Restaurant Guide 2008

The surreal Streets of Tanasbourne may be a bit of a trek from Portland, but the dosas at Chennai Masala are worth it. The long, crispy crepes, carted out by the friendly staff at this no-frills South Indian eatery, are stuffed with numerous fillings, many based on a tasty onion-potato curry and served with a trio of sauces that can both cool and burn with equal facility. Crisp, airy samosas are a great way to begin, and the traditional Indian dishes shine: A lamb saag comprising fork-tender chunks of lamb swimming in a vibrant emerald spinach sauce begs to be sopped up with warm and stretchy garlic naan. Chana masala, a tomato-based spiced garbanzo stew over a mound of basmati, is superb, the beans cooked through without a hint of mushiness. Cool your throat with a tangy mango lassi and try to convince yourself that you really don't need to order just one more dosa for the table.

IDEAL MEAL: Spinach masala dosa, samosas, chicken tikka masala.

WWeek 2015

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.