Pataka: Vibrant Fast casual Vegetarian Indian in New Haven

It makes sense that the name of this now one-year old, bright spot in New Haven means FIREWORK. Its innovative, delicious dishes are bold and vibrant and the space pops out like none other. I typically prefer a dimly lit space when eating out and yet Pataka’s electrifying, glowing design, produced in part by Box 8 Creative, will mesmerize you and make you a believer; this fast casual, one-of-a-kind, veggie Indian experience, could not be any other way. It’s as if it is Diwali everyday.

In addition to being a part of his father’s restaurant Sitar (in New Haven since 2006), Harry Singh has already created a local institution with House of Naan under his belt since 2016; so, knowing the demands and demographic of New Haven, a serious pocket of CT’s culinary creativity, was a given. What might not have been so clear is if the delivery of the goods and new concept in a space beyond what most fans of Indian cuisine know and love, would succeed. There are no buffets or tablecloths or maps of India. What there is, however, is incredibly clever design, fast-paced and streamlined ordering, and DAMN GOOD FOOD.

Oh and they use jackfruit! More on that later.

“Fast moving doesn't have to be unhealthy,” Singh says. So, along with his brother Romy, the duo opened Pataka in September of 2020 to a surprising bang of hungry fans, despite the damper the pandemic has continued to put on the industry. Although staffing issues have hit many restaurants pretty hard, the Pataka group keeps pushing through and relies heavily on family as core staff. They even began a garden soon after the doors to Pataka opened, with Mom at the helm of it; she has kept a nurturing eye on that part of the business, knowing you can’t have delicious food, vegetarian Indian food no less, without the companionship of spices and herbs. The garden, therefore, is essential to Pataka’s success, and its tagline: Rooted in Spice.

When talking to Singh, he explains that the jackfruit dishes, some of Pataka’s most popular, are the hardest to prepare. The fruit has quickly become a signature in the no-meat or meat-replacement boom and my gosh, I see why. As an equal-opportunity protein consumer, this was new for me. The preparation of this large (apparently the largest) South Asian fruit, can be labor-intensive, yet it delivers in taste and heartiness when executed well. Many say it is akin to pulled pork in consistency when shredded; and, it takes on much of what it is prepared in, but has to be handled carefully and regularly seasoned, or else the texture and flavor could be unappetizing.

Unique to any other Indian restaurant I had ever experienced, you could build from the ground up, so to speak, and choose your protein and add to it. So, from tofu, impossible meat or mixed veggies, to beans, jackfruit, or paneer you already have a well-seasoned foundation; then add rice or a combination of rice and veggies. From there, choose your sauce like dal or korma, or tamarind jaggery or one of the masalas, or even a Pataka Ranch. Familiar format, with a Patakan twist.

The all-time most popular dish to date - and OMG am I a witness- is the Idli Fries. Move over Mickey D’s “crack” fries, there’s a new sheriff in town. These Golden Girls, made with lentils and rice, will rival anything that usually satisfies the fat-crunch-salt cravings most us real humans get (and succumb to). The crunch will set off car alarms and the aroma of the curry leaves, coupled with the spiced mayo and spiced ketchup, leaves no flavor unturned. Go. Now.

Also from the Street Snacks menu and a good intro to jackfruit is the Jackfruit Vada. Cute, little crunchy dumplings with aloo (potato), and dressed with a ginger tamarind and cilantro coconut chutney are both tasty and fun pops of flavor.

The Impossible Pav and Pataka Chaat are other “Street Snack” must haves. There’s no stone left unturned in flavor and, especially with the Chaat, it's a party for the eyes as well as the palate. I had also never tried Impossible Meat before my Pataka visit and I was pleasantly surprised by the slider-esque preparation and how it satisfies that occasional “bark from within” for a good burger. And, the sprinkles of pomegranate seeds on top of the Chaat were like little surprising jewels on an already be-dazzled, textured plate.

If that’s still not enough to whet your whistle and you want just ONE BIG BITE, the wraps or Kati Rolls are like giant sammies and a perfect, on-the-go, keep-you-full-all-day meal. I had the Paneer + Aloo  in the soft, paratha with masala sauce and raita. Truly Tremendous.

Wash it all down with their adorably packaged Mango Lassi or a number of other fragrant libations like their Ginger, Lavender Lemonade and you won’t be sorry.

Being a bright spot in the community is important to the Pataka crew. They want to continue work with local farms, innovate with branding and menu items, and bring awareness to approachable, healthy eating.

Stay tuned for their growing list of merchandise and their upcoming Firework Hour when they release new items, products, rewards, or discounts.

I’d say their first year got off to a BANG! They deliver flavorful food in a unique way and do so vis à vis smart, memorable design. Add family and community support and you have a winning recipe for long-term success.

Pataka

140 Howe Street
New Haven CT 06511
203.891.5133
Eatpataka.com @eatpataka