Established 20 years ago, Electric Karma is a popular restaurant featuring vibrant interiors inspired by India’s rich culture. This quaint eatery is well-loved for its thoughtful hospitality, lip-smacking Indian fare, and aesthetically pleasing furnishings. ​​Electric Karma has played an integral role in introducing Angelenos to the rich tapestry of Indian flavors. The eatery has cemented itself as a requisite visit for fans of Indian cuisine, thanks to its authentic takes on regional Indian plates and inventive fusion dishes.

I recently dined at this West Hollywood restaurant. Upon entering the eatery, I was blown away by the beautiful Indian decor featuring eye-catching murals, ornate lanterns, and colorful fabrics. The interiors and TV screen playing Bollywood songs transported me to India. We were greeted by the cheerful restaurant owner—Lakhvir Khinda, who guided us to our courtyard table past a patio, a primary dining area, and an arresting bar. The charming restaurant was packed with small groups and couples.

Electric Karma’s menu is best described as traditional Indian food, with classics such as biryani, Butter Chicken, and tandoori-cooked meats. Additionally, the restaurant recently expanded its cocktail menu, which features creative cocktails and mocktails. We began our dining experience with some appetizers and cocktails. We ordered the Fusion Tandoori Platter, Naan Bruschetta, Kashmiri Saffron Martini, and Bombay Sangria. The cocktails were refreshing, perfectly balanced, and hit the spot. The Tandoori Platter comprised an assortment of chicken tikka, tandoori chicken, lamb kebab, and spicy shrimp. The appetizers were packed with bold flavors and complemented the cocktails very well. 

“When we opened Electric Karma 20 years ago, our dream was to bring the true essence of India’s flavors to Los Angeles,” reflected Khinda. “Over the years, we’ve seen the city’s taste for Indian cuisine grow and change. Our new cocktail menu is our way of honoring that journey. We’ve taken classic Indian ingredients – like saffron, chili, lemongrass – and crafted them into drinks that speak to both our roots and our home here in L.A.”

For our mains, we ordered the Nirvana Chicken Curry, which was a delicious curry made from a mixture of traditional spices with chopped red onions, bell peppers, and coconut milk, Lamb Vindaloo, a zesty curry cooked with tomatoes, onions and potatoes and infused with paprika, lime juice, and spices, and Daal, a lentil dish prepared with traditional spices along with a portion of Butter Naan. The generous main dishes featured juicy, succulent meat and well-made curries. I love that the homestyle curries weren’t too greasy or too spicy. The Raita (yogurt mixed with onions and cucumbers) and Lentil Papadum (crispy chips made with lentil flour and cumin seeds) were the ideal accompaniments. 

We tasted the Rice Pudding and the Rasmalai (soft cheese patties drenched in thick, sweet milk) for dessert. The desserts were not too sweet and concluded the meal perfectly. Overall, I was very impressed with the food at Electric Karma. The dishes are undoubtedly authentic and flavorful and made using good quality ingredients. 

Electric Karma’s longevity in Los Angeles’ competitive food landscape showcases its commitment to quality and its ability to evolve with the city’s tastes. Its lively ambiance and setting are perfect for family gatherings and relaxed date nights. “It’s not about following trends; it’s about staying true to who we are while embracing innovation. Everything we serve is a reminder of where we came from and how far we’ve come. After all these years, we’re still here, still cooking with the same passion, still part of this wonderful city,” concluded Khinda.

Photo: Author and her husband with Lakhvir Khinda, chef and owner of Electric Karma and his son. Photo arranged by author.