In today’s installment of “What Did Spencer Eat For Lunch?” I went to Masala Lab PDX. Brunch you say? Indian influenced brunch? You had me at brunch. I have been hearing good things about this place on MLK and had to try it for myself. A rather novel approach, they serve up Indian takes on Hash, Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles. Everything on the menu is gluten free. From the chef who started DesiPDX, a food cart I enjoy at Prost, this new brick and mortar restaurant flirts with gimmickry, but ultimately delivers in terms of flavors and interesting combinations.

Pictured above is the Chaat Hash: crispy potatoes with chaat masala, bacon lardons, braised greens, pickled veggies, date chutney topped with 2 eggs. And a side of curry ketchup, which I always love. The flavors here were unique and worked well together. There was just a hint of heat to the dish. They use bacon lardons, which I love, though sometimes their flavor got a bit overpowered by the more powerful flavors of the chutney. One of the revelations about this dish was the braised greens. They were delicious. Mustard, collard, possibly kale too? The portions were good, I finished every last morsel and left feeling satisfied. I definitely want to go back for the chicken and waffles, that is what everyone else was getting, and they looked very photogenic and delicious.

The place itself is ok, a bit ho-hum in a random newer strip-mall stretch on MLK just south of Killingsworth. You are definitely going for the unique food and not the ambience. The waitress was nice and friendly. My only small knock on their setup is the built-in 20% tip for a counter service spot. Chances are I’m going to tip that anyways, it just seems a bit pretentious and presumptuous for counter service. I assume they don’t do it for to-go orders, but who knows? Anyways, I would recommend it for their unique Indian take on brunch. Happy Eating.