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India Sweets & Spices
Master Critic Review
India Sweets & Spices
7.7
Operating since 1985, this hybrid grocery store and cafeteria-style restaurant serves pure vegetarian and vegan home-style cooking at remarkably low prices. The pick-and-point counter service displays prepared dishes in warming trays, allowing visual selection before ordering, while the attached market stocks Indian groceries and spices. Recent addition of an outdoor patio expands the cramped interior dining area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Masala Dosa, Samosas, Jackfruit Curry
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Family-run since 1985 combining grocery market with cafeteria-style vegetarian restaurant at unbeatable prices
Who should go: Budget diners, vegans, and grocery shoppers wanting authentic home-style cooking
When to visit: Lunch rush for freshest rotation of dishes, early afternoon less crowded
What to order: Masala dosa and samosas are legendary, jackfruit curry for vegan protein
Insider tip: Ask for soy chai—they'll make it fresh on request
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building, street parking on Westwood Boulevard usually available
Dress code: Ultra casual - gym clothes and sandals completely normal
Noise level: Moderate to loud - cafeteria-style setup with hard surfaces, conversation possible but not intimate
Weekend wait: No wait - order at counter, seat yourself
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min line at counter during peak 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: 100% vegetarian - entire menu is meat-free
Vegan options: Extensive vegan options - most dishes are naturally vegan or can be made vegan
Gluten-free options: Many options - rice dishes, curries, and lentils are naturally gluten-free, dosas contain wheat
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not recommended - cafeteria trays and fluorescent lighting don't create romantic ambiance, better for casual hangouts with established partners
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service only, always walk-in, rarely a wait for seating
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual environment, mild spice options available, high chairs provided, affordable family pricing
How does the grocery store work? Full Indian grocery attached - shop before or after eating, stock up on spices, lentils, and frozen items while you're there
Is it really that cheap? Incredibly cheap - most people eat for $8-12 including drink, family of four under $40 easily
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious diners wanting authentic home-style vegetarian food, grocery shopping combo trips, quick healthy meals under $15, vegan protein options like jackfruit curry
Skip if: You want full-service dining with ambiance, prefer North Indian restaurant-style preparations over home cooking, need extensive menu with meat options, seeking date night atmosphere