India Post News Service

Irvine: Authentic, freshly-made and fast, those are the words that describe the food at the Masala Bowl Indian Café. As if that wasn't enough, you can expect a friendly smile from one of the owners serving you from behind the counters.

The newest location of the Indian restaurant franchise, Masala Bowl opened its doors to the Irvine residents on September 22, with a Grand Opening celebration last week.Enter the café, and you will be surrounded with a pleasant smell, and not with a whiff of pungent Indian spices.

Painted with colors that signify the Indian culture's playfulness, the walls bring about a soothing and relaxing environment. And you can enjoy the dances and songs from Bollywood movies on a flat screen TV, while munching on your Paneer Wrap.

"We've enjoyed the food of Masala Bowl for over a year at the other locations," mentioned Meera Kapil, the owner of the Irvine Masala Bowl, "but it wasn't until several months ago that my husband and I decided to get involved and open up the franchise in Irvine."

The Husband-Wife Duo, Suman and Meera, were looking to get involved in a new franchise-type business, when a friend introduced them to Raj Gudapati, the owner of the Masala Bowl Franchise. Although the Kapils were slightly hesitant over opening a restaurant as neither of them have ever been restaurateurs. After talking to Gudapati over a period of time, Suman and Meera realized that Masala Bowl was the right business for them.

"I've never made roti for Meera in the thirty years that I've known her," smilingly said Kapil, "but the other day, I made her an entire meal at the café." The one main condition to own the franchise is to know how to prepare the food at the café and to serve the customers.

The Kapils are very excited about the café as it brings a new flavor to the fast food restaurant scene. "The food is made from fresh ingredients; we don't use canned products at all, not even for our spinach," mentioned Meera, "and we use the highest quality ingredients."

"The best part is that even the hottest dish on our menu will not give you heartburn," said Suman, who cannot withstand Indian spices, "Masala Bowl's food is made to be enjoyed."With over years of research, Masala Bowl has perfected the Indian food to fit the taste buds of the majority.

Mint Lamb, Chicken Andhra Masala, Paneer Sticks, Shrimp Wraps and Chaat Bowls are just some of the treats that you can enjoy at this gourmet fast food café. And to top if all off, the prices for the dishes are scrumptious; you'll come back for seconds and thirds and more.