West Cafe Portland

I stopped by this restaurant en route from Washington Park and found that currently, the restaurant only offers takeout. However, the owner, a kind lady, allowed me to sit in their dine-in area while my order was being prepared. I ordered in bulk for a couple of meals for two, and the owner kept me engaged in polite, friendly conversation. She even made a few recommendations for day trips from Portland upon request and shared her personal experiences and insights while I waited for my order. The food was packed neatly with multiple side chutneys that came with the order. All dishes tasted excellent, but my husband's favorite was the sambhar, which had the right amount of sweetness and sourness. We tried their uttapam, mysore masala dosa, samosas, veg hakka noodles, butter paneer (which comes with a side of rice), and chutneys (coconut, mint/coriander, tomato, and tamarind). The noodles were made spicy per our requested customization. However, be aware that it carries a solid punch and can be really hot if you're not used to that kind of heat. Overall, it was a great experience. Although the food is on the expensive side, the excellent customer service, staff's friendliness, and delicious taste completely offset the cost-quantity ratio aspects. We would definitely visit this place again if we're ever in the city.