San Francisco - December 13, 2005

Bollywood Extra

Dosa Restaurant Opens

In the battle for ethnic food supremacy, San Francisco has always been a tough competitor. Don’t try messing with us on sushi, burrito, or moo shu turf.

Our Achilles heel, however, has always been Indian. Nothing above your average tandoori to speak of.

Until now. Dosa, a new spot in the Mission, marks the arrival of South Indian food in town. Named for the signature crepes popular in the region, the newcomer welcomes guests into its candlelit, pumpkin-hued environs with a menu of healthy and predominately vegetarian delicacies.

Flat, crispy dosas filled with combinations of creamy spiced potatoes, onions, cashew nuts, veggies, and grilled farmer’s cheese come with cool coconut chutneys and sambar, a lentil and vegetable dipping soup. Uttapams (open-face versions of dosas) are served in a variety of incarnations with toppings from caramelized onions and cilantro to garbanzo beans and masala chutney. For carnivores, Tamil lamb curry is a hearty stew with tender chunks of meat flavored by onions, fennel, tomatoes, and poppy seeds. South Indian soups, salads, and desserts round out the menu.

A wine list prepared by Mark Bright, sommelier at Restaurant Michael Minna, as well as a selection of Indian beer, soju cocktails, and nonalcoholic treats like Mango Lassi will keep you well hydrated.

Everyone knows the importance of that when it comes to staying competitive.

Dosa, 995 Valencia Street, at 21st Street (415-642-3672).