You know those restaurants where every time you go, you eat too much – not because the portions are too bit, and not because you don’t know the menu and have to try everything at once – but because it tastes so good that you always need just “one more bite” until you just can’t? For me, that place is a little hole-in-the-wall Indian restaurant in Ventura, California. If you love Indian food, I dare you to eat here and not overdo it just a little.
Sitting at the end of a neighborhood strip mall, Himalaya is an unassuming little spot boasting traditional Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese cuisine.
Entrees are served sort of family-style, without sides included and designed to share, which is perfect because you get to choose every detail of your meal. I highly recommend the Paneer Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, and Vegetable Korma.
There is always the dilemma of whether to order an appetizer - particularly these Aloo Tikka that don’t look like much but are packed with flavor, or the spicy crispy Kathmandu Chili Chicken - knowing that it will mean too much food in the end. But they are hard to resist, and who doesn’t love flavorful leftovers?!
I have always loved TandoorI Chicken (when it’s done right and not dry, of course) and Himalaya does not disappoint. However, this dish with a weird name (the restaurant’s words, not mine) has one-upped Tandoori for me. Newari Choila is tender, moist pieces of char-grilled chicken that has been marinated in fresh ginger, garlic, and Himalayan spices. So good!
I guarantee that you will be full, but please save just a teeny bit of room if you can for the unique homemade ice cream. You have a choice between Coconut, Mango, and my personal favorite, Pistachio.
Have you ever been to this highly-rated Indian restaurant in Ventura, California? Share your thoughts (and your favorite dish!) with us in the comments. Find restaurant hours, menu, etc. on the Himalaya website or follow Himalaya Ventura on Facebook. Want a fun little adventure in Ventura before heading to dinner or after a nice long lunch? Downtown Ventura has some great shopping. Check out this California Thrift Store Experience!
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