Choolaah — Indian Restaurant in Westlake, OH

Choolaah opened its third location in Greater Cleveland near Crocker Park at the end of 2023. This new fast-casual Indian restaurant at 2207 Crocker Road has quickly become a favorite for its diverse and flavorful menu. Cleveland.com got an exclusive look behind the scenes to explore Choolaah’s unique offerings and the cooking process that sets it apart.

Choolaah is like the Indian version of Chipotle, where customers can customize bowls and wraps with their choice of proteins, vegetables, rice, and sauces. This approach makes it easy for newcomers to discover their preferred tastes. The menu also includes various street food snacks, enhancing the flavors and maintaining a takeout-friendly vibe.

The restaurant is proud of its spicy offerings, decorating its walls with illustrations of Indian spices used in its dishes, such as mint, star anise, ajwain, and fenugreek leaves. Choolaah’s use of tandoor clay ovens for cooking everything from chicken to naan bread distinguishes it from other fast-casual spots, infusing each dish with traditional flavors.

Choolaah’s thoughtful menu extends from spiced chai and lemon drinks in unique flavors to various street foods. Not to be missed are the samosas, Indian fried dumplings filled with spices, peas, and potatoes, especially when served as samosa chaat with chickpea masala, yogurt, and sauce, including a special Tamarind Apple sauce.

The pav bhaji is a standout, described as a vegetarian Indian sloppy joe, and the variety of proteins, vegetables, and sauces, like the mint yogurt sauce for lamb meatballs or spicy mango sauce for salmon, add depth to the dining experience. Desserts, such as the mango lassi and malai kulfi ice cream, offer a refreshing end to the meal. Choolaah caters to various dietary needs without compromising taste, making it a welcoming spot for all diners.

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