Taste

Unexpected flavors abound at drive-thru Desi Burrito

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Stir-fried lamb in Desi’s makhani burrito.
Photo: Jon Estrada
Debbie Lee

Mexico meets Mumbai at this funky new casual concept on the east side of town, co-owned by the folks behind Mint Indian Bistro. The drill is familiar (pile protein on a rice bowl or stuff it in a tortilla), but the flavors are unexpected.

Meat eaters should go for the stir-fried lamb in makhani ($7.49), a tomato-based butter sauce, while vegetarians will inhale the tofu chili in a fragrant korma sauce ($7.21). Sure, you can add a side of fries, but even better are the chaat, or Indian street snacks. Pani puri ($4.99)—crispy hollow crackers smashed open and stuffed with chickpeas, potatoes and chutney—are magnificent flavor bombs that will put spuds and ketchup to shame. And kurkuri bhindi ($4.99), or spicy deep fried okra, will convert anyone with an aversion to the slimy vegetable.

For early birds there’s also a limited breakfast menu. Burritos filled with scrambled eggs or tofu ($4.81) and kale are made with organic ingredients, right down to the coffee. Just make sure to leave extra time to enjoy your grub at an outdoor table—Desi is a drive-thru operation with no indoor seating.

Desi Burrito 670 E. Flamingo Road, 702-987-5310; Daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tags: Dining, Food
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