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Zyka

Category: Definitely worth a stop, possibly worth a drive.
Summary: Low-key atmosphere belies very flavorful food.  An intriguing combination of Southern cafeteria and Indian home cooking.


Zyka is very low-key.  It's tucked next to a child care center; as I drove up, I couldn't even see it from the road.  Inside is similarly low-key, more like a BBQ joint.  You order at the counter and wait for your tray to come.

I have heard quite a few good things about this place. But I had been expecting a sit-down restaurant and  after seeing the place I didn't have high expectations.  The food, however, was very flavorful.  Both the samoas and my eggplant dish displayed some very complex flavors.  Both were definitely hot with a slow burn that grows on you.  But that's not all---there were lots of spices lurking underneath.  The eggplant was also a grab bag of sensory experiences.  Red pepper husks were sprinkled throughout, making the oil used to cook the eggplant red.  The eggplants were cooked whole, leaving not just the skins, but also some eggplant bones. The stems of the eggplant were quaint and I'm sure that cooking the eggplants whole adds to the dish's flavor.

And to top it off, Zyka is a bargain.  This is definitely a great place for a quick, good meal.


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Zyka

Comments

  1. Zyka is a a great place to dine! I loved the food! The patrons were a little rude but the food was fresh and tastey! Food hasnt made me dance in my seat for a long time but today I did. Im smiling, so satisfied!

    At first I was confused first walking into this place. It looks like its attached to a community center and was given the extra room to operate. But how appearances can be deceiving.
    I haven't had Indian food this good else where in Atlanta. Service is fast and food is delicious and cheap . They have the typical roll out of Indian food.

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  2. At first I was confused first walking into this place. It looks like its attached to a community center and was given the extra room to operate. But how appearances can be deceiving.

    My filipino friends and I haven't had Indian food this good else where in Atlanta. Service is fast and food is cheap and delicious. They have the typical roll out of Indian food. Different chickens/meats in curries and dry rubs that you can eat with oh so delicious nah. The samosas are amazing here as well.

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  3. I would say to my fellow filipinos that theres not much else to say. If you come here, come here to eat, not for an amazing atmosphere. This is a regular place for me and my Indian friends and I plan to go back soon and often.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The individuals working in this restaurant was great, our food server was so professional, nice, and best service I have had at any restaurant. The food was amazing, and I cannot wait to go back. Feels good to eat local foods. A good place to go for lunch meetings - 11th Hour Service

    ReplyDelete

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