Lovers of Indian food in Costa Rica have few restaurants to choose from. There’s the upscale Taj Mahal on the old road to Santa Ana, west of San José, Tin Jo downtown and, in eastern San José, Restaurante Gokul, specializing in traditional Hindu vegetarian cuisine. 

This quaint little eatery sits on the covered front veranda of Giratablas Theater in Barrio La California. Mukunda Das, an ayurvedic chef from the western Indian state of Gujarat, for over four years has been offering very reasonably priced Indian favorites in his small soda-style restaurant. The atmosphere is friendly and homey, with bright yellow decor, half a dozen wooden tables and chairs, and Das frantically cooking in the open kitchen. The only help he has is Krista Keli, who waits tables and assists in the kitchen.