies, and chutney from a jar. Leave those bad memories behind and seek out Masalaa Fine Indian Vegetarian Cuisine. Located near the intersection of 1-225 and Parker Road, Masalaa blends into a strip mall with monotone blue signs. Don’t be fooled by its plain façade, inside awaits a culinary excursion far from strip mall-style Indian cuisine.

Upon arrival, the smell of fragrant spices is the first thing to greet you. You will be led to a table in one of two rooms, each warmly decorated in a homey style with paintings of India, and linen covered tables. The quotes on the wall from Mahatma Gandhi almost speak louder than the servers, but food arrives quickly even on a busy Saturday night.

The extensive (almost overwhelming) menu of authentic vegetarian Indian cuisine is a little vague, and the practically non-existent servers don’t much help either. Masalaa aims to impress with four pages of exotic delicacies, all prepared to order. Surprisingly though, the menu is never compromised with hints of Americana, even on the kids menu (!).

First time customers should just point to something and order- the chances of success are high. Try a few of the very reasonably priced appetizers to start your voyage. The Mulaga Bajji ($3.95), deep fried jalapeño peppers dipped in chickpea batter, served with a cooling coconut sauce, will satisfy any heat cravings. The Gobi 65 ($3.95), deep fried cauliflower marinated in spicy yogurt, served with a cilantro sauce are also delicious. A surprising discovery is Vada Pao ($4.95), fried potato bonda stuffed between buttered rolls. It doesn’t sound like much, but the cold mustard seed and curry spiced potato cakes are scrumptious. To even further distance yourself from your chalky Chicken Tikka nightmares, order an Uthappam (starting at $7.50), a pancake of lentil and rice flour, or Dosa ($6.50), an impressive looking crepe served with savory condiments.

Once you have managed to select an entree, the feast continues. The Vegetable Korma ($9.95) is perfumed of coconut and cardamom, but the lack of salt doesn’t let the spices do any justice to the mundane mix of overcooked broccoli, peas, and carrots. The Aloo Masala (9.95) is a very satisfying dish of potatoes in a rich (borderline greasy) sauce. The servings of complimentary rice are very generous, and the steaming Phulka bread ($2.50) erases any bad feelings about bland sauces. If you still have room at the end of the meal, complete your experience with Gajjar Halwa ($3.95), warm carrots and milk flavored with nuts and saffron, or Gulab Jamun ($3.95), milk balls in cardamom-flavored syrup.

Masalaa doesn’t just attempt to serve authentic Indian cuisine, they actually do. The food is delicious, satisfying both strict vegetarian Hindu and hedonistic omnivores alike. So next time you get a craving for an Indian meal that won’t leave you disappointed, you know where to go: Masalaa Fine Indian Vegetarian Cuisine.

Masalaa Fine Indian Vegetarian Cuisine

Vegetarian Indian│3140 S. Parker Rd., Aurora, 303-755-6272, masalaausa.com; Delivery 303-534-TOGO; Take Out/Catering 303-755-6272│$1.95-$16.50│Hours:11:30-2:30, 5:30-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11:30-2:30, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday; noon-3, 5-10:30 p.m. Saturday; noon-3, 5-10 p.m. Sunday; all credit cards accepted

Front Burner: Authentic vegetarian Indian cuisine made to order in a pleasant, warm atmosphere. Water glasses always full and quick service.
Back Burner: Bring your own saltshaker, napkins, and friendly conversation; your server cannot offer any of the above.