About
Welcome to Appu's Turmeric Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in Long Beach, California, where health meets deliciousness in every dish! Located at 2211A Palo Verde Ave, this café brings a unique fusion of Indian cuisine with a twist of trendy Mexican flair, providing a dining experience that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful.
At Appu's, the focus is on heart-healthy meals crafted with care. The café is helmed by Chef VR, an expert with a medical background who integrates holistic principles into his cooking. Guests rave about the offerings, such as the Vegan Mushroom Soup and the protein-packed Grande Maharani Soup. These soups not only feature soothing blends of spices and wholesome ingredients like turmeric but also cater to dietary restrictions with gluten-free options.
But it doesn’t stop at soups - Appu's boasts a scrumptious array of desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Be sure to treat yourself to their Gulab Jamun, golden and melt-in-your-mouth, or the Vegan Cinnamon Crisp, a crunchy pastry dusted with aromatic cinnamon sugar.
The welcoming atmosphere and attentive service add to the experience, making each visit memorable. Guests often highlight the friendliness of the staff, including Chef VR, who often engages with patrons, treating each customer like family. This warm interaction, combined with a commitment to health and flavor, creates a dining ambiance that beckons to be revisited.
As shared by satisfied customers, “This place is healthy and delicious,” and “Everything I’ve had has been delicious,” truly encapsulating the ethos of Appu's Turmeric Cafe. Whether you're in for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even convenient delivery options, Appu's is a sanctuary for those seeking heart-healthy, flavorful meals that dance on the palate.
If you are in the area, take a moment to visit Appu's Turmeric Cafe. Experience the soulful cooking that captures the essence of health, love, and culinary creativity—your taste buds will thank you!
“ It's really difficult to find a quick place to grab lunch that is inexpensive and low salt and low oils without getting a salad and leaving off the dressing. Samosa was crunchy as described. The flavors were just right. This place is heathy and delicious. The service was lovely. The owner was extremely attentive and courteous. If you're in the neighborhood, please support this small business owner and help him stay in business. We need more cheap healthy fast eats!!! I got the lunch buffet. One serving did the job. No need for a refill. I'm lookibb forward to coming back. Glad I stopped by. ”
“ First timers! It was delicious..super flavorful and healthy. Service was friendly and quick. We met the owners son in law who was helpful too. He told us about their own delivery service which can save you a few bucks! Will be back or more likely order delivery. Right off the 405. ”
“ Appu's is serving up delicious food that you can feel good about eating. Chef VR was formerly in the medical field if I'm not mistaken, and focuses on holistic cooking that's heart healthy. I had previously been to the original location in the medical building and was finally able to try the standalone location. I love how he fuses Indian food with Mexican favorites like quesadillas. Some of my favorite items are the Paneer Tikka Masala, Maharaja Burrito, Paneer Tikka Tacos and you can't miss the Indian Flat Bread, their twist on traditional naan bread. ”
“ Let's start with the staff. They are extremely welcoming and will happily go through the menu with you while ordering. Some of the friendliest people you will meet. Now the food! Everything I've had has been delicious. From the flat bread to the burritos to the masala to the samosas, all have met or exceeded my expectations. I eat primarily vegan, but my friends who have eaten the paneers have also raved about their flavor. Don't miss the baked samosas, either in the soup or on the side. I occasionally ask for one of the items off their menu from their other location. When time permits and ingredients are available, they'll fix me a flavor of madras. Yummmmmm! ”
“ This was my first time dining at the new restaurant. The previous location on the first floor of the medical center is currently being remodeled into a culinary school. You can learn how to cook delicious and healthy meals in a flash from the chef himself. This restaurant is a significant improvement from the cramped previous location. Instead of counters, there are comfortable tables and chairs. The food remains as good as ever, and the menu has expanded to more options. The chef often serves the food himself, so there might be a slight wait, but it's well worth it. He treats everyone like family members and friends, and you can taste his love for cooking in every bite. I learned that he's recovering from cancer, but his passion and vivacity overcame any physical constraint. Please come here and have a taste of life itself. ”
“ The taco Tuesday special is a great deal, $5.99 for a trio of delicious tacos. We got a trio of paneer tikka tacos and a trio of saag paneer tacos (you can't mix'n'match, it has to be three of a kind to get the special price) to go and they were awesome! Hubby and I had leftovers. We also dined in and ordered a variety of items. It came to $70 for three without a lot of leftovers so this wasn't an awesome deal like the special was, but we did have some leftovers to take home and it was very tasty. I especially liked the Indian Protein Bread, it was hot and soft and flexible and yet held together well enough to use to pick up other food. The maharaja burrito was good. I wish they had a better selection of beverages on the menu (no regular chai tea?) ”
“ STEPH JUDGEMENT: Great food, excellent service. The hubby and I had been to their other location of the hospital and thought it was very good, but the location and hours weren't very convenient. When we heard about this new more orthodox location, we were excited to try it. The format is fast-casual, where you order at the counter and they bring out the food. They have a lot of fusion-type dishes to appeal to the lunch crowd, like tacos, burritos, bowls, but we opted for their signature traditional dishes: flatbread sampler, paneer tikka masala, saag paneer, yellow lentil soup, and turmeric rice pilaf. Everything was delicious, but what really sets this place apart is the personal touch by the owner, Appu, with whom we had the pleasure to chat. He's a successful musician-turned-restaurateur who really loves serving good food to people. We will definitely be back! ”
“ When my husband suggested we check out a new restaurant, I eagerly said "ABSOLUTELY!!" The Atmosphere: The restaurant has a clean and beautifully decorated ambiance that exudes calmness-perfect for a relaxed dining experience. The service: At the counter, we were greeted by a friendly and polite gentleman who offered excellent recommendations that made our decision making so much easier. The drinks: I opted for a mango lassi while my husband chose the lemongrass chai. Both beverages were absolutely delicious and refreshingly perfect. The food: My husband ordered a soup with a vegan quesadilla and I went for the mushroom masala served with rice, complemented by some Indian flat bread. Each dish was truly spectacular! The verdict: All in all, the food was amazing, and we're eager to come back! The gentleman behind the counter turned out to be the owner, and he was thrilled we sampled his dishes. He shared that he was previously a surgeon and is now enjoying his retirement crafting healthy, delicious vegan meals for everyone to enjoy! Thank you so much VR! ”
“ I am a fan of Indian and Mexican cuisine hence Appu's Turmeric Cafe was a definite must try when in Long Beach! Ample parking, clean and minimalist atmosphere and decor. We ordered the Crispy Samosa, flat bread, and Lemongrass Chai Tea. Talk about a kaleidoscope of flavors. My palate bursting and curiously awaiting the next gift of exquisite taste. This restaurant also support students from neighboring culinary school. An opportunity to discover their skills in customer service, presentation, and creating dishes using a plethora of spices and aromatics. Thank you, Appu's Turmeric Cafe, for your support of our students!!! ”