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Uncover the Hidden Gems of Indian Cuisine in the Mission

Opening with a Warm Welcome

Apna Chulha ("Our Stove") made its grand entrance about two months ago in the spacious area left by West of Pecos. The owners have truly transformed the place, infusing it with a warm and elegant ambiance. The dark wood tones create a cozy atmosphere, while the bank of enormous, gleaming copper pots by the bar area adds a touch of grandeur. It's a place that instantly makes you feel at home.

You might find yourself wondering, "Do we really need more Indian food in the Mission?" But think about it this way: Is there ever such a thing as too much parking? The answer is always a resounding "Yes." And Apna Chulha has quickly become my new favorite Indian restaurant in the neighborhood. Coming from their sister locale in El Granada (Half Moon Bay), it's a welcome addition to Valencia Street and the Mission as a whole.

A Feast of Unique Dishes

On my first visit, I was determined to explore new flavors. The first dish that caught my attention was the fish pakora.

The lightness of the crispy coating and the extreme juiciness of the fish itself were truly surprising. Served with three chutneys that ranged from mild to quite hot, this dish became a favorite of the night. It was a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Next, due to a not-unhappy miscommunication, we ended up with both saag paneer and paneer makhani.

Saag paneer is one of my all-time favorite Indian dishes, and Apna Chulha did not disappoint. Although it was a bit milder in flavor than I'm used to, the paneer was cooked to perfection. And then there was the paneer makhani, a Punjabi dish made with tomatoes, spices, and of course, paneer. Creamy and well-spiced, with a good bit of heat (even though we ordered everything medium), it was a delight. We were glad to have both.

Naturally, we couldn't resist having naan to soak up all the delicious sauces.

The garlic naan had the perfect amount of chewiness and was beautifully garlicky without any bitterness. It was the perfect accompaniment to our meal.

Exploring the Exotic with Punjabi Fried Rice

I was drawn to the Punjabi fried rice as the menu described it with potatoes and other veggies, along with egg. As an Andean, I was excited about the double-carb action. The bits of potato were small, but that didn't take away from the pleasure. The delicate grains were coated in heavenly turmeric and fried in ghee, making this rice a true delight.

After a hearty meal, our friendly server brought us two little glasses of kheer, India's lovely milky rice pudding, on the house. It was a light and sweet finish to an already amazing dining experience.

Takeout Delights on a Chilly Night

One chilly night, my partner and I ordered takeout. The spread included mulligatawny soup, tamarind, cilantro/mint, and mango chutneys, Hyderabadi chicken, navratan korma, and rice with sweet peas and star anise.

The mulligatawny soup had a mild chicken broth that was almost bean soup-like. A little mango chutney added a nice touch. I was torn between the Hyderabadi chicken, with its shredded crispy potato topping giving it a lovely crunch, and the even lusher, coconut-y navratan korma. Each dish had such depth of flavor, and it was clear that every dish at Apna Chulha is its own unique creation.

I ordered the Hyderabadi chicken at a "7/10" spice level, which was definitely noticeable but not overly painful. I'm looking forward to trying the "spicy" level next and continuing to explore this amazing menu.

Affordable and Generous Portions

Apna Chulha's Sunday brunch buffet is an absolute steal at $15.95 for all you can eat. Most items on the menu are very affordable, considering the generous portions. We had so much food to take home with us, ensuring that the flavors would linger long after the meal.

While the website mentions a full bar, currently, Apna Chulha is only serving beer and wine. But that doesn't take away from the overall dining experience. We're always grateful for new, good-quality food establishments, and Apna Chulha is definitely one to cherish. So get out there and indulge in the flavors of Apna Chulha!