Jan05
Almora is a marvelous Indian restaurant that will become a regular stop on your restaurant route from your first visit. The restaurant specializes in the cuisine of southern India, which is mild but flavorful dishes that combine the basic food groups into delicious and healthful meals. We were delighted with the absolutely delicious foods at this restaurant and we are sure that you will agree with us.

The restaurant takes its name from the Almora region of southern India. Owner Yossi Ofek, previously of The Seventh Place, and a regular visitor to India, chose this unique location because of its similarity to the forested mountains of his favorite part of India.

Getting there:
Even Sapir is a yeshuv just down the road from Jerusalem's Hadassa Hospital. Coming from Tel-Aviv, exit Route 1 at Mevaseret Zion, turn toward the Castel and follow the signs to Hadassa Hospital. Pass the hospital parking and continue about 1.5 kilometers to Even Sapir. There are signs to the yeshuv.

Take the first right turn after entering the gate of the yeshuv and proceed another kilometer or so. There are several signs to the restaurant along the way. The road winds through this picturesque town with marvelous views of the Judean hills, so take it slowly and enjoy the sights. The last part of the distance is on a somewhat broken road. Keep going till you reach the restaurant on your left. There is parking next to the restaurant.

Seating:
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating is preferred, for its panoramic view of the magnificent Judean hills, but in the winter you can enjoy the view from the large windows in the clean indoor area. Seating is at simple wooden tables for 4 that belies the culinary experience that is about to unfold. The indoor area is quite spacious and is deal for groups or for smachot.

The Menu:
The menu is basically in three sections: vegetarian dishes which are the authentic Indian foods, meaty Indian style foods, and conventional Israeli-style dishes for the non-adventureous diner.

The “Selection of appetizers” from the vegetarian menu included Samossa, Bhajjias, Batata Wada. Sure, we'll try that!

Out came a platter of crispy fried vegetables coated in a lighter than light batter. These were so delicious that I was reluctant to dip them in the selection of 4-5 Chutney sauces that were served alongside. “Southern Indians are strict vegetarians” we were told “and they don't use eggs.” Then what is this batter made from? Chick-pea flour. Absolutely delicious!

On to the main course. I chose the Thali, which I was advised is the classical Indian meal and is a traditional lunch. This is served in South Indian style – meaning that the meal is served on a metal plate that has indentations for each of the different foods that make up this dish. That way the flavors mix in your mouth and not on the plate. What a grand idea! Thali includes two different types of rice and four curried vegetables, each in its own “slot.” The meal was served with Papadaam, which is crispy Indian bread –like a crispy cracker. The combinations were perfect. The food was simply delicious.

My companion had the Chicken Tikka – small pieces of chicken breast cooked with an exotic red sauce that is flavorful without being spicy. The chicken, he reported, was soft and tasty. He also tried the mutton kebab. This was a long flat oval-shaped hamburger, grilled to well done but still moist and juicy. This dish is served with rice, which sets off the meat perfectly. My companion enjoyed his meal thoroughly, but in fact I was so wound up with my own dish, I hardly noticed what he was eating!

The Indian Chai and the desserts are also unique at Almora. The hot drink which looks like light coffee is rich in the flavors of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and other flavors and gets its color from soy milk. This must be a cultivated taste. The desserts are different, and here too you may be surprised. We tried the Payasam, which is served hot and contains thin rice noodles cooked in soya milk with nuts and raisins. Carrot Halva is a dessert made of raisins almonds and cashew nuts. These desserts were quite exotic and certainly worth trying.

Visit Almora for delicious exotic dining and discover that Southern India is but 15 minutes from downtown Jerusalem!

Vegetarian Appetizers from NIS 20 -30, Vegetarian Main courses: NIS 33 – 47. Non-vegetarian appetizers from NIS 25 –38, Non-vegetarian main courses from NIS 38 –60. Desserts and beverages NIS 18.