COMC: Surati Farsan Mart

*** A short update can be found here.

As I mentioned in my post on Punjabi Tandoor, we kind of have to be in the mood for Indian Food. And after our trip to Cambodia, the Missus found Herself wanting some Indian Food. But that window is usually pretty small, and after a couple of visits to Surati Farsan, it seems that the window has closed. So, here's another C(lean) O(ut the) M(emory) C(ard) post from visits back in June of last year. I'll keep it short and sweet.

 

From what I've read Surati Farsan specializes in vegetarian snacks, and sweets from the state of Gujarat, and you can find a ton of posts on Surati Farsan on Chowhound, and elsewhere. On our three visits from last year, all of the customers were Indian, though I'm sure much of that has changed.

There are basically two reasons we come to Surati Farsan...the Dosas...and the Dosas, and no matter how hard we try, we just can't break our habit of getting those Dosas. I did try to break away once, and tried the special "Thali of the Day." But was disappointed, both in the dishes, which I found a bit off-balance in flavor, and lacking in complexity, and myself, since Indian Cuisine fills me up quickly, and I could hardly put a dent in this.

The Missus always goes for the Masala Dosa, which seems to stretch from one end of the table to the other. The rice batter crepe is wrapped around what amount to a potato subzi. It is mildly spicy, fairly rich, and within all of this, the potato flavor is not lost.

 

Over the years it seems that both the Missus's and my tastes have converged. We tend to like the same flavors, and often reach the same conclusions about what we eat.

For instance, we both find the Sambhar which accompanies the Dosa to be very bland, and sometimes on the oily side. Pouring it over, or dipping the Dosas in it, does nothing.......

  

And for the Masala Dosa we find the overly sweet coconut chutney detracts from the flavor of the Dosa.

I usually get the Mysore Masala Dosa:

 

Wonderful Dosa wrapped around a fiery concoction.

 

In this case, the coconut chutney helps to cool the burn, and the sweetness of the chutney adds to the complexity of flavor.

As I've said many times, Indian Cuisine is still pretty much a mystery to me. Though the first time I tasted that Sambhar it rung a bell......I remember having a similar Sambhar in LA...and lo' and behold, Surati Farsan has a branch it Artesia...could it be?

We have had problems stretching our wings here. We love the Dosas, and don't want move on. Though we've tried, as in the case of the Bataka Vada.

 

Think of it as a croquette or fritter, made with a wonderfully flavored mashed potatoes. I enjoyed the cilantro chutney with these, but could only finish two of them, and half my Mysore Masala Dosa.

I'm not quite sure when the Missus will again want something from Surati Farsan Mart. But let's try this; I know there's a bunch of you out there who love the place..... why don't you help us decide what to order. We may visit next week, next month, or next year, but we'll make sure to try what you recommend!

Surati Farsan Mart
9494 Black Mountain Road
San Diego, CA 92126

Comments

[liver]

Yummm...dosas. I still remember the XXL dosas we used to get in Chicago at this place called Udupi Palace. Unfortunately for my waist line, I am hooked on Northern and Southern Indian cuisine. But fortunately, Annapurna's weekend buffet quality is taking a nosedive and we are going there less often.

[Dennis]

Hi Kirk, I highly recommend their Chole Samosa. I can't get enough of it! But I'm the same where not everything at Surati Farsan is my cup of tea..

[Alex]

sev khamani, pav bahji, uttapam, pani puri, chai @ falludah are wonderful as is the special weekend obly mixed 'rice'

[kat]

looks delicious :)

[cheesecheese]

I'd have to agree - the dosas are excellent @ Surati. If you want to try another kind of dosa - go to Sitar (Sorrento Valley/Scranton Rd) and get the Rava Dosa. That is by far my favorite kind of dosa.

As for chaat, I recommend at least one of the puris and to kill 2 birds w/ one stone do the dahi sev puri (yogurt, fried 'noodley' bits, and the puff shell). Kachori and the cholle samosas are also very popular.

[RT]

If I weren't such a meatatarian I'd go here so much more often. But I really like this joint. The gf and I asked for recommendations from the nice man behind the counter the first time we came here and he said to get the delhi chaat (among other things). I think that's how you spell it... It's got little crackers mixed in with yogurt and a green sauce (not minty) with some paprika, I think, on top. Now we can't go to Surati without getting it! Also the pani puri is pretty good. Empty, thin-walled fried balls with, um.. stuff, in them and you pour this sweet/spicy sauce they give you into them and enjoy!

[foodhoe]

oh dang now you have my craving dosas.... that does looks great, except for the sambar.

[tilthouse]

Second the Dahi Sev Puri. Our favorite!

[Judy Lee]

mmmm dosas... whats the best indian food you've had in this area? i'm still pretty stuck on punjabi tandoor in MM.

[Saint]

Oh I see this just when I have an Indian food craving hehe. I've never tried dosa before, I'll check it out!

[lunacake]

I found the cholle (garbanzo stew of sorts) part of the cholle puri to be outstanding. Spicy, wonderfully complex, and a hint of umami (wonder if they use MSG?). The puris, on the other hand, are just ok, no where near as good as the fluffy giants at Vik's in Berkeley.

[SK]

The chole samosa is definitely good. I also like their dhai vada.

[Kirk]

Hi Liver - You know, I've been meaning to give Annapurna at try...I guess I need to visit before they hit rock bottom.

Hi Dennis - Thanks for the rec!

Hi Alex - Thanks.

Hi Kat - Yes, it's quite good.

Hi Cheesecheese - You know, I've never developed a real appreciation for Chaat.

Hi RT - Thanks for the recommendation.

Hi FH - The dosas are alway good here.

Hi Tilthouse - Thanks.

Hi Judy - I still prefer Punjabi Tandoor as well.

Hi Saint - Yes, by all means have a dosa...or two.

Hi lunacake - Thanks!

Hi SK - I guess we're going for the Chole Samosa.....

[chef Rob]

Surati Farsan rocks! I have eaten there many times since coming back to SD from working in Asia and it offers some of the best Indian food here in SD....way to go Kirk!

cheers...

[Kirk]

Hi Rob - Thanks!

[Girl With Curious Hair]

I've been away for too long--you've reviewed Surati Farsan AND Panjabi? Love them both. And yes, the Chole Samosas are lovely.

Happy travels!

[Kirk]

Hi GWHD - Thanks

[Srimathi]

Hi Kirk,

I would recommend that the most consistent food that you can find at SF is the samosa and chole. That is all I eat out there. This the fist time at your blog.