Southern Indian Treat at Woodlands

Woodlands 

 UG 16- 17 Wing On Department Store, Tsim Tsa Tsui East (MTR exit P1) 

Rating: 8/10 
Price: Under 100 HKD (left us extremely full!)

It's been roughly 2 years since my numerous Indian friends stressed the BIG difference between northern Indian food I usually eat and the mysterious southern indian food.. but they always seemed reluctant to promise that I would love it. It always ended with "it's really different... but it's really good! But.. i'm not sure if you'll like it".

Well that and whatever other reasons (one other being lack of meat :p) , I had waited too long to visit this simply amazing institution, yes an institution, hidden in the myriad of TST.

Dragging along two first-timers as well, we entered this small resturant where there seemed to be a distinct lack of non-indians and english-speakers. It was as if we had walked into a local restaurant in India, and for a moment feeling absolutely displaced we almost contemplated walking back out.

Despite the mini-scare, we eventually got seated down and then was confronted with the next issue of deciphering the menu

Everything was in English... but at the same time it wasn't...for we had no idea of what the foods were! After prolonged and rather embarassing 5-10minutes of gawking at the menu, the waiter finally intervened and ordered for us!

And... after having absolutely no idea what we ordered... we were in for the best treat ever.
All of us loving meat we were rather skeptical about the distinct lack of it... but soon we all agreed that if we could eat these meals everyday, there was no reason to miss meat at all.

If I were to be a vegetarian, I would be a vegetarian in India.

Dahi Batatapuri (5/5)

See what I mean?  WE had no idea what we were eating... but this was my FAVORITE dish today! According to the internet:

"Dahi batata puri, an arrangement of tiny, crisp puris amidst a mélange of potatoes, ragda, and a topping of miscellaneous chutneys and beaten curds!"

The mysterious dressing on top of the crisp 'puris' was the best dressing I had ever tasted! It was light, lemony and somehow reminded me of the Fried-Chicken Dressing in Korea! It was just beautiful...

We were already won over by the appetizer... but then imagine our surprise when this gigantic dosa (crepe) appeared on our table together with over 10 choices of curry-dips(?)

Paper Masala Dosa (4/5)

With potatoes inside and cruncy crispy paper-thin Dosa (fermented crepe). This dish was as fun to look at, poke at, giggle about then break apart to be eaten ferociously by 3 starving girls!

Woodlands Special Thali (4/5)

End Verdict: Will definitely return ASAP! :)