Inside Port of Peri Peri, Amosh Kumar grills halal peri‑peri chicken for a national franchise; just across the parking lot at Cardamom Café, he taps into his true passion: Indian street food, at an affordable price.
After two years of running Port of Peri Peri, Kumar was ready to expand his horizons. His solution to rising food costs is a street food truck designed to serve fresh, affordable, and filling meals.
That’s where Cardamom Cafe comes into the picture. Instead of a massive, overwhelming menu, Kumar keeps the list tight and fresh: South Indian inspired breakfast items, snacks like samosas and onion fritters, lunch items such as goat biriyani, chicken tikka masala, and Indo-Chinese-inspired dishes like egg noodles. Nearly every menu item is priced less than $20, making food accessible to all.
“My concept is to provide meals [at a] cheaper price, especially for students and for single people,” Kumar explains.
By 7 p.m., the parking lot is crowded with customers, from families stopping by after running errands to friends stopping by for a quick meal and a beverage.
For your first time at Cardamom Cafe, Kumar recommends the Kala Khatta: a sweet, tangy beverage popular during the summer months. Pair it with the chaula bara and a side of peanut chutney, a famous snack of fried and fermented dough balls originating from Kumar’s hometown.
Cardamom Cafe is open for the early risers as well. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cardamom Cafe serves a South Indian-inspired breakfast menu, with delicacies like dosas, a savory lentil crepe, and Idlis, a steamed rice cake. Both items are served with sambar, a lentil stew made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and other vegetables. Top it off with a cup of chai, served in a traditional clay cup.
Nearly everything on the menu is an ode to Kumar’s childhood, where he spent time on his family’s farm in rural Odisha. That story is written right on the side of the truck. The hand‑drawn logo that depicts a farmer guiding two bulls across a field is a tribute to the owner’s grandfather and father, who inspired his love of food.
“Yes, it is street food, and it is something authentic to my roots, and I don’t want to forget my roots, no matter what,” Kumar said.
Head to Cardamom Cafe at 13887 Manchester Road for an afternoon snack Monday through Friday. from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and from 4-10 p.m. for dinner. It’s open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Follow their Instagram and Facebook for more updates.