As you explore all that East Side Kauai has to offer, you’ll undoubtedly come across Namaste Indian Food. Although it might just seem like an average food truck, the magic that happens inside that kitchen is anything but ordinary. Using time-honored recipes and fresh, local ingredients, the owner single-handedly creates and serves up authentic Indian cuisine with a focus on gluten-free and vegan fare.
Since just one person runs the entire show, you can usually expect a wait upon rolling up to this food truck. You’ll likely wait in line to order, and then face another long wait for your food to land in the to-go boxes. From there, you may even have to wait for a picnic table to open up unless you’re keen on taking your meal on the road. Want to minimize your time standing around? Call your order in ahead of time and it’ll likely be ready by the time you arrive.
With most of the focus going toward making and plating up the food, the service doesn’t go beyond the basics. A friendly greeting always comes your way upon walking up to the window, but chit-chat is often scarce. Thankfully, all the love comes through in every dish as it’s quite obvious each meal is made with care. The expert blend of herbs and spices elevates the flavors of every ingredient, creating a meal you’re sure to remember.
Fan favorites on their menu include:
White Fish Curry
Want to enjoy all your favorite ocean flavors taken to great heights with the perfect blend of spices? If so, then you need to try the White Fish Curry. This dish begins with island fresh white fish cooked to perfection and put in a rich curry sauce. The curry features all the best flavors, including garlic, lemon, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, mustard seed, ground turmeric, coriander, chives, and so much more.
Potato Cauliflower
When you want buttery-rich veggies covered in all the best spices, you need their Potato Cauliflower dish. To start this masterpiece, potatoes and cauliflower sauté in ghee along with onion, garlic, ginger, green chili, tomatoes, and peas. Then, it gets turmeric, garam masala, and fennel seeds to bring it all together.
Chicken Vindaloo
If you’re in the mood for hearty comfort food, you cannot go wrong by ordering the Chicken Vindaloo. This iconic dish starts with boneless chicken breast cooked in onion, garlic, and ginger paste. Once that’s done, it lands in a fiery red curry spiced to your ideal level of hotness.
Mango Lassi
To offset all the rich spices in every dish, treat yourself to the Mango Lassi. A blend of mango and plain yogurt, this drink promises to keep you feeling wholly delighted from the first sip to the last. You can pair it with your meal or go for the gold after you eat. Either way, it’ll definitely leave you wanting to come back for more in between all your island adventures.
Although there are several picnic tables set up all around, you can elevate your dining experience by taking your meal to Kapaa Beach. Since your meal is already boxed up and ready to go, it’ll keep well until you get there. Once you arrive beachside, you can enjoy fantastic views of the ocean waves while enjoying every bite.
Insider Tips:
-Want to put your tastebuds to the test? Just ask them to kick up the heat while making your dish.
-If you’re looking to arrive close to the end of the day, give them a call to ask for after-hours service. Although they may not always honor your request, there’s a chance they’ll stay onsite a little bit later to ensure you get your meal.
-The portions are rather generous, so be prepared to take your leftovers back to the hotel for your later enjoyment. Or, if you’re dining with another person, you can order a meal and a couple of sides to share instead to save yourself the trouble.