Reflections on Stripmall Eating

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

My Little Gulab Jamon


Name: Uduppi Dosa House
Location: Galloway Road, Bensalem
Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Personnel: Jesse, Jon, Me
What We Ate: House Special Assorted Plate (Medhu Vada, Masala Vada, Vegetable Pakoda, Samosa, Vegetable Cutlet and Bhajia); Tomato and Pea Uthappam, Mysore Masala Dosa, Malai Kofta, Alu Parata, Gajar Ka Halwa, Gulab Jamun. One Mango Lassi.
Condiments: Coconut Chutney, Tamarind Sauce, Sambar, Coriander/Mint Chutney
Bill Total: a paltry $41
Observations: We were greeted by Lakshmi, garlanded for Diwali, the festival of lights. (See below.) The all-veg dosa house is divided by a series of stainless steel buffet warmers which were disappointingly barren. Turns out the regular buffet is at lunch time ($6.99 on weekdays and $8.99 on weekends). On Wednesday night there's also a chaat buffet. Have to come back for that. A family behind us ordered thalis and knocked them back in record time. Uduppi staff were friendly and gracious. Our server gently walked us through the menu, acknowledging our indisputable Western-ness without making us feel especially ignorant. In retrospect I believe we ordered too many starchy dishes—the lentil donut was no joke. We left feeling spongy, indolent, and just slightly stoned on chili peppers. Also intrigued by the many stripmall dining possibilities in Bensalem.
Bonus Errands: Old Navy (baby gift); Home Depot (faux wood-burning stove)

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