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Area newcomer Pappe opened earlier this month, introducing Logan Circle diners to dishes and flavors reminiscent of North India. The 85-seat establishment (1317 14th Street NW), which features design elements inspired by New Delhi’s colorful fabric markets, is the brainchild of chefs Sanjay Mandhaiya and Shankar Puthran from Saffron restaurant in Falls Church, Virginia, and first-time restaurateur Vipul Kapila.
Featured offerings include chicken tikka masala; bone-in goat with garlic tomato chutney and red curry; spicy vindaloo; and some seafood dishes.
Read on to hear what the public is saying, just a few weeks into service:
The Hip Vibes News: Yelper Amber K. says she really liked the decor. “The hand painted murals, Indian fabrics, comfy cushions, and antique wooden cabinets all made me feel like I was in some regal part of India. Overall, the place feels colorful, warm, and hip!” she writes. Yelper Caroline L. goes a step further, dubbing the new arrival “Rasika’s more ‘authentic’ cousin. Delicious food + chic atmosphere. Sexy interior that makes it a great date spot.” [Yelp]
The Room for Improvement News: Yelper S P. laundry listed critiques of the chat papri (“could use a little more flavor”), garlic naan (“tasty but too much butter on it”), dal makhani and yellow dal (“decent but too salty”), and skimpy chicken korma (“only three chunks of chicken for a full size order”). Google reviewer Jackson Ave says Pappe “could have bigger portions of rice but overall, great find.” [Yelp, Google]
The Rising Star News: Facebook user Manisha Ranka says the new restaurant has made a convert out of her spouse. “My husband, who is an absolute Rasika devotee, even admitted that Pappe was better,” she writes. “We loved it.” Meanwhile, fellow Facebook user Darshan Hegde declares it “one of the best North Indian fares in the DMV area!” [Facebook]
The Greatest Hits News: Facebook user Archna Gupta says samosas were “crispy and spicy, like [they] should be. Other favorites were the chicken vindaloo (very spicy), the lamb chops, yellow dal fry, the red snapper, and channa pindi. My son really liked the Masala duck roast.” Google reviewer Rishabh Gupta “loved the lamb chops, baingan bharta and the authentic vindaloo which packed some heat.” [Facebook, Google]
The Welcome Neighbor News: Facebook user Amanda Fontana says, “We love Indian food so we were excited to see this place open on 14th street — the Vindaloo is phenomenal, if you try one thing get it!” Instagram user @perfctlycromulent notes “finally there’s an Indian place on 14th.” Facebook user Jennifer Alpha says, “Pappe is the best thing to happen to Logan Circle in years! The decor is gorgeous yet welcoming and the food is amazing. I love that you can get side portions of dishes that most restaurants serve only as entrees.” [Facebook, Instagram]
The 411 News: Facebook user Archana Gupta is rather taken with Pappe. “The vindaloo was as hot as the space itself; loved it,” she writes. “Finally a spot for authentic Indian in a chic setting in DC.” Google reviewer Elizabeth Landau says, “The service was very good and staff were kind and knowledgeable. Cocktails were delicious as was the food.” Yelper Jenny D. noted, “It was a lot of food, and everything was well prepared, spaced out well, and had wonderful flavors. The dishes were also seemingly affordable for the area.” [Facebook, Google, Yelp]
