Why go: The quick-lunch scene has seen many crazes, from high-end burgers to designer salads. We’re waiting for dosas to hit. Why are the foot-wide, sour-battered crepes so special? Settle in at one of these modest Southern Indian cafes to find out.
What to get: Standard masala dosa stuffed with potatoes and onions and dunked in coconut chutney; extra-thin paper dosa; onion-chili uttapam, a thicker pancake; aromatic lemon rice; baigan bartha, a rich eggplant stew.
Best for: Vegetarians—they have run of the whole menu.
Insider tip: The plentiful lunch buffet—$6.95 to $10.95—is a great deal.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
>> See all 2010 Cheap Eats restaurants here.
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
