Himalayan Palace Restaurant (Sports Arena)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.  Cathy is writing today.

In February, The Mister and I found ourselves in the Sports Arena area of town and pulled into the parking lot between Phil's BBQ and Red Lobster. In the back of that parking lot, we saw cars parked in front of this longstanding establishment and decided to try it for lunch. We have returned. (Prices have changed; I will list current approximate prices).
 The colorful interior (look at that ceiling!) is happy.

The menu is small, one sheet printed on both sides. 
 The Paneer Pakora ($7) is paneer cheese wrapped in chickpea batter and deep fried. The little pockets are served with a tamarind dip and a mint chutney.  This was a wonderful choice of both textures and flavors.
 The keema naan (ground lamb filled bread)($8) was also an excellent choice. Fresh made bread filled with ground lamb which was cooked with various herbs. Satisfying and tasty.  
 The Muligatawny soup ($7) was absolutely mesemerizing with the lentils and chicken and (mild) curry along with a bit of 'sweet' (apple). On the most recent visit, the mulligatawny was not on the menu, but mushroom soup ($7) was a choice.  Creamy, garlic-y minced mushrooms blended with cumin and a few other spices, with a touch of (black?) pepper 'heat' in the background.  A good size serving. 

Chicken Biryani ($14) is served in this deceptively deep bowl.  Basmati rice and shredded carrots with boneless chicken, ghee and whole spices (we chewed on some cardamom pods along with mustard seeds and fennel seeds; there were more) and fresh mint and cilantro. So many flavors!

 On our first visit, we saw this window signage.  The price has increased to $11.95.  Worth it.
 This is the 'non-vegetable' Thali. Rice and papadum (dough made with lentils or black beans, rolled very thin and deep fried) at the top (clockwise) Tandoori chicken, pickled vegetables, chicken tikka masala.  In the center is kheer (rice pudding). The vegetable Thali plate with rice and papadum , Navaratna Korma (onion, ginger, cashews, garlic and sesame seeds blended with coconut milk to make a sauce) along with carrot, onion, peas, raisins, almonds and paneer. Pickled vegetables. Saag (spinach) paneer (really good). Again, kheer in the center dessert area. 
The lunch specials include butter naan.

All in all, this longstanding (32 years) restaurant survived the Pandemic for a reason; quality.  The friendly, informative staff and plethora of  'regulars' along with the remarkable fresh and flavorful choices make this a wonderful place for a meal. 

Himalayan Palace Restaurant 3760 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego 92110 (619) 510-4966 Fax: (619) 510-4968 Open daily 11-3, 4-9 Website

A cooling mango lassi (yogurt-mango beverage) ($5)

Comments

[kat]

everything looked great!

[Cathy]

The food here is wonderful, Kat.

[TFD]

Those platters look good. There is also a Himalayan restaurant up in San Marcos that's not bad.

[Cathy]

A large plate with a whole meal is just a perfect way to serve a lunch, TFD. We enjoy trying the various choices here. San Marcos has quite a variety of restaurants; we need to explore more.

[caninecologne]

Bert and I will have to stop by this place one day. I always appreciate our posts.

[Cathy]

Definitely stop here, cc. The quality and flavors are amazing. Here's my 'cheat sheet': Aloo= potato. Gobi= cauliflower. Chana= garbanzo beans. Daal= lentils. Saag= spinach. Korma= coconut milk.