Wow.
Just wow. I love Indian food, especially south Indian. Dosa...
This place does it right. Vegetarian all the way, but the flavors sing. The chutneys and raitas are a just right.
My friend and I over-ordered on purpose, partly b/c we were hungry, partly b/c she was taking dinner home to her husband, and partly b/c the prices were cheap. We got two appetizers (gobi and pakora). Both were very flavorful. The only complaint was that I was expecting more veggie per fry bit. I was expecting something more like a patty of spinach and onions. What was served was more like kale chips and onion rings. (not that this stopped me from eating them). The gobi were deliciously spiced.
I ordered a paper masala dosa (the huge one). I brought half of it home. We also got the chana saag (ooh, saag, how I love you) and the veggie korma. Both served with a nice big bowl of jasmine rice.
I just wish it weren't so far away from home. Luckily, it's not so far from work.
tip: it's kind of cold inside, so ask to sit closer to the back and away from the door.
I went to Masalaa last night  with my parents.  The place is a little grimy looking, which is usually a sign of delicious things to come.  After being seated, looking over a drool-worthy menu, and ordering a couple dosas and a curry, we took a minute to look around.  We quickly discovered SEVERAL COCKROACHES climbing the walls of the dining room!!  Now this is NOT my first time sharing a meal with a couple roaches, but never in this country.  We debated leaving but decided that a little extra roach protein wouldn't kill us, so we stayed.  We let our waiter know about the bugs and he promptly went over and SMASHED THEM AGAINST THE WALL!  The food was great, but I can't help but wonder what the special ingredients could have included...
Review Source:I tried this place for the first time today. It is a little divey place in a strip mall on Parker Rd... if I didn't have a friend with me that knew that it was there, I wouldn't have found it. But ambiance (or lack thereof) aside, the buffet was fab. Really reasonably priced too... There is no naan or saag paneer, so it wasn't the kind of Indian food that I am used to... but it was so good. I tried everything on the buffet, and everything was really fresh tasting, and yummy. As a vegetarian, it was really nice to not have to think about which dish I can eat... plus, each dish is very clearly marked with whether or not it was vegan, or gluten free--and bonus, there is an Indian grocery next door.
I will so be back.
This is vegetarian Indian food at its finest. Â Every time I go here the food just blows me away while I'm eating; an experience not very common. Â If you're stuck on meat dishes you won't enjoy this restaurant but if you want the most delicious veggie options, look no further. Â Its worth the drive no matter where you're located. Â Masalaa.....thank you for existing, you give me mouthgasms.
Review Source:I lived in Tamil Nadu for a year and crave authentic South Indian food. No one delivers veg classics like dahi vadai and onion rava masala dosas like masalaa. The one place in town that, if it closed, I might actually cry. Â
Also, I prefer to order off the menu rather than eat at the buffet when I go for lunch, as the buffet items tend to be of lesser quality.
My old man and I stopped at Masalaa to embark in a new experience. The old man is a newly transformed vegan, and as I have yet to learn how to prepare vegan meals it only seemed right to take him out to indulge. Indulge we did.
The staff was welcoming the second we walked in the door. The environment was humble and quiet. The staff remained very attentive and checked on us frequently without disturbing us.
We have been to several Indian restaurants but never a vegan one. As such, nothing on the menu was very recognizable to me. However, that's part of the fun. Being able to try something new is exciting. I will tell you that everything was delicious. I feel bad that I don't remember the names so that others could try what I had. Nevertheless, I am confident anyone who goes will be impressed. Keep in mind the food is authentic, and not an American spin off, so if your pallet isn't accustomed to ethnic food don't base your impression off the first try.
First of all, yelp has the location wrong. Â I don't remember seeing that in any of the reviews. Â Double check before heading out here, and if you find yourself in the parking lot of a hospital, you're in the wrong place.
I'm glad we tried again to find this gem, b/c it was worth it. Â The menu itself was something I've never seen before. Â I don't know much about the different regional cuisine within India besides some vague idea that the north is more tandoori and such and the south is where the dosas come from. Â Here they have items from Goa and even entrees heavily Chinese influenced. Â We were here for the dosas. Â And though they have a variety of stuffed ones, my husband liked the paper dosas the most, so we ordered one of those and a szechuan noodle filled one. Â We also ordered the malai kofta and mango lassi and chai. Â I've heard much about the chai, so I wanted to see if it changed my perspective. Â First, the dosas were solid. Â Sometimes, they can be a bit greasy, but this was not the case here. Â They came with the usual coconut chutney and sambar...there was a tomato chutney (?), too. Â The chutneys are what really give dosas their flavor, and here it was a little disappointing. Â I have had frozen store bought coconut chutney that tasted better. Â This was just too watery and bland. Â The other chutney tasted better. Â However, the sambar had texture and a lot of taste. Â Probably the best sambar I've had to date. Â Now the szechuan noodle dosa tasted like what you'd expect, and that's not bad at all...carbs wrapped in carbs...mmm. Â The real scene stealer though was the malai kofta. Â The gravy was thick and perfect in flavor and the kofta was just right. Â We've never had it better....and that's comparing to a hella lot of Indian restaurants. Â As for the drinks, the lassi was yummy and the tea was average, but good. Â I don't remember what I got for dessert...semolina in sweet milk. Â It was better tasting warm, and I'll not order it again. Â
I'm very pleased to have found this place, and can't wait to try other items on the menu. Â I did find it odd that there was no naan, and that a lot of the breads come with stuffing, so are more expensive. Â Our waiter rec'd we try the utthapam next, since they were like how his mother makes them. Â Lol, best rec you can make. Â We will.
first off, Yelp doesnt let me check in here - even though i can check in at the place next door that has the same address. I dont know how this stuff works, its like computers are working against me to ruin everything, but I digress.
ME LIKEY. that's all i can really say .. ok, it isn't all i can say. this place was awesome. non descript strip mall restaurant with an indian market next door. parking lot has lots of sketchy '15 min parking' spaces that i hate. buffet was spot-on yummy and since it is a vegetarian indian place i could eat everything and not worry about goat getting in my gobi. interior isnt all fancy schmancy, just your average restauranty setup with a medium sized buffet when we were there. food was all delicious. korma was a stand out (but some were a little burnt on the bottom - maybe an issue with their buffet table) .. buffet dosa was small, but delicious. bread on the buffett was kinda blah. no spoon for the pickle, but i guess everyone just uses their fingers (or a spoon from something else) ..
worth checking in if you like exploring vegetarian indian spots (and it wasnt too far from dry dock brewery which was why we were in the area for their vanilla porter)
I recently started a vegan diet. Â When I read about Masalaa and all of the vegan options that they offer, I was really excited to try it out. Â Unfortunately, Masalaa did not meet my expectations. Â The first and most disturbing issue with Masalaa is the cleanliness. I should have known when I noticed that the front door was so dirty that I could not see through the glass. Â The inside of the restaurant has a layer of grease covering everything. Â My shoes were oozing around on the floor, the windows were cloudy with grease, the glass on the buffet was yellow with grease. Gross!! Â
The food was not terrible but extremely oily. Oil was pooling on the plate. Â Â Â Â
The staff was very pleasant and helpful, however, I will not be back. Â It's just way too dirty!
Very good vegetarian Indian fare in suburban Denver. Â No, as a carnivore I did not need to be coerced to visit an all veggie and mostly gluten free place. Â I came of my own accord with a sense of adventure.
Masalaa is located in an unassuming strip center between a Dairy Queen and a Saloon. Â So if the vegetarian thing isn't for you there are options... Â I am open to new things, however. Â That's a good thing, as Masalaa will please.
The interior decor is not fancy. Â Simple tables have individual paper placemats and silverware wrapped in a paper napkin. Â Interestingly, a full water pitcher greets you at the table with metal water glasses.
Samosas are my first vegetarian course, doughy and tasty dipped in the mint or tamarind chutney. Â
Masalaa is known for its dosas, but I bypass the dosas for a potato and cauliflower entree. Â Mmmmm. Â Called Adraki Aloo Gobi, the sauce has a hint of ginger in a tomato based stew with onions. Â It comes with white basmati rice. Â With no Naan on the menu I add Chapati, a roasted flatbread that falls just a little short of the slightly-burnt-crispy-soft-tandoor-fired Naan I am used to and love at most Indian restaurants.
For less than $20 including tip I have crossed over to the dark side, a vegetarian for a night. Â Masalaa is so good, however, that even a carnivore like myself can forget that there is no meat to be found anywhere in this restaurant. Â
If I lived closer I could be a regular at Masalaa. Â Don't tell that to my wife. Â She might have me in Doc Maartens or even worse... Â she may suspect I am trying to impress a vegetarian girlfriend.
Recently I had moved from east coast to Denver and on last weekend I had been to buffet in the afternoon. The buffet was best, so far as I didn't visit much of the restaurants. The buffet was a vegetarian serving mostly with south Indian dishes. Vada was crispy and Puri's were very soft and as usual we have Dosa and Naans. Panneer curry is so yummy even though it has much more oil. Coming to desserts Gulab Jamun was soft and very tasty.
Quite differently they had stainless steel plates and glasses which is the first time I am seeing in US.
As I am passionate about food, I tried everything I could in the buffet.
On a whole the food, service and the ambiance was excellent !!!
2012 Review #170:
I have been in Aurora a grand total of 3 times in my adult life. Today was the third time, for a lovely visit to a government office. I figured if I had to drive from Boulder to Aurora, I should at least get something good out of it. I saw reviews of Masalaa, and since it was sort of on my way home, decided to give it a shot.
Having been a vegetarian for 6 years, though I am not currently, vegetarian food doesn't scare me off. Ironically, when I was vegetarian I ate hardly any ethnic food, and today's visit made me realize how much I was missing out. I arrived right at the start of the lunch rush, and scored a table by the buffet. I should point out that the first thing that made me happy is that every table has a pitcher of water on it; I drank the almost the whole pitcher, so I was glad to not to have to wait for refills.
Most have detailed the buffet pretty well; it's safe to say the dishes rotate, because some favorites mentioned in reviews were not there when I visited. The selection is somewhat limited, but it encouraged me to try new things. I looked and saw the Katrika Masalaa, realizing it was eggplant. I am not an eggplant person, but I gave it a go, along with several of the bread items, the saag, and some vegetable korma. When I got back to my table, I was so pleasantly surprised that everything had an abundance of flavor and spice. Nothing was too spicy, but even the mild dishes were bursting with flavor. The Katrika Masalaa was probably my favorite, and as a disliker of eggplant, that's saying something. All the gross things that can happen to eggplant were avoided with this dish, and it was really wonderful. Almost all the dishes are gluten free, and many are also vegan. I enjoyed the various breads, though the lentil fritter was a little tough for me. I also really enjoyed the "Rice Kurd," which I can only describe as  a tangy, savory version of kheer.
About halfway through my meal, they brought me a potato-filled dosa, which was piping hot and delicious. I was totally absorbed in the food I was eating that I went into that phase of eating where you just don't want to stop because everything tastes so good. I grabbed a couple Gulab Jamun, which were delicious, and paid my bil. Not only is this buffet delicious, fresh, and well-attended, but it was one of the cheapest I've had, at $8.5 per person. I left happy, full, and for once in my life, wishing I had an excuse to drive back to Aurora.
Best Indian food I've found in the Denver area. Each dish I've had at Masalaa has been excellent. The Dosas are something I hadn't had before, and I was very pleased. That said, the curries, masalaas, saags, and so on are so good (and filling) that I cannot steer far from them.
The fact that they do not serve meat will turn a few folks off. I am not a vegetarian, but enjoy vegetarian cuisine and this restaurant does a great job. They seem to be very accommodating of vegan and gluten free requirements/preferences as well. Buffets happen sometimes - not sure exactly when - but afford the opportunity to try several different dishes and also to eat a very large amount of food.
Masalaa is awesome. If I lived closer I'd go very frequently. Nonetheless, I recommend it to anyone who likes, or wants to try, Indian food, and I will be back many times.
I have two words: Manchurian Dosa. Â Ok, I have more words. Â Everything we've had there has been awesome and unless you're there on a Friday night, the service is decent. Â We usually get dosa but have also had some of the north Indian dishes and idli as well. Â The Manchurian Dosa is by far our favorite, it's filled with crispy indo-chinese sweet and sour cauliflower. Â The coconut and tomato chutneys and sambar are always fresh and tasty. Â Being vegetarian, we love being able to order anything we'd like off the menu. Â I'd like go on a weekday for lunch sometime and try the buffet. Â If you've never had Dosa, or south Indian cuisine in general, it's worth the trip to come here.
Review Source:I love me some Indian food and Masalaa did not dissapoint. It's a tiny hole in the wall place that I had never noticed before even though I had been to be the bar next door several times.
My friend and I decided to check it out. It's the first time I had been to a vegetarian Indian place so couldn't order my fall back lamb curry. But I didn't as I got to try something new I probably wouldn't have.
A healthy serving of basmati rice, Alu Gobi and Chai tea later, I was one happy girl.
The masks on the walls were fun to look at too.
How...in the world...did I just NOW discover you Masalaa! Incredible. I almost gave it 5 stars but I have to go back for consistencies sake before I can do that :/
Having spent some time in southern India, I fell head over butt for dosa. And idly, and uttapam and of course the rich, creamy, vegetarian curries made from coconut milk and ghee.
A friend of Hot Mike's who's parents are from India recommended Masalaa, stating it was the best in town. I owe that man a hug. We went on a Sunday night to celebrate mum's birthday. Pulling up, Masalaa is flanked by a tailor and an Indian grocer - both really good signs. The restaurant itself is simple and sparsely decorated with a few themed masks and wall hangings.
I just about had a fit when I opened the menu and saw all of the delights I had grown to love while traveling through India. We ordered pakora style jalepeno's, the chef's special idly, Paneer tikka masalaa, a masalaa dosa and gobi korma.
Every. Single. Dish. Was amazing. The tikka masalaa paneer was beautifully rich and creamy, full of flavor and just the right amount of heat. The idly almost burned my face off so maybe avoid that if you're sensi about that kind of thing - delicious all the same though. The dosa....Oh my goodness it was perfect. It was probably about a foot and a half long - rolled perfectly and stuffed with masalaa seasoned potatoes. YUMMMM.
I am going back as soon as I can. What a gem. The service was slow but everything is prepared to order so what can you do? Get a cup of chai and wait, that's what. The staff was just lovely, so excited about Masalaa!! Can't wait to go back and give this place 5 stars!
Did I mention it's extremely affordable? Even at dinner time our bill was $45.00. Also, I DID NOT GET SICK POST DIGESTION. Which, for those of us who love Indian food, can be a bit of a risk factor if you nah what I'm sayin.
Love. Love. Love.
I hosted a 10-person vegetarian dinner here last Thursday. Â A bit of trouble due to a language barrier making and confirming reservations but we had a table all set up when we arrived. Â A very no-frills place but decent enough. Â Tablecloths are covered with a heavy, clear tablecloth not unlike plastic slipcovers from 70s jokes.
Service was really good and there was a $10.95 buffet that night. Â One of us asked the server how spicy it was because she has a very low tolerance for heat. Â He told her it wasn't too spicy because it's meant for a wide range of tastes. Â Okay, that sold me, too. Â Lots of choices and so awesome that I can eat everything without going though all sorts of questions. Â Many items were labeled vegan and/or gluten free so a very easy place to go with everyone.
Food is very different from Northern Indian menus I'm used to. Â Good, but different.
Turns out it was too spicy for both of us so watch out if you're also a big baby. ; )
They were so nice to do separate checks, too.
For a long time I was hesitant to try this place because of service-related horror stories I found on Google. Â I've now been there three times, and the service has been neutral to good every time, so no complaints!
The food is very tasty. Â As a bonus, right next door is an Indian market I use to pick up ingredients for when I cook Indian at home.
Mmmm...an entire vegetarian Indian lunch buffet? Â For me? Â Yes please.
Blink and you'll miss this place, tucked in a little strip mall of off Parker Road where all the shop signage is the same.
If you want a departure from your typical saag/naan/daal buffets, head here. Â The cuisine is south Indian, so there are some items you won't find elsewhere (or probably weren't even aware of - I wasn't) such as dosas. Â And you know what? Â If you haven't had a dosa yet you're missing out. Â They bring out one per diner and it's like a big, loosely rolled fried crepe filled with spicy potatoes. Â Melt in your mouth goodness, and another vehicle for scoopin' up curry.
When our Yelp group went, I think our unanimous favorite was the gravy and cheese. Â I'm taking a real stab at it here, but judging from their website, it was the Paneer Tika Masala. Â I also liked the curried chickpeas and the little fried balls (I tried to interpret what "fried balls" were on the website, but it looks like there's more than one fried ball variety). Â Also, a great variety of chutneys.
They also have mango lassis and they don't ice them down like some places. Â Nothing says "stuffed to the brim" like a cool, sweet mango yogurt drink to top everything off.
Pretty decently priced at $9 and not jam-packed busy.
I've been once before for dinner when I lived closer, but it was a few years ago and I'm not sure what we ordered. Â It seemed like one of everything. Â I need to make my way back down for dinner sometime soon and order eggplant off the menu.
If you're looking for an Indian food experience a bit out of the norm, look no further.
Wow...a lot of 4 star reviews...Hmmm...I just can't go there.
Went here for lunch today with a group of Yelpers. Â We opted for the buffet. Â The place is small but didn't get too crowded which was nice. Â We ended up in a nice comfy booth (fits 6 people). Â Very casual, located in a strip mall. Â Pretty decent price too at $12 a person including tip for all you can eat Indian buffet.
FYI - this is not only vegetarian only but has MOSTLY Gluten Free items as well. Â Unfortunately I did not know this before I went and I strolled down the buffet line looking for Chicken Masalaa but didn't find it anywhere. Â DUH!!! Â I should have read other's reviews before we went :).
I tried just about everything on the buffet and my favorite (and everyone else's there) was the creamy looking thing (someone else will post the name of it hopefully). Â And the crepe looking thing they brought out (one per person who orders the buffet). Â The rice was good.
I thought everything was okay...but not great. Â Especially for someone who loves Chicken and Meat in their Indian Food. Â I'll probably opt to hang out at my much closer Indian joint in the future but it's always good to try new places. Â And honestly, even if this place was around the corner I'd go a bit further away to my fav Indian buffet place. Â If I had to eat here again I'd do it...but I wouldn't pick it. Â
Also...don't expect to find Naan here. Â Or barata. Â Total bummer.
PS - love the metal plates with all the separate sections for everything! Â LOL!!
In every American city I've been in, it seems easier to find good North Indian cuisine than an excellent dosa, and Denver is no exception. I got a recommendation from some friends from Chennai and found that Masalaa is indeed wonderful! The dosas and utthapams we ordered were cooked to perfection. We didn't have the buffet, but the gentleman next to us said he eats it at least once a week and loves it. They have plenty vegan options and are all vegetarian.
I haven't had South Indian cuisine like that since I was actually in India.
The waitstaff was very friendly. The prices reasonable. The decor wasn't exactly first date worthy, but very clean. I dock one star because the yummy chai wasn't bottomless... they charge 2.50 for each small cup. But you can sweeten to taste, instead of it being already heavily sweetened.
We have been there 2 times, on our short trip to Denver. The food is pure south Indian cusine. We had lunch buffet, the items reminded me of my close relatives who cook great food. Me and my husband both enjoyed curd rice very much, it is so very creamy and yummy!
During our second visit we ordered, mirchi bajji (which I felt the most authentic -- never had such a hot mirchi bajji here in US) rava dosa and curd rice. A good place, if you really want to taste authentic south indian food.
This restaurant is a refreshing change from the usual North India fare that one gets at every Indian restaurant.
A vegetarian Indian restaurant that serves both South Indian and Indo-Chinese fare has my vote.
The dosas and accompaniments - chutneys, sambhar are deliciously authentic.
The Indo-Chinese fare has me homesick. Tricky ways mum would make us eat our greens. I find the flavours and spices authentic and addictive. Be aware that these can be a touch spicy to the uninitiated palate.
I find the use of stainless steel plates, bowls and glasses endearing.
They have the usual lunch buffets daily, and an evening buffet once a week.
We often stop by for a quick bite after visiting the Indian grocery store located next door.
I absolutely encourage you to try this gem. Oh and don't come here expecting five star service or ambience, or for that matter décor.
I dont understand the love the Masaala is getting. They have very few dishes in buffet, no indian breads, just the rice from day before, everything seems just heated up with indifference, and the plates used is the last straw.
I saw a lot of awards they got in previous years proclaiming them to be one of denver's best, so i had some expectations. But the fact that the awards stopped sometime in 2007 or 08 speaks volumes about this restaurent.
Supposedly south indian cuisine, but the dishes rarely have that south indian feel. None of the dishes were remarkable in my 3 visits till now (curiously my collegues like this place). Only good thing i have had here is the Dosas which they give at the beginning of your lunch.
For me the worst part was the steel plates used for serving the food. They seem to have been washed with the utmost carelessness. Or they might have been there from the beginning of the restaurent.
I work with a lot of Indian people. I smell their delicious lunches on a daily basis. One day, I had an epiphany: ask where good Indian food is!!
And I got the suggestion of trying Masalaa. Â Regardless of it being vegetarian, I thought I'd give it a try and went to the lunch buffet with an ex-coworker.
Such good variety, selection of food - really tasty and warm/fresh. Definitely one of the better Indian restaurants I've had here in Denver.
I was totally and unequivocally in love with this place for the last decade. Was probably dining once or twice a week...note the past tense. The service and ambiance has steadily declined in the last 3 years (arguable longer). The decor has not changed in ages. I've personally always liked the food. The restrooms could really use a little remodeling. Ey....but some of the love is still there ;)
The buffets are great, a masala dosa free with buffet (BTW, masala dosa is a a wafer thin rice crepe stuffed with spicy potatoes)
Their menu of South Indian and Indo-chinese items were very well thought out and food is really authentic. I still think the food is tasty, but I so wish they'd update a lil' more. I'm still a fan though.
The best Indian food I've ever had. And consistently too!
I've had the buffet and am always happy with the choices available. The food is hot and fresh and so flavorful, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
The owners are very sweet, kind gentlemen and so I enjoy going there not only for their excellent food, but to also support their business and their way of life. Hang the chain restaurants that use MSG or salts to fill their foods and don't know how to use spices properly! Not this place, it's ALL good here.
The atmosphere is pretty run down, but it's to be expected for a cheap meal. The bathrooms are pretty gross, but don't let it turn you away - just bring some handiwipes or hand sanitizer because the food is SO worth it.
I would recommend just about anything on the menu. My faves are the mulligatwany soup (so spicy and delish!) and either the channa masalaa or the kadai paneer. Both are super savory and you get so much food...I'm always taking it home with me for another meal.
Try it out! All in all it's a fun experience and the food is fabulous.
It is a delight to see all veggie options being a vegetarian. Almost all the dishes are very well served. Food taste is pretty decent with right spice level(indian spice level), and nothing more or less(including spice, salt, oil etc). We are big fan of their indo-chineese dishes.
Off course we love the regular south indian idly,dosa, sambar..etc..
Very decently priced unlike many indian restaurants which has greatt ambience along with pricey curries(any veggie curry for 13.95$...), whereas in Masaala you get to eat your complete food for 14$....
We need such as such restaurants opened in few other places around denver...
This is a true indian's review(from south india)... !!
In Denver's Indian restaurant scene, the Northern guys and their tandoors seem to get all the props. But where's the love for the South? Can I get a shout-out for my Tamil, Telugu, Keralan and Karnatakan peeps???
Well, of course I can - if I visit Masalaa that is!
Behind the Dairy Queen at Parker and Peoria in Aurora lies this pearl which has been vegging out for close to ten years (if not more) now, thrilling curious consumers in the process.
If you are totally unfamiliar with Indian vegetarian food, a good way to start out is to try their lunch buffet, where you will find a wide range of ever-changing meatless dishes, chutneys, and sides along with a Dosa (griddled lentil and rice crepe which is often about as large as a Brontosaurus bone and in this case is brought personally to your table).
Then, once you've initiated yourself, try some of the dishes on the menu. Gobi 65 (the name itself is a subject of much speculation - does the number refer to ingredients? Year of origin? What??) takes cauliflower and encases it in a spicy batter before deep-frying it. Pao Bhaji gives you a complex potato curry on a roll not too dissimilar from a hamburger bun - one taste and you will see why Mumbai's beaches are always so packed!
Main courses include Kathrika Masala, eggplant braised in a smoky, seemingly nutty sauce until tender, and Paneer Tikka Masala, revisiting the famous Anglo-Indian dish by swapping chicken for cheese. If it's available that day you might even get to try Pongal, the slow-cooked rice porridge popular in much of the South.
So stop by and experience South Indian taste sensations (and the occasional Northern dish too) at Masalaa.
Masalaa offers food from the southern region of India. Rice, coconut , lentils, spices are the main things used in preparation of the food. The South Indian food is a brilliant blend of flavors, colors, seasoning, nutritional balance, fragrance, taste, and visual appeal.
I would give it a 3 star rating based on food. The food looks fresh, tastes fresh and is hot. Its not incredible incredible, but I think I can eat here again.
I did find it odd that the host would make people of Indian origin sit in a different section and the others sit in another area. I don't know if that can be termed as a racial bifurcation or not. But I found it odd. Very odd!
I can add half a star for the server. We went during the buffet hours and we did not know they don't have the rest of the menu available during that time. My daughter really loves the "idlis" and we mentioned this to  the server.
He cheerfully said that he could get one portion made for her. Her smile brightened and I was a happy mom and happy customer. I left a great tip amount too.
I am sorry I did not have to use the rest room, so I can not comment on if it has improved or not since the last reviews.. You might have to find that out all by yourself!!
Had the opportunity to dine in Masalaa with friends and had a great experience trying everything I could. I've driven by this place several times and never paid attention to this place, or it's just well hidden. But anyway, this place is clean, organized, menu has Indian names with English description, and waiting staff is very polite. Oh, plus they sell beer.
I've tried:
Sambar Vada
Deep fried lentil flour donuts soaked in sambar
Sambar Idly
Idly soaked in sambar
Samosa
Pastry stuffed with mashed potatoes and spices.
Masala Dosa
Crepe with potato masala
Kashmiri Uthappam
Uthappam topped with dry fruits and toasted with butter or ghee
Gobi ManchurianNew
Cauliflower fried with Chinese batter and cooked with manchurian sauce.
Everything was good, probably my favorites were the samosas, the Idly was good too (steamed bun), the Kashmiri Uthappam was different but very good, the Gobi was great!
Hubby requested this the other night. Â I'm the ethnic food fan in the group so he may have been trying to get on my good side. Â Who knows? Â Anyway, this is our 2nd visit. Â Their menu is large and I had eaten more than my fair share of popcorn so opted for the Indian pancakes with cheese, thinking it would be small. Â Not true, but yum. Â Hubby had a combo and is not averse to sharing bites. Â Love the sauces; love the bread. Â
I am a big fan of their salty lasse made with buttermilk and spices. Â We had the good cop of the paradoxical good cop/bad cop waiter team, he being the one that does glower at you when you come in. Â This was a Saturday night and until later in the evening we were the only Caucasians in the place. Â
As another reviewer said, this is for a more sophisticated Indian food palate -- don't bring someone who doesn't love to try new things here. Â The metal cups they use are unique, but I love the fact you have an entire pitcher of water on your table. Â
Be extra careful if you order something with a pickle then get a ramekin with unknown contents. Â It was undoubtedly the most sour pickle I've ever had in my life.
While vacationing in Denver early this year ...okay, we were house shopping and moving stuff into storage, but eating was always the vacation part of any working trip... we read a review about a vegeterian Indian place with a gluten free menu. Â Considering Pod-Creature and my fanaticism for good Indian food we had to go. Â We made arrangements to meet Lt. Wilkes there. Â As we settled in for our dinn...My God! Â Wilkes is bald now. Â Freshly-shaved cue-ball bald. Â Not a hair anywhere in sight on that skinny head. Â I could barely pay attention to my meal, other than to be impressed with the fact that an Indian place had a gluten free menu. Â Well, and a dosa big enough to cover half the table. Â Bald. Â Weird.
A month or so later we moved to Colorado and tried it again. Â We went with despair this time. Â Despair's still shaggy. Â Even more shaggy than ever, actually. Â The food was fabulous. Â No glutens at our table. Â Just my second favorite bhindi masala ever, another one of those table-covering dosas and a few other dishes to round out our visit. Â Despair swooned over the Korma. Â The service was bewilderingly aloof, which is to say very friendly for a typical Indian place.
I was excited to try the Masalaa buffet I've heard people rave about. Â Our third time there happened to be on a Thursday which meant it was buffet night. Â We brought along our buddy, Stage Manager visiting from San Francisco.
"Oh crap!" Â There was a sign on the buffet which declared that none of it was gluten-free. Â Depressed and heartbroken by the glutinous buffet we requested gluten-free menus and ordered enough food to stuff ourselves silly. Â Table covering dosas, okra, potatoes, veggies, papadam, rice, rice, and more rice. Â We made our own buffet.
Being from the Bay Area and its wealth of incredible Indian food as well as all those gigs in the U.K. ('nuff said), Stage Manager was understandably critical of the potatoes and never liked okra anyway. Â "It's a texture thing." Â Pod creature and I love bhindi masala and any place that does it well, or even adequately, is a great find, but I'll have to admit the aloo masala was a little on the bland side. Â It could have been due to ordering off the menu on a buffet night so we decided to let it slide and will try it again later. Â Not on a Thursday.
Masalaa seems to pass the "indigenous test" often applied to Mexican and Chinese restaurants. Â This means that most customers of an establishment are of the culture or nationality represented in the menu. Over the months since our first visit I've noticed more and more obviously non-Indian people (like us) there. Â On our first visit we were the only ones but since then we've seen more each time. Â Most notably an up-tick of hipsters, probably venturing out East from Capital Hill looking for what is reputed to be the only decent Indian food since "insert name of old hipster favorite(s)" got sucky. Â Hopefully this will only make the place better. Â Hopefully customers will always be nice and respectful. Â Hopefully the staff will always be nice and respectful. Â I wish cultural stuff wasn't so prickly. Â There's always hope.
There's no hope for Lt. Wilkes' hair, though.
-Silly Ack
Wow, this place is as good as the places I ate at in India. Â If you're expecting the typical Northern Indian fare offered up in Denver you'll be disappointed. Masalaa is Southern Indian cuisine and it's completely vegetarian. Â Get a bigTaj Majal beer and the dosa with potatoes, spicy sauce and cheese. Â You also can't go wrong with the paneer tikka masala. Â Yum, yum, yum!
The prices are significantly lower most Indian places. Â Service can be a bit slow, but the food comes out pretty fast once you place your order.
Masalaa is an Indian restaurant that serves only vegetarian food.
Masalaa specializes in south indian cuisine (though a few north indian dishes are available).
The 5 stars tell you what I think of the food here - it is awesome. It is authentic and probably the best south indian (and for that matter Indian) food that you might find east of the great divide and west of the Mississippi. They even served the food on authentic Indian steel thalis - plates with built in compartments that can hold all the different types of food you will eat.
The lunch buffet is about $11.0 and includes their masalaa dosas and allows you to sample half-a-dozen or so other Indian dishes and some desserts.
None of the other Indian restaurants in Denver, come close to the taste and authenticity of the fare provided at Masalaa. A lot of the food is healthy and they also have vegan and gluten free dishes.
This restaurant comes with a recommendation of 2 Indian thumbs up!
Couple of negative points:
1. They dont serve meat! (which is keeping with traditional south indian restaurants in Chennai - and is really not a negative point).
2. The restaurant is small and can get very crowded - so call ahead! especially if you are going for their buffet on a weekend.
3. The restaurant has no character - so you cant make an event out of visit here. But your palate will sure be satisfied.
What to try:
The buffet is awesome - and a great way to taste a little of some of the best south indian dishes. But if you are going to go a la carte then:
1. Dosas - indian style savory crepes, normally filed with potato masala.
2. Idlies - indian style rice cakes
3. Vadas - Indian savory donuts.
(All three of the above dishes are had with sambar - a lentil soup like dish and coconut chutney).
4. Kheer - indian style rice pudding.
website: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.masalaausa.com%2Fmenu.php%3Fr_id%3D1&s=eee80feb241fc819fc8c94afdb7cf766ef3f516ced88bb1602ad17e400fdd9ba" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.masalaausa.co…</a>
Also - if you like the food a lot - then there is an Indian grocery store in that same strip - where you can buy the ingredients to try and experiment creating Indian food at home. All four of the above dishes and be created at home!
Located on the north side of Parker street.
(Update: saw an add at Masalaa for what might be a sister restaurant. Its called India's Corner and located at 6350 W 92nd Ave, Unit 400
Westminster, CO - 80031. There is a review on Yelp (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_link?biz_id=kLMW9DQoE89AkcT6AH1ShQ">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>) and their website is <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiascorner.com&s=b5a799d471e33c5a709c0c23f65b6d36ad4b8c4a907acdd15f328af7a4b10f80" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.indiascorner.…</a>)
Masalaa is simply the best. Â I was introduced a few years ago by one of my co-workers, and haven't stopped going yet. Â I've gotten many friends addicted as well. Â It was my first introduction to Indian food, and after tasting it I expected all Indian food to be as incredible. Â I was sadly mistaken, as once I started visiting other Indian restaurants in Denver (and I've been to as many as I could find), I started to realize what a gem Masalaa really is.
I'd recommend a favorite dish, but honestly; I've absolutely loved every bit of food I've consumed there. Â I'm especially addicted to the Thursday night buffett (though I eat so much, it's really not very good for me..)
If you haven't tried Masalaa yet, what are you waiting for? Â Go forth and eat!!!
The food......awesome. Â
The bathroom....makes you loose your appetite.
Masalaa is in a pot hole-filled area of a strip mall by the light rail. Â It could be a dry cleaner, but instead it serves AWESOME vegetarian Indian food. Â Everything is served in metal dishes and upon a leaf of some sort.
The prices are great, the food is great....but really, avoid the bathroom like  the plague.
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