new South Indian restaurant in Oakland - Swagath

 Deborah wrote:

 > On the strong recommendation of an Indian colleague of mine, I went to
 > a South Indian restaurant that just opened a month or two ago.  I will
 > definitely be back.  I've eaten some south Indian food (I'm a regular
 > at Udipi), and I wanted to try something I hadn't had before.  The
 > proprietors were very helpful and nice, and my pasarattu uppama (green
 > lentil pancake with some sort of cream of wheat filling) was
 > delicious.  I can't wait to try more things.  Most of the items are in
 > the $3-$4 range.  It is called Swagath, and it is on Oakland Avenue
 > (one block east of Atwood) between Fifth and Forbes, and I think it's
 > open from 7am-10pm every day.  -Deborah

 I went there with my mother on Friday night, and we both enjoyed it
 greatly.  We had one of those lentil pancakes, chicken biryani and the
 veggie dinner special.  Prices were low, portions were large (I'm
 quite fond of Indian food as leftovers), and the quality was
 universally high.  I was really pleased by the experience, and thanks
 for recommending them.

 As far as general info goes... the menu is pretty brief - they have a
 bunch of things advertised as breakfast foods, including the
 aforementioned lentil pancake, a vegetarian lunch buffet, and for
 dinner they have chicken or vegetable biryani and dinner specials.
 The special consist of two curries, nan, rice, some little fried
 things (not sure what they're called) and chutney.  You can get either
 both vegetarian curries, or one each veggie and chicken.  We had both
 veggie, and enjoyed both.  The chicken biryani was really good as
 well.  As far as prices go, I believe that the most expensive thing on
 the menu was the $6 lunch buffet, so everything is quite reasonable
 and student-friendly (which I hope works well for them once Pitt's
 fall session starts).  The restaurant itself is basically a hole in
 the wall: 3-4 small tables and a smallish kitchen.

 Noah L. wrote in message news:...
 > Deborah wrote:
 >

 [snip]

 > the menu was the $6 lunch buffet, so everything is quite reasonable
 > and student-friendly (which I hope works well for them once Pitt's
 > fall session starts).  The restaurant itself is basically a hole in
 > the wall: 3-4 small tables and a smallish kitchen.

 I came from south India and have been to Swagath once... I wasn't
 really impressed by the selection of items, the quality of the food
 and the environment.

 I ordered a Dosa (or thin rice pancake) but was served a Dosa as dry
 as a cracker and considerably smaller in size (not worth the $3.50).
 Given the quality of the foods, I believe the prices are too
 expensive. I've been to other south Indian restaurants in Pittsburgh
 but Swagath's portions are too small and dishes need improvement in
 its quality. If they are going to attract customers, they will have to
 have specials such as half price and more items.

 The environment is too small for even a fast food restaurant.  They
 should open up the second floor even in the evenings so the incoming
 or outgoing customers don't bother you.

 Overall, I believe, if they remedy few things, this restaurant has
 potential.  However, I must congratulate the owner for his/her
 decision to setup a south Indian restaurant in the midst of popular
 north Indian restaurants. But for now, although I crave for South
 Indian foods, I will go for the Prince of India or India Garden until
 Swagath get used to their environment.