Ganesh Temple Canteen

Couple a visit to one of the oldest Hindu temples in the United States with an Indian meal in the basement canteen. Its design is the opposite of elaborate, a windowless annex with a dropped ceiling, plain communal tables and a fast food–type counter for ordering. Instead of a tip jar there's a locked box labeled "token of appreciation for the kitchen staff." The food is served on Styrofoam plates and plastic trays, but what food it is! The paper-thin, golden dosas are giant, available with a number of vegetarian fillings. There's also idli (savory cakes of South India), vada (savory snacks shaped like doughnuts), lentil medleys and baseball-size samosas. A larger menu is available for catering events. Take off your shoes for the temple but leave them on for the canteen.