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Last year my feelings about Indian food went from 0-10 in a matter of one week. Prior to that time, I ignorantly assumed all Indian food was “covered in curry,” which was, in my mind, a thick, pungent green sauce I’d tried in Australia and quite disliked. Eventually a friend convinced me to try Electric Karma, telling me there is so much more to Indian Food than curry, which really just means “sauce.” I’ve tried many Indian restaurants around the greater LA area, but this place remains my absolute favorite … not only because of the authentic food and kind hospitality, but also because of the exotic outdoor/indoor patio area. A few low tables are surrounded by fluffy over sized pillows and couches. Candle light makes the entire room glow, highlighting the warm reds and rich oranges that blanket the room. A gurgling fountain lets the sound of running water sooth the soul, while you sip fine Indian wine. There are gorgeous murals painted on the golden yellow walls, my favorite being the “blue goddess.”

I’m moving to Aspen Co. next week, where there is no Indian food to my knowledge, so I’ve been eating as much of it as possible before I head to the mountains. I took my friend Anna to Electric Karma last week and here’s a delicious account of our meal. I began with a glass of their white wine from India … it’s slightly fruity, but not too sweet. She ordered mango sangria which tasted like white wine with mango juice in it … not amazing but ok if you like really sweet drinks.

As a true eggplant lover, I could not pass up the sautéed Japanese eggplant covered with tomato sauce and ginger yogurt. Each bite melted like butter in my mouth. The tart tangy yogurt and tomato paired perfectly with the sweet eggplant. You’ll find it under salads on the menu, though it seemed more of an appetizer to me.

Next we ordered samosas, because how can you not when you’re eating Indian food, right? 3 little packages of crisp dough arrived fried to a deep golden brown and filled with creamy potatoes, peas, and herbs. The tamarind chutney served with was savory, spicy, and sweet. Addicting!

They brought out the olive naan with the raita sauce, and mango chutney. The naan bread, baked in their tandoor, is fluffy, chewy and slightly crisp on the edges. They have a large variety of flavors including cheese stuffed and a coconut cherry naan! The refreshing raita made from plain yogurt, grated cucumber and onions is so divine I could (and do) eat it as a cold soup. Spread a piece of naan with a little raita and the spicy, syrup sweet mango chutney, sit back, close your eyes and taste heaven.

For our entree … yes we still had more food arriving because it’s all so good I can never order enough … the chef/owner Paramjit Singh Khinda recommended we try the Nirvana Chicken, but replace the chicken with Lamb Tikka. This was the very best lamb dish I’d had so far at Electric Karma! The lamb, which is marinated in yogurt and 17 spices, was perfectly tender and drenched in a velvety coconut masala curry with chili. To die for! I’ve never been able to indulge in dessert at this wonderful Indian eatery, since all the savory food is so flavorful, it’s difficult to even think about saving room for something sweet. Electric Karma will always be on my list of “must visit” restaurants whenever I’m back in LA.

Electric Karma
8222 1/2 W Third St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (323) 653-2121

Speaking of Karma … I am writing a new blog called KarmalizedLife. Feel free to check it out!
With gratitude for great Indian food - FoodFlirt90210

By foodflirt90210 (see more of her posts). You can find more of foodflirt90210's writing at her own website foodflirt90210