Dining with Danielle: Anokha Cuisine of India

By Danielle Schubert-

Indian food is one of those categories of deliciousness that I just can't live without.  I can't be friends with someone, or date someone who doesn't like Indian food as much as me because I'll just leave them at home when I get a hankering for it, which is often.

Nestled on busy Grant Avenue in downtown Novato sits Anokha Cuisine of India.  Packed to the hilt already at 6 p.m. when we arrive, this little restaurant lives up to it's tasty sister, Lotus in downtown San Rafael.  Anokha's food is fresh and flavorful from start to finish.

Upon entering, the rug reminded me of Indian, Persian and Oriental rugs I'd seen before but all morphed into wall to wall carpeting which softened up the relatively spare walls.  Large, colorful paintings were hung, instead of the more cafeteria-style art you sometimes see.  The buffet area stood empty and unlit and lacked ambiance but hinted of times to come where we'd be lined up to try all the dishes until we needed to un-button our pants because we were so full.

The staff was prompt and courteous, but not over friendly.  Samosas, fried but not greasy, started our meal along with vegetable pakoras (mixed vegetables fried in chickpea flour).  The samosas were complex; you could fully taste the delicious curried potatoes and fresh vegetables instead of just the flour exterior.  The pakoras seemed as if they had egg in them which made them fluffier and even tastier than any pakoras I've ever had before.  Meanwhile, the attentive staff refilled water glasses promptly.

The chai tea wasn't overly sweet; instead it was slightly bitter and light.  It was delicious and a perfect accompaniment to the paneer tikka masala (homemade cheese with spices), bengan bartha (a vegan eggplant dish), and the chicken tikka masala.  The chicken wasn't dry, and it wasn't overpowered by the delicious sauce.  Bengan bartha eggplant was creamy, but not oily and delicious when paired with the homemade cheese.

The aroma at the table was intoxicating leaving us time to think about the simple, yet complex flavors of the food and the perfect company.

Kabuli naan  (brad stuffed with raisins and nuts) is a favorite of mine.  Anokha's kabuli lacked a little in flavor, and the dough tasted too much like pizza dough for my liking but the sauce almost made up for it.

Indian food is one of those things that even though you're just too full, you're always able to manage some dessert.  Their kheer (traditional chilled rice pudding flavored with nuts, cardamon and saffron) was exquisite.  Lightly flavored with a wonderfully slightly firm rice, it was refreshing after the heat of the meal.  Tiny pastry made from milk doused in hot honey syrup (gulub jamun) was next and my personal favorite.  Almost like an Indian donut hole, this was juicy in the center from being submerged in the honey sauce, with a soft, doughy exterior that tasted faintly of essence of rose.

The check appeared out of nowhere without my asking for it, probably because the place was packed.  I must admit, I did feel slightly rushed.  Some advice; don't bother eating the mint that comes with the check; it was bitter and not a good way to end the lovely meal.

The owners of Lotus have done it again with Anokha, spreading a little bit of Indian heaven from San Rafael up to Novato.  It's delicious, well-done cuisine that would please any Indian food lover, like me.

This review is written by a guest contributor to MoreMarin, and is not an employee. 

Anokha Cuisine of India

811 Grant Avenue

Novato

415.892.3440

       

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Comments

[Anne]

This is a very nice review. I love Indian food as well and know the Lotus Restaurant in San Rafael. I definitely have to give Anokha a try next time I'm in the area.
Thanks, Anne

[Alex]

Love this review Danielle, it is very well written and was fun to read. I just had buffet lunch at Anokha Cuisine of India in Novato for the first time today! I have to say I liked it every bit as much as that other restaurant of theirs in San Rafael, Lotus Cuisine of India. Perhaps I am a little biased, because Indian food is my favorite cuisine. Such a treat too for vegetarians and vegans. How I wish I could eat at Anokha or Lotus every day and every night! Plus they both have take-out ordering on their websites, which makes it so easy to indulge.