Kalga Kafe

07/04/09

Doesn't exist anymore

by Idra at Citysearch

Kalga Cafe was one of my favorite vegetarian spots in Portland until they closed abruptly in 2008. I will miss their food & the host/owner greatly.

• Pros: high quality vegetarian food
• Cons: gone

09/19/08

Best organic vegan food in town.

by 4cats1room at Citysearch

This is a great small, eclectic restraunt which feels very relaxing and inviting. The waiters never bother too much, there is just enough light from the candles & the music is always good. The food is always excellent and can be ordered based on spicyness. Mild plus or minus, Medium plus or minus, Hot plus or minus. And make sure you specify whether you want your food to be vegan. I have gotten so comfortable with this city being vegan that I have forgotten on occasion, but the extra help behind the counter never seem to mind, it's a free meal to them! I really enjoy coming here after a long day to eat a great home cooked meal and relax in the ambiance.

Over the years Kalga has changed their hours repeatedly, changed their servers, reduced it's menu and recently they upped their prices by a dollar or three. The food can be pricey, but it is well worth spending a little more for mostly organic fare. The owner is an excellent cook and all meals are always very satisfying. Indian portions can be small, so appetizers or more flat bread should be ordered. The small portions can be deceiving at times, so it's really based upon how hungry you are and how rich your palate is. Their miso soup is excellent! Sadly, they no longer have their black bean burrito (one of their best dishes) and I haven't tried their pizza yet. A favorite of mine is their largest plate, Pad Thai, the best Pad Thai in the city, in my opinion. The Olive tapenade is also excellent, as are their samosas. I personally don't like their falafel too much(and I am a big fan of falafel usually), but my husband really enjoys it. They always have a large assortment of drinks from tea to juices to ale and wine. Their chai, made with rice milk, is very good and they have a great assortment of Tao of Tea loose leaf teas.

• Pros: ambience, quality of food, mostly organic, vegan cheese, vegan desserts, that hat the owner/cook wears
• Cons: they never change their art (but the art is quite good), music can be loud (but also can be turned down or changed upon request)

07/14/08

Very spendy, but great indian food

by pdxmodchick at Citysearch

Darn, I love the Indian food they make here. So tasty and really spicy! The pizzas are too small but decent, but the real star is their salads. So big and wonderful!!!