Woodlands

Type of Cuisine: Pure Vegetarian Indian

Woodlands is a gem for Charlotte-area vegetarians and vegans, but owner Joe Estibeiro has created a menu that is appealing to all palates. The traditional foods of India are prepared with all manner of spices to make them both delicious and satisfying.

The menu offers a couple of specialties not found at other Indian restaurants in the area. One is the dosa, a rice and white lentil crepe. Rice and lentils are ground together, fermented, and cooked. Then the dosa are filled with potatoes, onions, chutney, paneer (Indian cheese), and/or fresh vegetables. Woodlands offers 13 selections of dosa.

The other dish unique to Woodlands is the uthappam - rice and lentil pancakes. After the batter is poured, other ingredients (vegetables, coconut, and/or hot chilies) are dropped in the frying batter. Once done, a topping of tomatoes, peas, carrots, and onions is added.

The most popular item on the menu is Chana Bhatura. This dish features a large puffy bread - the bhatura - shaped like a Jiffy Pop pan! The bhatura is served with Chana Masala - chickpeas in exotic spices with ginger and garlic.

Chana Masala may also be ordered as a curry. Curries are stew-like dishes, served with rice, and made tasteful with Indian spices. Preparing curry is an art; an acidic ingredient (fruit juice, tomato juice, coconut milk, or yogurt) must be added to balance the flavors.

How do you know Woodlands's food is both good and authentic? On any evening, just look at the large following from Charlotte 's Indian community. Better arrive early!

Organized by:

E.A.S.T. (Eastland Area Strategies Team)

Woodlands
7128-A Albemarle Road

Phone: 704-569-9193
Fax: 704-569-9188

Hours:

Monday – Thursday
11:30 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 – 9:30 pm

Friday
11:30 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Saturday – Sunday
11:30 am – 10:00 pm
(Lunch buffet
11:30 am – 3:00 pm)

Web: woodlandsusa.com

*Information provided as of August 2007

To verify current hours and menu, please check with the restaurant

Thanks to TOTW V Partners

VanLandingham Estate	Charlotte Museum of History	Aldersgate