LAist: Bharat Bazaar versus India Sweets and Spices: it’s on!

Elise

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:05:53 -0800

I used to live behind Bharat and their samosas kick ass! Especially doused in that fiery Channa Masala. I love the deli at the the Sherman Way valley Sweets and Spices, but the one on Los Feliz isn't as good for some reason. I do love the old man who works in the store at the Los Feliz location. I can just ask for for movies like "you know, where Durga Maa sets things on fire with her eyes" and he always gives me good ones.

marta

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 15:22:44 -0800

Thank you for the thorough comparison! now I’m craving for Indian food... I will try Bharat and the Los Feliz India Sweets and Spices...

callie

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:33:37 -0800

Thank you for doing the comparison -- I've always wondered, but default to India Sweets & Spices because I'm more familiar with it. For great Indian food (without a market) in Pasadena that no one has mentioned yet: All India Cafe in old town off of Colorado. Outstanding.

ubrayj02

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:27:12 -0800

Bharat Bazaar Auntie is great. She runs her store like a shop in India, but requires South American labor to achieve this. When they are in season, her mangos are usually some of the best I've been able to find. She has the hookups with good Indo-produce. No matter the temperature outside, it is always a little sweltering in Bharat Bazaar - just like a crammed little canteen in India. Buy some Samosa's to go - you will not be disappointed. India Sweets and Spices (ISS) has been in L.A. fo-eva, and is run by Mr. Jawal, who is very acive in the Indo-American community. In my experience, the Los Feliz location is much better that the Culver City spot, and is staffed by Mr. Jawal's family members most of the time (I think they keep a better eye on the food production). Also: I can't believe you skipped the computer-at-every-table Annapurna (located at the corner of Venice and Motor!). A great place to watch young indian couples buying dinner because the wife is too modern to cook, and they are both well educated and paid, but cannot afford servants like they would have in India to make their food for them. Also, their south indian fare is the bomb - fresh, fast, and cheap. For North Indian, the Ludhiana Chicken at Ambala Dhaba on Westwood Blvd (by Santa Monica Blvd) is a bit expensive, but absolutely life changing. Ludhiana Chicken! Try some now! This place is owned by an inerntational travller named Champi Khurana, and he has picked up some amazing techniques for making Punjabi cuisine. If he is still running the business (he might have retired, or moved on and sold the place recently), the food will be excellent.

catlipswe

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:12:23 -0800

oh, wait, you say they play pop music videos....man, that is a tough call...

catlipswe

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:11:09 -0800

i've never been to bharat either but i can definitely vouch for the deliciousness, cheapness, and friendliness of los feliz' india sweets & spices. i have to know, though, does bharat have the option of watching vintage bollywood movies while you eat? cos if not, i think sweets and spices winds hands down on that alone.

Ivan

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:03:00 -0800

Although I have never been to Bharat, I have been to three different India Sweets & Spices locations and I can tell you that the one in Culver City isn't as good as the one in Los Feliz. The Los Feliz location is MUCH larger and has a wider variety of food. Also, I found the staff to be friendly and they never try to upsell you. In fact, when I order dishes separately they always tell me that it is cheaper to get a combo meal. So, while I am sure Bharat is also yummy (I intend to try it soon), a comparison to only that Sweets & Spices location isn't completely fair.

aj

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:44:45 -0800

bharat is by far the tastier one of the two. Actually, everything about Bharat is better, down to the plasma screen playing bollywood music videos. also, as someone who doesn't know a ton about indian food, i felt comfortable asking the people at bharat for help on what to eat.

tony

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:59:45 -0800

whoa - that was amazing! they actually both look delicious!