Akbar Cuisine of India, Pasadena Reigns Supreme (Again)

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Pasadena food devotees have a reason to rejoice as Akbar returns to Pasadena at 404 Arroyo Parkway this month under the ownership of Avinash Kapoor and Sri Sambangi.  Just one look at the beaming chef-owner in his new digs puts a smile on everyone’s face, including our’s.

Beaming AKBAR chef-owner, Avinash Kapoor in his new digs puts a smile on diner Ayla’s face

The new location features an update of its stylish contemporary Indian cuisine.  The site  across from Whole Foods is not far from the one Chef Avi left four years ago.  For the background on Chef Avi, please see //localfoodeater.com/akbar-restaurant-the-secret-is-in-the-spices/

The almost glowing interior of AKBAR Restaurant in Pasadena

Put simply, the menu feature the essence of each dish prepared with fresh ingredients, to order. You could go right down the menu and be satisfied. And we did, starting with the most popular standards to see how they stand out.

Gobi Manchurian at AKBAR Pasadena, Cauliflower prepared with an irresistible Indo-Chinese sweet and sour style. Originating in eastern Indian by traders, it became an regional and ultimately global favorite.

The lunch and dinner menus are categorized into starters, soups & salads, Vegetarian & Vegan and Desserts with clear descriptions Suggestions by the Chef for accompaniments include drinks ($6-$7) , such as Lassi’s and and small sides ($3-$4) such as raita, papadum, mixed pickle and mango chutney. There is also a thoughtful Chili Meter that ranges from 1-5!

Dishes are prepared to order AKBAR Pasadena with fresh ingredients and the intention to highlight their essence. Saag Paneer, for example, is made with spinach with paneer cubes (never fried!), but it is infused with ghee, not cream and minced for maximum flavor. Garlic ginger, garam masala created in-house, caramelized onion and Himalayan rock salt are added at the end to gently flavor the dish.

Saag Paneer at AKBAR Pasadena, elevated minced spinach with paneer cubes (not fried!), infused with ghee, no cream.

The dinner menu adds an entire two pages of dishes featuring dishes made to order form the Tandoori Grill, Basmati Rice, Meat, Seafood, and more Vegetables.

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“House Favorite” Chicken Tikka Masala at AKBAR Pasadena in a creamy tomato sauce
“Dirty Fries” (a play on poutine)topped with spiced ground lamb masala and a sunny egg at AKBAR Pasadena
The Rack of Lamb dreams are made of,Tandoori spring tender lamb rib chops marinated in ginger ($19!) at AKBAR Pasadena
Akbar Pasadena’s immaculate kitchen
Creating the individual garam masala for Akbar Pasadena in the immaculate kitchen

Avinash Kapoor always had a devoted following at his Pasadnea Akbar for the 20 years on Fair Oaks until 2018.  In fact, The Pasadena Weekly voted him the best Indian restaurant in town every year the restaurant was open at its nearby site at 44 N. Fair Oaks Avenue. 

Akbar partners, Sri Sambangi (left) and Avinash Kapoors of AKBAR (right) with writer Barbara Hansen last year – we chose Barbara’s favorite dishes for lunch for our first lunch there
Owner-chef Avi carefully uncorks a vintage wine to toast writer Barbara Hansen at Akbar’s Pasadena.

Could it get better? Yes. The complimentary underground parking around back has an entrance to the restaurant out of the elements.

AKBAR, 404 South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena CA 91105, 400 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105, Phone: (626) 720-3699. Hours: Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun 11AM–2:30PM and 5–10PM. Fri 11AM–2:30PM and 5–11PM. //akbarcuisineofindia.com


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