Dosa (San Francisco, California, USA)

Beth W. — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:35:31 +0000

Named for the South Indian crepe made of rice and lentil flours, Dosa is a haven for gluten-free eaters. Although their entire menu is not gluten-free (ask and they’ll give you an allergen cheat-sheet that tells which allergens are in which foods), Dosa’s focus on South-Indian cuisine reveals just how versatile gluten-free grains are, and how core those grains can be in some cultures. It’ll make you feel like other cultures’ foods were made for your tummy.

The pungent scent of Indian spices greets you at Dosa’s door, and sticks to your clothes when you leave. Their menu focuses on two styles of South Indian pastry, including the dosas — stuffed with vegetables, curried potatoes or paneer cheese — and uttapams, which are more like pancakes with a variety of items mixed in. The dosas and uttapams are served with a pair of chutneys, typically coconut and tomato, as well as rich lentil soup that they cook for nearly a full day before bringing it to your table.

Dosa also offers an array of curries and a tasty range of appetizers — but stay away from the spicy Chennai Chicken, which is unsuspectingly dusted with flour. On top of everything else, the prices here are reasonable, especially for such deliciousness.

Unfortunately, Dosa doesn’t allow reservations for parties smaller than 5, and there is often a wait at the door. But it’s worth it.

Dosa
995 Valencia (@ 21st Street)
San Francisco, CA 94110
+1 (415) 642 3672
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Gluten Savvy » Indian

Dosa (San Francisco, California, USA)