Have You Been to Maya’s Yet?

With that first-anniversary celebration under its belt, Maya’s South Indian Cuisine is clearly here to stay. But anyone who’s enjoyed the hot sambar, crispy vedas, soft idlis and savory dosa knows that! If you haven’t been to Maya’s yet, well, maybe this will convince you.

Straight Outta Southern India

Chef Anitha Chiranjivi is a native of southern India, and she opened Maya’s to bring some of those native flavors to Reno. All of her dishes come from secret family recipes and local chefs from back home in Chennai, and they’re bursting with the complex flavors of exotic ingredients and spices. Even better? Maya’s has a wonderful selection of gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes, and her menus are internationally and seasonally inspired. To-die-for menu staples include:

• Masala dosa, which is a thin crepe made of rice and urad dhal lentil that’s filled with potatoes and onions.
• Poori and potato masala, which is fried Indian bread served with potato masala.
• Kuzhi paniyaram, which are soft yet crispy dumplings made from rice and urad dhal, served with two kinds of chutney and sambar.

Serious eats, you guys! Check out the full menu and then check the clock – Maya’s is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch between 10 am and 2 pm, so hopefully time is on your side.

Organic & Local

Like other West Street Market merchants, Maya’s offers the best organic-when-possible ingredients and sources what she can from local farmers. Some of her ingredients and pantry staples also come from 24 Mantra, an organic food company in India that established a farmer co-op to promote healthy, organic food production methods while ensuring a living wage for participating farmers.

Oh, and the Drinks!

The lunch plates are positively scrumptious, but Maya’s beverages are just as delightful. Try the south Indian coffee (make it vegan with organic nut milk!), kombucha, and house-made panagram – a traditional cooling beverage made with lime juice, spices, and jaggery.

Clearly, Maya’s is a stellar addition to the West Street Market line-up. If you’ve never tried southern Indian food, you’re in for a treat. And if you were raised on southern Indian food, eating at Maya’s will be just like going home.