Adjacent to a large Hindu Temple sits the “Dosa Hutt,” a snack bar in Flushing deep in the heart of local Indian families and a hidden gem for foodies. Blending into the scenery, this tiny restaurant does not glamorize itself and is barely noticeable yet has lines out the door on weekends.
With some trepidation, I entered the “Hutt” with the black awning and powder blue walls. The menu is purely vegetarian and packed with many items that I dare not pronounce. I randomly plucked some names from the menu on the wall behind the counter and was given a number.
This number would be my lifeline for the night, directing me to pick up my plates through the meal. The waiter can explain exactly what each item is, but I decided to take a risk by eating first and asking questions later.
A common misconception of Indian food is the spiciness of its cuisine. South Indian differentiates itself from its Northern neighbor with milder spices and chili peppers.
The dishes I sampled varied from no spice to a hot background, but still flavorful and not overpowering. Diners are welcomed and encouraged to play with their food and use your fingers.
The philosophy behind this practice is to enjoy the meal with as many senses as possible ranging from taste to tactile. If you are up for the challenge, try eating only with your right hand, since the left hand is considered “unclean.”
I started with a plate of Iddly, made with the same rice and lentil mix as the Dosa, but is steamed and shaped like a bun. On its own, it has a very plain taste but dipped in either of the companion sauces it takes on a new life. All the items on the menu are served with a pale green chutney made of sweet coconut and spicy chili peppers as well as dal and coriander, and a thin lentil and vegetable soup named Sambar.
I enjoyed them as stand-alone items as well and took a small cup with me to munch on my way out. The Samosas, a fried purse containing potato, peas and flavored with curry, coriander and other spices, excited my senses and is a perennial favorite of mine.
Moving on to the namesake, a Dosa is a crepe made from a rice and lentil batter, ladled onto a hot skillet to cook, and may be eaten plain as a Sadha Dosa, or complimented with authentic Indian contents. I enjoyed a Mysore Sadha Dosa, a bright red spicy filling inside the wrapped dosa. Additionally, the Ghee Dosa (ghee being clarified butter) and Cheese Dosa enlightened my senses with flavors never before tasted. The Onion Rava Masala was a very thin and crispy dosa, a golden curried potato filling buried like treasure inside. If you yearn for the burn, try the Pondicheri Dosa, but is not for the weak tongue.
Medhu Vada, a doughnut shaped fried lentil patty, proved as fun to eat as it was to play with. The onion and tomato Uthappam reminded me of an Italian foccacia in appearance; it is also made from the dosa batter but thicker and not as crispy. Sip a cool Mango Lassi or Lychee shake afterwards to cleanse your palate.
If you are looking for a quick snack or an adventurous meal, sojourn to Flushing to find this diamond in the rough and treat your palate to new flavor sensations!
DOSA HUTT
45-63 Bowne Street
Flushing, NY 11355
Tel: 718-961-6228
Fax: 718-961-5897
Open 7 days-a-week from
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
