Saravanaa Bhavan (South Indian Vegetarian)

This modest mall joint in Mississauga has lots going for it. The dishes pack a lot of flavour punch and the price is right. Everything was fresh and tasty. But, on our first visit, we left wishing there had been more variety on our plates.

The meal started with idly, steamed rice and lentil patties that are white and fluffy, like the traditional bread dumplings that Mom used to make for Irish stew. But instead of accompanying bland root veggies and tough meat, these babies soaked up an array of colourful, spicy chutnies and sambar. The onion bajji were a bit different from the usual - a round slice of onion with a thick, smooth, fried batter. More of the dipping sauces with this one.

Mains were rava masala dosa and the thali plate. The dosa was delicate and crisp, stuffed with curried potato and onion. The chutnies made yet another appearance here. The thali plate offered more selection with about 10 small dishes, ranging from soothing yogurt to firey pickles, surrounding steamed rice, a pappadam, and two puffy fried breads.

The real novelty on this trip came from spying the resto next door - Wang's Indian-Chinese Fusion. It sparked much curiosity. An inquiry on the Chowhound board informs us that Wang's is not alone and that this type of food - Hakka - is quite tasty. Stay tuned for an investigative report.

Dinner for two $34 (before tip)

Saravanaa Bhavan
4559 Hurontario St. (at Eglinton)
Unit 12B
Mississauga Market Place
Mississauga, ON
905-290-0769