San Francisco is always in the mood for Indian food. But gorging on a feast of multiple dishes and a stack of naan isn’t always ideal for a light lunch. Yet that craving for tikka masala and lamb curry still rages. Luckily, Kasa Indian Eatery has a solution.
Kasa has been around for a while — 10 years, actually. That’s older than fast-casual power-players like Super Duper Burgers (opened in 2010) and Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen (2012). They have two locations, one on 18th Street in the Castro and another on Polk Street in the Tenderloin (plus a third on the way in Redwood City). Kasa isn’t like most Indian restaurants. It’s well-decorated, with bold, colorful signage, adorned in trendy fonts. Stand in line, gaze upon the many options and ways to customize your meal, order at the counter, grab a number and find a seat. Most San Franciscans have grown accustomed to this system over the past six years or so, but we’ve also learned that “fast-casual” doesn’t always mean cheap. But at Kasa there is a way around the $18 lunch break.
The Kati roll ($7.50) is a miniature burrito of sorts that is built to satisfy your hankering for a quick Indian snack. Small Roti bread is wrapped around your choice of any of Kasa’s delicious meaty fillings or vegetarian options like saag paneer and gobi aloo. The fillings are covered with earthy marinated onions and a mixture of tangy chutneys with a dollop of refreshing cucumber raita. Wrapped in paper and about the size of a tamale, it’s the perfect snack on-the-go when exploring the Castro or walking around Dolores Park. And if you’re on a weekend tasting tour, the best part is that there will still be room to try whatever other bites the city streets have to offer. Mission Dog, maybe?
Look, we all need great food on the go, and fast-casual is convenient for all of us at times, even if you find the concept a little played out. But considering how many restaurants in San Francisco and the country are using this methodology these days, it’s especially nice to see an original underdog still going strong.
Kasa Indian Eatery, 1356 Polk St., 415-931-3991 or 4001 18th St., 415-621-6940, kasaindian.com
