Dishing out authentic Indian cuisine

Acorn Epicurean


MARVELOUS MENU—Above, a bowl of yummy chicken tikka masala served withfluffy saffron rice and delightful garlic naan bread. At left, Anarbagh co-owner Zohir Uddin, far right, and some of his server-managers. ELA LINDSAY/Acorn Newspapers

MARVELOUS MENU—Above, a bowl of yummy chicken tikka masala served with fluffy saffron rice and delightful garlic naan bread. At left, Anarbagh co-owner Zohir Uddin, far right, and some of his server-managers. ELA LINDSAY/Acorn Newspapers

As Indian cuisine has become a favorite dining experience for Americans, fans will be thrilled with one local restaurant that really hits it out of the epicurean ballpark.

Anarbagh is a family-owned and operated restaurant that’s been delighting customers in Woodland Hills for nearly 25 years. It has been so successful over that time that brothers Zohir Uddin and Matab Ahmed have opened locations in Los Angeles, Encino, Beverly Hills and Westlake Village.

The siblings definitely take to the max the business of running what they consider the best around in Indian fare. On social media, says Uddin, their restaurants have been selected as a No. 1 pick, and the presence of their cuisine at many local events featuring officials and celebrities gives them the title of “Talk of the Town,” he says with a smile.

The ultimate Anarbagh experience in Westlake Village is enhanced by its excellent and attentive wait staff. Uddin, a Woodland Hills resident who spends most of his time these days at this restaurant, says, “All my staff are like managers,” meaning the servers there learn the many aspects of great customer service.

Courtesy of Stevita Karli

Courtesy of Stevita Karli

I met Harshid Jain, for example, who’s been at the restaurant for only four months, yet explained the dishes and answered all my questions like he’s been a part of Anarbagh forever.

A vegetarian, Jain was well-versed on this aspect of the restaurant’s fare, including what he called his favorite dish, saag paneer, a hearty classic Indian dish made with cooked spinach and tofu. Uddin added there are gluten-free choices for folks who might have dietary issues or preferences.

Also, he said, all dishes are made to order—not just in the sense that nothing gets cooked until the order is placed by the customer, but that patrons can customize their choices to suit their palate and appetite.

In addition, unlike most Indian restaurants, this one features two clay ovens, one for the delicious naan bread, the garlic version of which has a delicate hint of sweetness, and the other for the tandoori chicken, which is presented on a beautifully sizzling and steaming platter.

 

To get the ball game going, Indian food fans can whet their appetites with crunchy papadam— large, wafer-like bread pieces served with three different sauces: sweet tamarind, mint and a spicy veggie blend.

Normally samosas would be my top pick for an appetizer, but I was wowed by the classic Indian finger food pakoras, delightfully deep-fried parcels of crispy deliciousness filled with a variety of vegetables. Served with some of the best mango chutney I’ve ever tasted, this appetizer plate will definitely vie for first-place attention the next time I visit.

Like many Americans, I am a huge fan of chicken tikka masala, the main dish I inevitably order anytime I go Indian. At Anarbagh, this is a memorable dive into an authentically spiced, smooth and creamy sauce with chicken. Just thinking about it again makes my mouth water. Served with a luscious bowl of saffron rice, it’s a tasty home-run hit.

Another popular meal at the restaurant, says Jain, is the chicken makhani, better-known in the U.S. as butter chicken.

But regardless of which dish you choose at Anarbagh, you’re sure to be thrilled and want to come back to try more. Anarbagh is at 30853 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village. And locals aware of the construction in that plaza with T.J.Maxx at Lindero Canyon Road will be happy to know it’s complete and the whole place is dynamic.

As far as Indian cuisine goes, Anarbagh has become the go-to place in the area, so much so that it’s expanded its weekend hours and is now open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Also, check out the daily lunch specials for traditional dishes that start at $8.95. In fact, anytime you’re craving an authentic Indian food experience, you can head to Anarbagh, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and from 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner.

The restaurant is also open on holidays, so this Thanksgiving or for any upcoming holiday celebration, save yourself from cooking and treat the family to a wonderful Indian dining experience.

For more information or catering details, call (818) 991-2128 or visit AnarbaghWestlake.com.