Kasa Indian Eatery

(Castro)
4001 18th St.  
415-621-6940 Map it
www.kasaindian.com

$-$$
Indian
cheap eats, kid-friendly, lunch, open kitchen, take-out

SCENE: Earnestness pours forth from this taqueria-turned-modern-Indian-restaurant in the Castro, where lawyer-turned-mother-turned-chef Ananika Khanna prepares home-style Indian food. Order at the counter, then grab a table—the big windows afford good views of the neighborhood hustle and bustle.

EATS: The focus of the limited menu here is on the kati roll—like an Indian version of a burrito. House-made roti bread is wrapped around your choice of six fillings (from grass-fed-lamb curry and chicken tikka to wok-fried paneer cheese with peppers and onions), dolloped with fresh chutneys (we like the cilantro-coconut version) and accompanied by raita—the result is a handheld triumph with bright, fresh, homemade flavor. Thali plates (like a deconstructed version of a kati roll) are also available, and include all of the above ingredients sided with fragrant basmati rice and lentil dal, presented on the traditional segmented stainless-steel platter.