Cherylynn N.
Yelp
With plenty of options for Indian food in the area, I give Apna Chulha props for opening in The Mission and in a large space.
Unlike their competitors, they have a full bar so you can get your drank on too!
Apna Chulha (opened September 2024) offers takeout, delivery, indoor dining, and dog-friendly outdoor dining.
Back in November, we visited on a quiet Thursday evening around 7 pm and were seated outside near the fireplace.
M E N U
North Indian Cuisine: Apps, soups, salads, curries, tandoori, rice, and naan.
Spice levels: Very mild, mild, medium, 7/10, spicy, very spicy, 911 hot.
Weekday lunch buffet: $15.99.
Full bar. Didn't see beers on tap so not sure why it's labeled as a "beer bar"?
F O O D
Food spread: https://tinyurl.com/2xcuwncp
* Chicken Tikka Masala ($17)
- Requested medium spicy
Solid CTM - thick, rich tomato-based gravy with tender morsels of tandoori chicken (white meat). Mildly spicy with a hint of sweetness.
* Lamb Korma ($18)
- Requested medium spicy
Rich and earthy with warmth from the ginger, the korma was thick and creamy with tender chunks of lean lamb and sprinkles of almonds. While solid, I prefer more nutty flavor incorporated into the gravy.
* Lamb Chops (4 pc - $28 x3)
- Ordered for dine-in and two orders to go
- Requested medium rare
The lamb loin chops were thick, tender, and flavorful with nice smoky charred flavor from the tandoor. Nicely gamey. Cooked medium.
Unfortunately, they said they ran out of lamb loin chops so the two takeout orders used rack of lamb. They were thinner cuts and not as meaty.
* Garlic Naan ($6)
Large slab of golden, bubbly crisp and chewy naan brushed with a savory garlic butter.
* Basmati Rice ($3 x2)
Properly cooked, fluffy with separated grains. Topped with peas.
* Complimentary Kheer
The chilled rice pudding was sweet and subtly spiced with cardamon and nutmeg.
S E R V I C E
Our server, Babu was super sweet and attentive, even bringing out water for my dog (without asking).
We were one of two tables so I was surprised food service was quite slow with several chefs in the kitchen. Come to find out, your entire order comes out all at once. IMO, they should consider bringing dish(es) out as they're ready so customers aren't waiting 30+ minutes to start eating.
A M B I A N C E
Formerly West of Pecos, it's a large space that can seat over 100 people with a huge open kitchen and separate bar area with additional seating. Front patio is covered and there's heat lamps. Pretty sparse so they could use some paintings.
P A R K I N G
Difficult street parking. Nearest garage is Hoff Garage, a block away between 16th and 17th streets.
Overall, Apna Chulha serves solid North Indian food. Opening in such a large space is an ambitious undertaking so I wish them well and hope business picks up.