Review: Kaleva (Exotic Vegetarian & Vegan Indian Cuisine)

[Guest guest]

Kaleva (Exotic Vegetarian & Vegan Indian Cuisine)

35 6th Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

415.348.1381

 

Quick Review:

Excellent, well prepared, and unique food! Service was superb.

Highly recommended.

 

Full Review:

My wife and I (both vegans) were very excited to have found a new

vegetarian Indian restaurant in downtown San Francisco. Not only

vegetarian but nearly everything is vegan! With high hopes we

decided to have dinner this past Tuesday (11/2/04).

 

The location is in a " colorful " neighborhood but parking is easy and

we found a spot right in front of the restaurant. The interior decor

is warm, inviting, and casual.

 

We were greeted by the charming vegetarian owner, Manish, who

detailed the specials of the day. While we perused the menu we were

given a bowl of spinach soup, which was in a clear vegetable broth

spiked with ginger and various spices. It reminded me of an herbal

tea in it's lightness and fragrance.

 

The menu truly is exotic relative to the Pakistani/Indian fare that

has become numbingly pedestrian in SF. The extensive list of items

reflects the diversity of Indian cuisine with selections from the

North and South. Items are reasonably priced with main entrees in

the $5-8 range.

 

My wife ordered one of the specials, a South Indian thali, while I

asked for a recommendation from Manish who suggested the Paneer (or

tofu) Shashlik. The South Indian thali arrived a bit before my dish

which afforded me the opportunity to sample the various items. The

curried vegetables in coconut milk was absolutely delectable; a

traditional soup (sambar) with lotus root was not what I expected

but good; and a potato/lentil dish that was filling all accompanied

with rice and an order of nan. The nan was excellent (made without

eggs) and brushed lightly with soy oil.

 

While savoring my wife's entree, my dish came straight from the

tandoori oven but not too hot to begin tasting right away. Large

chunks of tofu, bell peppers, onions and tomatoes were roasted

perfectly (al dente) in a tantalizing dusting of spices.

 

The various chutneys that came with the meals were exquisite in

their balance and complexity of flavors. The mango chutney stood out

with a brightness punctuated by sweetness and spice. The evening

ended with an assortment of fresh fruits topped with cardamom and

pistachio shavings--a great ending to a wonderful dining experience.

 

-Jay Nath

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The above review is my personal opinion. I have no connection to

the restaurant or it's staff (but I hope they do well since I love

Indian food).