Namaste Cafe
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Phone: (612) 827-2496
- Price:
- $$
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu, Sun 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm
Editorial Review for Namaste Cafe – by Michelle Olson
In Short
The bright orange and yellow walls of this house-turned-Nepalese-eatery greet guests like a burst of Himalayan sunrise. Health-conscious boho Hennepin-ites love the array of vegetarian eats, while others breeze in for a tasty cup-of-Joe alternative, like ginger cardamom chai. Nepalese newbies looking to skip the decision-making process try the dal bhat--a traditional combo meal featuring curries, veggies and aloo ko achar (potato salad with sesame and lime juice).
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe owners use black tea cultivated in the mountains of their native Nepal for the eight chai concoctions. They're brimming with ingredients like anise, eucalyptus and coconut cream.
Know Before You GoDon't order "skim" anything; they only have whole and soy milk.
User Reviews for Namaste Cafe
10/20/2007 Posted by brown_underground
I tried Namaste Cafe not really knowing what to expect since I hadn't heard any reviews of it, and was so pleasantly surprised! I've eaten Indian food all my life, and it was extremely refreshing to see that when they say it is Nepalese food, it really is - and not an Indian restaurant owned by a Nepalese family. The food is lightly spiced (as in strength, not heat - that's determined by the diner!), and authentically uses mostly ginger and garlic as its flavoring agents. The chaats are very good, and come covered in real homemade yogurt. Ask if they have the "spice blend" achaar when you go. It's tangy and savory all at the same time, and very good for dipping the paranthas in. Unfortunately, it's not always available. Last but not least, the chai is amazing! I have been drinking real homemade chai my entire life, and this is the closest you can get to the real thing without having your Indian grandmother make you a cup! My favorite is the Ginger Cardomom Chai. You won't be disappointed.
Pros: Great food, extremely friendly service, THE CHAI.
Cons: Don't have "spice achaar" regularly, not open late during the week.
10/07/2007 Posted by lowgman612
I have been a regular customer at Namasté Cafe since it opened. The service is always friendly, the food delicious, and the tea excellent. As of late September 2007 they have introduced a new dinner menu! The old favorites remain and many new delicacies have been introduced. I'm saddened to see the previous two posts, as they completely misrepresent Namasté. Addressing the posts point-by-point: 1. lemonhead2007 says (s)he was served alu [sp] tareko instead of aloo ko achar. Ridiculous. Namasté doesn't serve anything called aloo tareko. Furthermore, aloo ko achar is potatoes with lime juice, spices, and sesame seeds. If the restaurant was lacking in any of those ingredients, they would have just run across the street to Kowalski's and bought some more (I've seen this done many times). 2. smit1112 says (s)he was served a very watery and bland chicken curry massaman, a rather spurious gripe. Namasté does not serve chicken curry massaman. It's not on the menu, you can't order it. And in the more than one-hundred meals I've eaten at Namasté, I have *never* had a watery or bland curry. Namasté curries are thick and savory, rife with flavor. 3. smit1112 also complains that (s)he was not served traditional Tibetan momos. That would be because Namasté serves the Kathmandu adaptation of the dish, called "mamacha". If you call them momos, people will know what you're talking about, but that's really not what they are. 4. Finally, both posters complain about the lack of Nepali authenticity in the food. Namasté Cafe does not purport to be traditional. The owners, Saujanya, Swadesh, and Raji, compose dishes that are inspired by - not adherent to - traditional Nepali cooking. The result: fresh, original delicacies with an intimate connection to their creators. Swadesh and Saujanya have asked me numerous times what I thought of a new dish, and I know it's because what I'm eating isn't just a recipe from a Nepali cookbook - it's their own labor of love.
Pros: Unique food, excellent teas, laid-back ambiance
Cons: Busy during peak hours
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