Flavors of India with Aptitude:
The Twisted Indian is Spicing Things Up

ST. PETE FOODIES APPROVED SPONSOR:
Flavors of India with Aptitude:</br> The Twisted Indian is Spicing Things Up

There’s something about Indian cuisine that undoubtedly appeals to all palates: a meld of sweet, spicy, tangy, earthy, and robust flavors. How could that flavor lineup possibly become even more desirable? Americanize it! And that’s precisely what chef Lokesh Vale did whilst bringing The Twisted Indian to life almost 3 years ago.

Lokesh serves up an Indian Fusion-based menu from his truck and describes his version of this food genre as Indian food presented in an American way…and it is all things whimsical, brilliant and enthralling. I am willing to bet that you have never devoured a Currito (their take on a Burrito), or found yourself lost in a tantalizing bowl of Yogi Fries (Cheese Fries with classic Indian additives).

Lokesh and Kate of The Twisted Indian.
Lokesh and Kate of The Twisted Indian.

When Lokesh was in the 8th grade, he discovered his interest in cooking. His fascination was sparked at age 13 when he once watched his father chop a carrot with some speed (and his father rarely cooked), and he then began cooking with his mother. Cooking was not the path that his parents had hoped for him; however, he enrolled in hospitality school and turned his enchantment with the culinary world into a full-blown passion.

The decision to serve up Indian fare for the masses was an effortless choice for Lokesh. For one, it is his heritage, and, more importantly, St. Pete is a prime area for ethnic and cultural food. The folks of our city are also exceptionally into fresh and healthy eats. The vegan and vegetarian population is high, and to cater to that crowd, the Twisted Indian serves up different vegan specials every Saturday at the Saturday Morning Market.

Yogi Fries, Lamb Korma Bollywood Bowl, and the Chicken Tikka Masala Currito

As far as the regular menu is concerned, the Twisted Indian easily has something to appease most anyone’s taste. Every item that they serve can be created with one of the following: Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Korma, or Paneer Tikka Masala.

ST. PETE FOODIES APPROVED SPONSOR:
The Twisted Indian’s Regular Menu

We caught up with Lokesh & The Twisted Indian at 3 Daughter’s Brewing recently. Our order included: The Bollywood Bowl with Lamb Korma, The Currito with Chicken Tikka Masala and The Yogi Fries, plain.

When you think of eating from a food truck, the mind typically associates that with food in a hurry, convenience and ease. A dazzling presentation is not usually something on the checklist of expectations, but rather, an added bonus. Each dish that we ordered was presented as though it had been carefully styled. Every garnish of Cilantro, drizzle of sauce and Currito layer was perfectly arranged. This spiked my hunger and excitement to dig in even more.

Bollywood Bowl with Lamb Korma, Currito with Chicken Tikka Masala, Yogi Fries

My very first taste from our spread was of the Bollywood Bowl with Lamb Korma. The bowl is comprised of Lamb Korma (other options include: Chicken Tikka Masala & Paneer Tikka Masala- the Chicken Tikka Masala Bowl is a fan-favorite), Basmati Rice, fresh Spinach, Curried Slaw, Raita Yogurt Sauce and Cilantro.

The Lamb was oh, so tender, and virtually melted in my mouth. For me, it was the star of the show.  All of the components of the Bowl in unison made for a very structured, balanced and all-around satisfying bite. Light and healthy, yet exquisite- this was my favorite dish of the day! Crunch from the Curried Slaw, superb flavor provided by the Lamb, earthiness from the Spinach, Raita as a coolant and crisp Cilantro to bring it all together. Sounds like a dream team, in my book.

MORE FOODIES READING  Smokin Bowls: A Colorful Culinary Experience with the Best From the West
Bollywood Bowl with Lamb Korma, Spinach, Basmati Rice, Curried Slaw, Raita Yogurt Sauce and Cilantro

When ordering from somewhere we have not been before, I try to step out of my comfort zone a touch. During our visit to the Twisted Indian, this meant giving the Currito a whirl, which is a playful twist on a Burrito (I don’t think I have ever ordered a Burrito, from anywhere, ever). The Currito is composed of Spinach, Basmati rice, Curried Slaw, Raita Yogurt Sauce, Cilantro & protein of choice, all rolled up into a 12 inch Flour Tortilla. Chicken Tikka Masala was our protein selection.

Yes, most all of the ingredients mimic the Bollywood Bowl, with the exception of the protein and Tortilla, but the flavor profiles were 100% unique. The makeup of the Chicken Tikka Masala was lovely- succulent and hearty, with minor bits of heat, and a delightful sweetness. I must add, too, that compared to other oversized burritos and sandwiches, this was not the least bit messy, and was quite easy to eat (something I often take into consideration).

The Currito with Chicken Tikka Masala, Spinach, Basmati Rice, Cucumber Rata, Curried Slaw and Cilantro

Last, but never, ever least: the Fries! We ate every last bite of the Yogi Fries (which, we ordered plain)- they were lick-the-plate delicious. Cheese Fries on steroids, if you will. These crinkle-cut beauties are topped with Mozzarella, Tikka Masala Sauce, Curried Slaw, Raita Yogurt Sauce and Cilantro.

Unlike a lot of sad, sad Cheese Fries, these were in no way, shape, or form mushy and overdressed. Instead, there was crunch, fresh and zingy flavor, and just enough Cheese, Tikka Masala Sauce and Raita Sauce to not overwhelm the Fries.

Yogi Fries with Mozzarella, Tikka Masala Sauce, Curried Slaw, Raita Yogurt Sauce and Cilantro

Lokesh hopes to shed a more radiant light on Indian cuisine by allowing the food he prepares to appeal to all crowds. He says that often, Indian food is portrayed as being very spicy. While it can be spicy, he wants the vibrant flavors to shine through in the food he prepares, rather than heat.

For the most part, aside from the vegan specials at the Saturday Morning market, the menu remains the same. The Twisted Indian posts their weekly schedule on their Facebook page, “The Twisted Indian,” at the beginning of every week. The majority of the time, you can find them locally in St. Pete.

The Twisted Indian
  • Readers Rating
  • Rated 4.9 stars
    4.9 / 5 (18 )
$
  • Your Rating


  • The Twisted Indian
  • 8132529052
  • Indian, Indian Fusion, Traditional Indian
  • View menu

An Indian Fusion Food Truck in St Petersburg FL, serving innovative yet traditional Indian food.

DISCLAIMER: Kevin, Lori, Abby, Haley, Lindsey & Mahika do not dine anonymously (this would be impossible) and we sometimes get free food (though never expected). However, we dine with the locals and we support our own. You will always get honesty in a respectful manner. We do not include any large national or regional chains in our ratings and reviews. We focus on independent locally owned eateries exclusively.

PLEASE NOTE: Reviews reflect a certain moment in time. Some restaurants stay extremely consistent over many years, and some change for the better or worse. Some things that may change are: chefs, recipes, food suppliers, ingredients, philosophies, ownership, etc. We always hope that you have the same good, or great experience we had.
ST. PETE FOODIES APPROVED SPONSOR:



More Foodies News, Reviews & Recipes


Comments are closed

ST. PETE FOODIES APPROVED SPONSOR:
St. Petersburg Foodies