Vegetarian Ventures: Sitar India

Sitar India is a haven for vegetarians, vegans, and all lovers of flavorful, authentic Indian food. My residence hall made the trek to 38th and Chestnut Streets last Sunday for the daily buffet. The purpose of the expedition? To satisfy the cravings that my homesick hallmate, Dhruv, had been experiencing for real Indian food since he left his home in Dubai a month ago. The soggy samosas occasionally served in the dining halls were not up to his standards. Dhruv’s parents, talented chefs and connoisseurs of Indian cuisine, had recommended Sitar India after eating there during their visit to Philadelphia. Thus, we all entered the small, homey restaurant with high expectations. We were not disappointed.

I was overwhelmed by the abundance of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, all clearly labeled and color-coded. After loading our plates with crispy samosas, fluffy basmati rice, aromatic curries, creamy saag, and warm buttered naan, my hallmates and I anxiously awaited the reaction of Dhruv, the guest of honor, upon taking his first bite. He chewed deliberately, took a slow sip of water, paused, and remarked, “Mmm, tastes like real Indian food.” Sitar India had passed the test.

Dhruv, my roommate Devon and I, all vegetarians, critiqued the copious vegetarian dishes over lunch. Here are a few of our favorites:

Mulligatawany Soup: a traditional garden vegetable and lentil soup, delicately spiced

Vegetable Samosas: deep-fried, mildly spiced vegetable turnovers stuffed with green peas and potatoes. These are delicious when paired with raita (yogurt sauce) and mint and tamarind chutneys.

Bhujia: spinach and onion balls dusted in chickpea flour and deeply fried (Dhruv’s favorite)

Paneer Tikka Masala: homemade cheese from the tandoor (clay oven) cooked with onions and green peppers in a mild tomato cream sauce (my favorite)

Saag Paneer: freshly minced spinach cooked with homemade cheese cubes (paneer) in a light creamy sauce with a special blend of spices (Devon’s favorite)

Channa Masala: chickpeas cooked with herbs in a spicy sauce

Vegetable Jalfarezi: fresh vegetables cooked with spices, onions, green peppers and tomatoes

Dal Tarka: yellow lentils cooked with whole red peppers and spices

Whether you’re an international student from Dubai or a vegetarian from the suburbs of New Jersey (that’s me), I highly recommend that you visit Sitar India for the lunch/dinner buffet sometime soon. And if my recommendation isn’t enough for you, go because Dhruv’s parents said so.

-Sophie Litwin

Sitar India
60 S. 38th St.
Open 7 Days 11:30AM-2:30PM & 5:00PM-9:30PM
(215) 662-0818