While most of Hawaii has no shortage of Asian cuisine, Indian food is a completely different story. There are plenty of Indian residents, but very few Indian restaurants in Honolulu. That’s why, following the Mumbai attacks on Thursday, my friend and I were on a hunt to find something in the way of decent and affordable Indian food this weekend.
My pug’s dogsitters had told me there was a decent place near Kapahulu and Waialae, but not remembering the name, and therefore needing to perform a Google search I came up with two restaurants in the area: India Caf and Caf Taj Mahal. Trying to recall the name, I (wrongly) chose the India Caf .
Tucked in the center of quaint Kilohana Square on Kapahulu Avenue, India Caf , while offering a nice atmosphere does not offer exceptional food - just something edible and somewhat tasty south Indian and Malaysian cuisine. My friend and I ordered the garlic onion dosai, lamb masala, spinach tofu korma, and mango lassi drinks, and were reasonably pleased with each, but didn’t jump out of our chairs in delight. The lamb was by far the best of the bunch.
The prices at the Caf are pretty reasonable, though. Appetizers and breads start at just $2, and main dishes start at $9. I would recommend it simply because there are so few Indian restaurant even worth going to.
Hours: Lunch on Friday-Sundays only from 11-2 p.m.; Dinner all nights from 5-9 p.m.
India Caf
1016 Kapahulu Ave.
Suite 180 (enter through Kihei Place)
Honolulu, HI 96818
www.indiacafehawaii.com