Linger is known for an eclectic mix of dishes from all over the world. You can, for example, load up on falafel while your dining partner picks at a bento box. It's a place for just about any taste preference and the staff is incredibly accommodating to allergies and diet restrictions like gluten and dairy. While almost every item on the unique menu is worth exploring, some dishes, of course, stand out more than others — the masala Dosa is one of those dishes.
If you’re searching for a dish that leaves you full — and audibly sighing with satisfaction — the masala dosa is a must. Described by one server as a dish that really gives you the unique Linger experience, it goes above and beyond ordinary vegetarian options. It’s a marvel of texture and flavors that leave a lasting impression on your taste buds but will not leave you hungry. If you swoon over the aromas of coriander and saffron, read on.
The dosa, a crispy rice and lentil crepe, is delicately cooked on a hot griddle and stuffed with potatoes, peas and spices. Tamarind date sauce and coconut mint chutney are served on the side to complement the traditional Indian flavors. First bites into the burrito-like crepe are warm and reminiscent of familiar flavors you might find in other masala dishes at your favorite Indian restaurant. The filling is soft and a perfect counter to the crispy crepe blanket. Alternating between the tamarind date and coconut mint chutney gives the meal punches of sweet and refreshing notes, respectively. Miraculously, the dosa remains soft and crispy all the way through to the last bite. It does not become lifeless once cool, maintaining its structure as vehicle for the potatoes and peas.
If you’ve seen the Lunchbox, an Indian film where food and love are equated, and the thought of home-cooked Indian food makes you salivate, Linger's take on Indian cuisine will bring back the movie's celebration of that country's food. If you haven’t seen the film, give it a go, followed by a dinner reservation at Linger. Granted, Linger isn’t a typical mom-and-pop Indian restaurant, and with such variety in the menu, some might be skeptical at just how dialed in each cuisine can be. But rest assured, the dosa is up to par — and it's offered on both the lunch and dinner menu, so for $13 you can indulge at any time of day — hopefully on Linger's rooftop patio, winner of this year's People's Choice award for Best Patio.