Trio of Indian restaurants spice up a sliver of Moody Street

Three Indian restaurants sit along a small stretch of Moody Street. Their locations, within a block or so of one another, may seem a recipe for intensive competition. But instead it delivers a story of community.

The restaurants – Peppino’s Dosa, Rassa’s and Little India – each have a unique identity.

On the corner of Chestnut and Moody streets sits Peppino’s Dosa, which features vegan/vegetarian dishes as well as meat-inclusive ones. Just half a block away is the more spacious and contemporary Rassa. And across the street is Little India, the oldest Indian restaurant on Moody serving exclusively North Indian food. (Little India is being rebranded as Incredible India.)

Customers seem to have their favorites.

Shouvik Gangopadhyay, who is from India but has lived in Waltham with his family since 2008, said he has eaten at all of the Indian restaurants on Moody Street. But his “go-to” is Little India, which has been in operation since 1988. He recommends it as a good spot for homestyle, standard North Indian fare. He appreciates that Indian food offers many gluten-free options for his wife and son, who have celiac disease.

Waltham resident Darilys “Dary” Matos Acevedo opts for Peppino’s Dosa for its relaxing atmosphere. She said she never feels that the staff there rushes to turn over tables, so she’s comfortable lingering with friends even after they’ve finished eating. Matos Acevedo calls this a “big reason” why she chooses to take groups there again and again.

The restaurant owners know they each contribute their own flavors to Restaurant Row – as Moody Street is known. 

“I can’t eat [the] same dish everyday, guests can’t eat [at the] same place everyday,” said Jay Singh, a co-owner of Peppino’s Dosa.

Devendra “Dev” Patil, who owns Rassa, echoed that sentiment, saying the presence of multiple Indian restaurants creates a marketplace where people can always try something new. “[It] helps each other to bring new business to Moody Street, [it’s] not just a competition,” he said. 

In fact, Patil has eaten at the other restaurants, an experience that gives him some culinary insights on their menu options and his own.

Despite the community that has existed among the three restaurants, changes could be in the works: In a Facebook comment from October 24, Rish Dhir, son of owner Bhushan Kumar, wrote that “Little India has officially closed its doors.” He added that Incredible India, the business opening in the space, will maintain the same staff and menu as Little India for the time being. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives and memories. It has truly been an honor to serve you,” he wrote before signing his post, “With love and gratitude, The Dhir Family.”

The new owner of Little India could not be reached for comment.