ADYA Indian Restaurant Goes California Coastal at the Anaheim Packing House

(Gerry Furth-Sides) ADYA is an authentic Indian restaurant created by Chef Shachi Mehra to be a reflection of modern India. Tucked into a corner of the Anaheim Packing House complex, the atmosphere is bright and breezy and a throwback to a more simple, relaxed time when the area outside was filled with orange groves. There is even live music on week-ends, we were told.

The menu revolves around fresh, sustainable ingredients and focuses on contemporary interpretations of Indian street foods, tandoori specialties and rich curries. “With ADYA, we present an Indian experience that allows those who are both familiar and less experienced with Indian cuisine to embark on a delicious, unique culinary journey that emphasizes fresh ingredients and pronounced flavors,” commented Chef Shachi, who blends Western and Indian cultures to create artful updated traditional dishes.

“The casual setting of ADYA makes it inviting and accommodating to a wide range of guests who seek out the rich experiences that Indian cuisine has to offer.” The menu combines modern creative and classic Indian styles of cooking, while balancing the bounty of Southern California with the bold flavors and spices of India.   Chef Shachi uses only Melissa’s Produce to ensure the highest quality produce in her food.

Chef Shachi features Indian favorites, including Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Shrimp.  It almost has to feature Chicken Tikka Masala because not surprisingly it is the customers top pick, laughs Chef Shachi.   The ADYA menu also showcases Chef Shachi’s unique spin on the cuisine with dishes such as a Quinoa Salad with beets, oranges, avocado, and toasted coriander, and a warm Naan, stuffed with goat cheese.  The menus are handwritten for the day sit on the counter, along with an article featuring the Sloppy Joe “burgers.” by Brad Johnson in the Orange County Register.  High praise indeed. The main menu is in a case on the wall.  A lesser-seen Indian specialty that Chef Shachi will focus on is Pavs, which are Bombay-style Sloppy Joes, which feature spiced vegetables, potatoes or lamb on kaffir lime butter-toasted bread.

At the heart of the menu are Kebabs from the tandoor, Kaathi Rolls (wraps filled with potatoes, paneer, chicken or lamb), and fresh-made Curries. ADYA offers a selection of traditional desserts and a drink selection that is true to its Indian roots, with a selection of imported beers, wines and sodas, as well as a classic Masala Chai.

“My menu showcases the flavorful street food of India,” explained Chef Shachi. “I’m working with local farmers, growers and purveyors in an effort to source the best local, organic, and biodynamic ingredients possible.  For more information, visit //www.adyaoc.com (there are 2 locations).