WHY An incredible assortment of southern and northern Indian delicacies, potentially made as spicy as one could ever want, with some of the world’s hottest peppers grown on premises.

WHAT While the restaurant also contains a grocery store, with a diverse spice selection, it is the prepared items from the kitchen served to the 15 or so tables that truly garner praise. The vegetarian samosas and choley bhature, deep-fried naan served with a garbanzo-bean mixture, are must-have starters. The garlic naan and curries are also fantastic, and the eggplant, chicken tikka masala, and lamb vindaloo (pictured here) are standouts. There’s also a wide array of vegetarian specialties and individual thali meals.

WHO San Gabriel Valley residents craving curry, local Indians stocking up on groceries, and those who dare venture into the spiciness realm of the fresh naga jolokia, the infamous “ghost chili.”