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Puspa

One of the nice things about moving into a new area is discovering the quaint neighborhood spots that you wouldn’t typically come across. What separates Puspa from the other mom and pop’s in my area is the staggering amount of reviews posted on its front window, not to mention an authentic Bengal cooking style.

Located in a small strip mall in the city’s northwest, Puspa already boasts a heap load of praise. My impression is not much different — this is damn good Indian food.

If you plan on visiting Puspa on the weekend, it’s best to call ahead. Seating is limited to a dozen or so tables and the spot is definitely a local favourite. Arriving for our 7:30 p.m. reservation, we wait for a moment or two in the cramped entrance. This gives my boyfriend and I a moment to take in the space and scan all those rave reviews. The room itself is not much to look at. It could use an update from the dusty rose colour scheme, but I don’t care, I’m not here for the room.

Once seated, my boyfriend orders a large Kingfisher beer ($9.99) and I get a Bombay gin and tonic ($5.50). When his massive bottle of beer arrives with two ice-frosted mugs, we decide that it’s time to bring the heat.

From the appetizer portion of the menu we order the onion bhaji ($3.99), samosas ($3.99 for two) and veggie pakura ($3.99). The combination is a deep-fried dream accompanied by two tantalizing dips — mango pineapple chutney and coriander-green chili.

First up to bat is the onion bhaji. Featuring sliced onions dipped in clarified butter and deep-fried, the end result is a crisp Indian take on onion rings, made even better with the heat of the coriander and green chili dip.

Next we sample the samosas. Packed with peas and potatoes, they’re surprisingly light and oh-so-good with the mango chutney.

Our last appetizer is the veggie pakura. Similar to a good veggie tempura, this dish features a nice variety of vegetables and once again, the much-appreciated light batter.

For our main dishes, we order the chicken vindallo — a south Indian favourite ($11.99). Listed as “very hot” on the menu we underestimate the heat of this curry within our first few bites. The dish offers the kind of heat that sneaks up on you and as soon as we realize it we’re reaching for those icy mugs of beer. (Knowing of course, that this will not change our plight, but thankful for the cold comfort). Made with extra hot chillies, it’s a good idea to order a side of plain yogurt to temper the fire.

Along with the Vindallo, we get the aloo peas ($8.99) — a dry curry of potatoes and peas with onions and a variety of spices. The dish is great, prepared with large chunks of potatoes and onions, we scoop up the peas with Puspa’s mouthwatering naan bread ($1.99 per person).

Puspa’s naan truly knocks my socks off. I’m impressed with the bread’s softness and perfectly crisp surface bubbles. A combination of fragrant and sweet — it’s simply fantastic.

Puspa also features biryani, a fried rice dish made with meat or vegetables. We get the lamb biryani ($12.99). Topped with fresh cucumber, the fragrant saffron rice is rich with meaty flavour and features bite-sized chunks of tender lamb.

Full to the brim, we order a rice pudding ($1.99) to go and get our leftovers packed up. Hours later, the rice pudding is perfectly sweet and creamy, reminding me once again of how tasty that place down the street really is.

We’ll be back, we’ll likely become regulars. With completely reasonable prices and authentic, flavourful cuisine, we’d be fools not to return. It’s no wonder that Puspa is still going strong after 17 years.