Franchising

Fast Casual Indian eatery opening near UCLA

Provided

September 14, 2022

Tulsi, a fast casual concept specializing in Indian cuisine with locations in downtown Los Angeles and Northridge, California is opening a third store near the University of California in Westwood.

Tulsi serves vegetarian and vegan Indian dishes from around the subcontinent, spotlighting regional specialties and street foods, including dosas, pani puri, pav bhaji and chef-curated thalis: round metal trays that showcase smaller portions of a variety of dishes.

Tulsi is the Hindi name for the holy basil plant, which is sacred in the Hindu religion and is thought to be an earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulasi (a form of the goddess Lakshmi). It symbolizes purity, protection and encourages a deep state of meditation, CEO Chirag Shah said in a company press release.

"We brainstormed many names while developing the restaurant, and one name stuck above all, 'Tulsi,'" Shah said. "'Holy Basil'" is simple, sacred, pure, and deeply rooted in Indian Culture. It fits perfectly into what we were trying to build."

A concept 20 years in the making, Tulsi partners are from different regions of India and practice different religions but have come together to celebrate their diversity and shared deep belief in progress and equity. From South Indian favorites to unique Gujarati fare to traditional North Indian dishes like paneer tikka masala, chana masala, and hot, flaky samosas, Tulsi's menu touches every corner of the country, Shah said.

All regional specialties are prepared by specialized chefs and on-site bakers who are experts in their respective cuisines, and each dish is made from scratch in-house. Tulsi also represents a fresh spin on Indian flavors, serving fusion dishes on its Influencer Menu, such as paneer tikka tacos, as well as a selection of Indo-Chinese favorites vegetable Manchurian and chili-garlic fried rice. Creative takes on traditional recipes, including sprouted mung bean chaat in an edible papad bowl and "loaded" makhni fries, keep customers coming back for more, according to the release.