There’s a place not so far away from Downtown Portland where they serve Indian Street food in a large room with small tables surrounded by mismatched chairs. The mismatched chairs, some of them wobbly, only add to the character of the place.
You’ll find antiques of all kinds crowding the walls and I’m pretty sure that if you trace their roots, you’ll be taken back to the streets of India. One wall that just cannot go unnoticed is the one opposite the front door; crying for wall-space there, are a collection of film posters of yesteryears — a proof of the rich history of Indian Cinema. Wait! did I tell you what this eatery is called? Bollywood Theater!
Now, coming back to the wall with all those movie posters, if you look carefully, you’ll even find pictures of gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon, even age-old post cards of Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar and other ancient monuments in between the film posters. Apart from that there are the wall calendars and black-and-white family photos that were evidently taken at photo studios. All this succeeding in amplifying the ambiance of a small restaurant selling Indian street food. On the right half of that wall is a patch of white that serves as a projection screen. Playing on it that cold Saturday afternoon that I visited there, were songs from an old Dharmendra flick.
I looked around the place and found that there were hardly any Indians in there despite the fact the Portland does have a fairly sizeable Indian population. As such, I was pretty sure that the food there would be tailored to suit the white man’s palette. It so happened that I was wrong. The food was anything but bland. The spice levels were just right and everything was flavourful; just like the grub in a roadside stall.
Later as I went through the restaurant’s site I learnt that the owner of the place isn’t even Indian. He’s done ample homework before he set out to serve Indian street food. He’s been to India to pick up authentic local recipes and has succeeded in bring back a part of the streets of India. I’m impressed and say this place is a must-visit if you like Indian street food.
I had some Paav Bhaji and I swear I was really satisfied. The Samosa Chole and the Kati rolls were good too. And the ‘chai’ was ok. You just might find some beverages you don’t normally see around these parts. There’s Thumbs Up here. And Limca even. For the beer person, there’s the ‘King of good times’ – Kingfisher. I also have to tell you this: You will be served in steel plates and steel tumblers for the complete experience.
For more info Bollywood Theater
You might also want to check out –
Curry Up Now – Indian Cuisine with an International Twist (in San Mateo, CA)
Nice post and photos, Thanks for sharing.
🙂 Thank you Rupam. I hope you are doing well.
Looks like my kind of place..Bollywood ambiance and good food..what else does a desi needs?
Totally, your kind of place, Desi Traveler. I really hope you get to see this one. I love how they've done it up and the food's really good. 🙂 You really will love Bollywood Theater.
This sounds like a charming place. Nice one, Divya!
Charming indeed. It's got a lot of character. 🙂
Interesting place!
It really is. You should check it out on your next visit this side, Kusum.
Nice post Divya. I have always noted that there are more Americans than Indians queuing up for Indian food ! Probably Indians will be queuing up in Spanish/Mexican or Chinese restaurants 🙂 Hope you are having a good start to the week. Best Wishes Ram
After being to all those Indian restaurants in the Bay Area (you know how it is. 🙂 ) this place felt very different. But then again, the ones near Beaverton where most of the Indian Community is, around here, the Indian restaurants look more or less like the ones in the Bay Area. 🙂
I guess it depends on the location.
Anyway, I found Bollywood Theater very interesting. Loved the food and the ambiance. 🙂
Such a delicious and mouth watering post Divya:)
The food WAS delicious. Authentic! 🙂 You'd like it too. 🙂
I hope you are having a good weekend, Mr. Bhatia.
I hope you are having a good time and wish you and your family a Very Happy and funfilled New Year, Divya:)
Nice post 🙂
Thank you, Deepa.
Oooh….such a mouth watering post, Divya! Am drooling…..:)
hehee!! Good place, it was, Panchali di.
You should see what the inside of the restaurant looked like. 🙂
Indian ambiance, that works like magic for me. Great pics.
Yeah, very impressive it was, Indrani. I love the work they've done to it, to make it look like one of those tiny roadside restaurants you'd find in a small town.
You'd love it, I'm sure. 🙂
Lovely post. The third picture is a great shot. 🙂
Thank you Sakshi. Welcome here.
I love what that wall does for the place. 🙂
Aha fantastic, Divya! Nothing works like Indian street food :).
Nothing does. Especially when you're not in India and it's close to the real thing. At Bollywood
Theater the chaat is spicy enough.
Hi Divya: Looks like you are on a long vacation. Trust this finds you and family in good cheer and health. Here is wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Have a great New Year 2014. Best Wishes Ram.
Hello Mr. Ram.
Thank you for checking on me. Yeah, been away from this blogging scene for a long time. We're doing kind-of Ok. Shall catch you on g+ soon.
Thank you so much for the holiday wishes. Here's wishing your family a very happy new 2014.
May there be a lot of travelling this year. 🙂
Thank you Divya.
Beautiful ! Why no post for a month ? Happy New Year 🙂
Gosh yes. It's been a month. Too much happening, Puru. 🙂 I hope you and Ekta are doing good.
Happy New Year to you guys. Here's wishing you another year full of trips.