TUMBI Craft Indian Kitchen

I discovered this place in the Michelin guide and thought I would try this Indian that wasn’t run of the mill. Wow ! It’s been a couple years since my tastebuds exploded with so much joy for Indian food. Flavors are strong but are not overpowering, every dish could stand on its own and complemented each other. Even the dessert had that creative audacity that closed the diner on a high note…

We had a Masala Dosa, the Avocado Bhel Puri, Sambhar, and an Aloo Paratha. All were served piping hot, which dosas must be. They were some of the best we've had, and we've traveled India many times. Can't wait to return and try other dishes. They're one of the few Santa Monica restaurants listed on the Michelin guide, but they don't advertise it. They should!

The food has been really good. It has a nice taste. I liked this place. Service was a little bit too slow and could be improved in general. But I would come again if I’m in Santa Monica, CA, again!

Hands-down the best Indian food in LA for me! Appetizers: Panipuris were crisp, fresh and the pani was just the right amount of tangy! The wada pav was soft, crunchy and the idle fries are a stroke of genius. The avocado bhelpuri are pretty dope! Never knew avocados would go that well with that spice palette. Main course: The butter chicken is so good and so rich! We ordered it twice! The laccha parattha and the garlic naan compliment the dishes really well! Dessert: Kulfi: they have malai, pistachio and mango flavors! So smooth, so rich and a good portion size The deconstructed carrot halwa: probably haven’t had dessert that good in a while. They serve it with ice cream and granola which gels so well with the halwa! 10/10- would come again 🤩

The idli fries were amazing. The chicken biryani was very good. The vada pao was made in fusion style with caramelised onions. We liked it. The chicken malai tikka was a little dry and lacked spices and could have been better. The service was great!

Something for everyone! Started with an interesting non-alcoholic drink that had a spicy surprise. The avocado dish was wonderfully seasoned and light. The coconut shavings were so fresh we had to ask to confirm it was coconut. This is one of the best tasting vegan dishes I have ever had! The apricot fish with chili relleno worked like I could have never imagined and typically I don't like fish. The fried fish and chips were also very tasty. The chips are actually made from rice. The traditional Curry that I typically expect was magnificent! Everything was so healthy, fresh, and flavorful it was wonderful. Their bread gives the place on the Promenade a run for their money. The entire menu is affordably priced. They have a bar. And there is patio seating to watch the ocean and or people. The acoustics are great such that you can sit with one person or four and be able to hear each other without yelling. I can't wait to go back!

Had the pleasure of dining here last night. The service was amazing! A lot of attention to detail by both the wait staff and the bus staff that brings you the excellent food . The butter chicken was the outstanding dish in my opinion. The naan and the dosa were as good as any I’ve had in India. The appetizers we had were fine but not outstanding. I ordered the mango lassi. Very thick and creamy and not overly sweet. Definitely will return. Please note they do not take reservations.