227 Summit Park Dr
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
I have been a big fan of Choolaah since my first visit at the Robinson location. This chain originally opened in Ohio in 2014 and has since expanded to numerous Pennsylvania locations. I was really impressed with the delicious Indian bowls and Naan bread, especially for a quick service restaurant. As Pittsburgh lacks many decent Indian restaurants (and sadly no lunch buffets!), Choolaah is your best bet. The delicious food, clean ambiance, great service, plus allergy friendly menu, definitely sets it above the rest.
At Choolaah, you will conveniently get to customize your own bowl. Pick your rice, protein of choice, and sauce. Protein choices include: tofu, paneer cheese, lamb, chicken, salmon, roasted veggies, or veggie croquettes (made of black beans). Sauce options include tikka masala, chickpea masala, black or yellow lentil daal. White or brown basmati rice or supergreens are the base choices. You can also mix and match either of the 3.
I always order the Perfect Balance Bowl with white basmati rice, tikka masala sauce, roasted veggies, and either veggie croquettes or paneer. The bowl is so delicious although the sauce portion is a bit too skimpy. I really love the flavor of the Tikka masala sauce: it is better than some sit down Indian restaurants! The veggie mix is tasty and includes sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and zucchini so very high in fiber and filling. Do order a side of delicious Naan bread to accompany your meal.
Wraps are also available along with a number of appetizers include Samosa Chaat and Samosa. Mango Lassi and Hot and Chilled Chai tea also are available for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Conveniently, the menu is marked with vegetarian and vegan friendly items, thus making dining with a special food allergy quite easy. This is a great choice for anyone who is vegan as there are lots of options.
The staff is always very nice. At Choolaah, you order at the counter, pick up your food, and buss your own table. The little service provided is always friendly. Staff will have no problem answering any questions if this is your first time visiting.
The vibe is very clean and modern, although a bit too bland. There is not much in the way of the decor and the seating is quite uncomfortable. Wile the food is great, you do not get the nice ambiance and restaurant experience you typically get at a nice Indian restaurant. This cafe is a great choice for anyone seeking healthy, delicious, and quick Indian food.
Choolaah is a great stop for quick and tasty Indian fare. Although you are sacrificing the full service and unique ambiance of a traditional Indian dining experience, the dedication to healthy ingredients and many vegetarian options make it a great choice for healthy Indian food in the 'Burgh. You will not be disappointed in the delicious flavor of the sauces, the variety of protein toppins, and the amazing Naan bread. This place is so good that I often pick it over a sit down establishment, especially if I am shopping or doing other errands in the Robinson area.
