If you've walked past our counter in BITES Food Court + Bar and wondered what that giant golden roll on the banana leaf is, it's a dosa. It's one of the most loved foods in South India, and it's a great first step into South Indian cooking.
So what is it?
A dosa is a thin, crispy crepe made from a batter of rice and urad dal (split black lentils). The batter is soaked, ground and left to ferment overnight. That fermentation is what gives dosa its light, slightly tangy flavor and its crisp, lacy edges.
The batter is spread in a thin circle on a hot, flat griddle (a tawa), cooked until it turns golden, then folded or rolled. A good dosa is crisp on the outside and tender where the filling sits.
Because it's made from rice and lentils, a dosa is naturally vegetarian, and a plain dosa is a good vegan choice too.
What comes with it
At Ananda Kitchen every dosa comes with three things on the side:
- Sambar: a tangy lentil-and-vegetable stew with tamarind and spices. You get a full 8oz cup.
- Coconut chutney: cool, fresh and mild. It balances out anything spicy.
- Tomato chutney: a little sweet, a little tangy, with some heat.
We make the sambar and chutneys in house every day.
How to eat a dosa
Use your hands. Most people eat dosa with their right hand: tear off a piece of the crispy crepe, wrap it around a little of the filling, dip it in chutney or sambar, and eat. A fork works fine too, but tearing and dipping is half the fun.
Tip: eat the crispy edges first, while they're at their crunchiest. The middle stays soft and soaks up the sambar beautifully.
Which dosa should I order first?
- Masala Dosa: the classic. A crispy dosa filled with spiced potato masala. If you only try one, make it this.
- Mysore Masala Dosa: a masala dosa with a spicy red chutney spread inside. For people who like heat.
- Ghee Podi Dosa: brushed with ghee and dusted with podi, a roasted lentil-and-chili "gunpowder." Nutty, spicy and addictive.
- Cheese Dosa or Paneer Dosa: an easy win with kids and first-timers.
Want to compare them side by side? Read masala vs. Mysore masala vs. ghee podi dosa.
Where to get dosa in Langley Park
Ananda Kitchen is inside BITES Food Court + Bar at 8046 New Hampshire Ave in Langley Park, a few minutes from College Park, Takoma Park, Silver Spring and Hyattsville. Every dosa is cooked to order in our dedicated vegetarian kitchen. Walk up to the counter or order ahead for pickup.
