Joints: Travelers Tea Bar and Cafe
SEATTLE HAS LOUSY Indian food, right? Duck into this crammed–to–the–rafters Indian imports boutique, air buoyant with coriander and cumin, and watch that conventional wisdom go mano a mano with fragrant lentil soups; pan-fried, paneer-stuffed paratha flat breads; and some of the most interesting vegetarian fare going in Seattle today. Weekday lunches in the little afterthought of a cafe are simple and nuanced and $6 at their most lavish (go for the spicy chickpea curry plate with mango chutney; samosas aren’t as distinguished). The bigger deal are the multiplate feasts called thali, served weekend nights, loaded with the chutneys and pickles and cool yogurt raitas that add lush textures to spicy vegetable stews. It’s order–at–the–counter and please–bus–your–own—but a homemade cardamom cookie and a cup of the city’s best chai finish you up on a high note.
