For dosa near College Park, head to Ananda Kitchen, inside BITES Food Court + Bar in Langley Park, a short drive west of UMD on University Blvd. Every dosa is cooked to order and served with sambar and chutneys made in house every day, and the whole kitchen is vegetarian.

Here's a quick guide to what's on the dosa menu, what to try first, and how to get it fast between classes.

What is a dosa?

A dosa is a thin, crispy South Indian crepe made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. It's cooked on a hot griddle, folded or rolled, and usually served with sambar (a lentil and vegetable stew) and coconut chutney for dipping. It's naturally vegetarian and filling without being heavy. For the full story, read our dosa guide on the Ananda Kitchen site.

Which dosa should I order first?

  • Masala Dosa: the classic. Crispy dosa wrapped around spiced potato. If you only try one, make it this.
  • Mysore Masala Dosa: masala dosa with a spicy chutney spread inside. A step up in flavor and heat.
  • Mysore Dosa (no potato): the same spicy chutney without the potato filling.
  • Ghee Podi Dosa: brushed with ghee and podi, a coarse spiced lentil powder sometimes called "gunpowder." Nutty and a little spicy.
  • Ghee Podi Masala Dosa and Ghee Podi Onion Dosa: the podi dosa with potato or onion added.
  • Plain Dosa or Plain Dosa with Onion: simple and crisp, great for dipping.
  • Paneer Dosa: filled with paneer, a fresh Indian cheese.
  • Cheese Dosa: a good pick for kids or anyone easing into South Indian food.
  • Chocolate Dosa: yes, really. A sweet one to split for dessert.

Not in a dosa mood? Uttapam is a thicker, softer pancake made from similar batter and topped with onion and chili. Idli and medhu vada are lighter South Indian staples. The full list is on the Ananda Kitchen menu.

Is the dosa vegetarian or vegan?

All of Ananda Kitchen is vegetarian and cooked in a dedicated vegetarian kitchen. The basic dosa batter is plant-based, but some dosas use ghee, paneer or cheese, so if you eat vegan, choose a plain or masala dosa and ask at the counter. Several dosas are also labeled Swaminarayan-friendly (no onion or garlic). More in our vegetarian guide.

How far is it from UMD?

BITES is at 8046 New Hampshire Ave in the Langley Park Shopping Center, near the corner of New Hampshire Ave and University Blvd. From campus, head west on University Blvd. It's a short drive, and parking in the shopping center lot is free. Our lunch near UMD guide covers the trip in more detail.

How do I eat a dosa?

With your hands is the traditional way. Tear off a piece of the crispy edge, scoop up some potato, and dip it in sambar or chutney. A fork works fine too. Dosas are best eaten right away, while they're still crisp, so if you're ordering for pickup, try to eat soon after you grab it.

Can I order dosa ahead for pickup?

Yes. Order Ananda Kitchen online and pick it up at the counter. Ananda Kitchen, SmoothieFRESH and bar food share one cart, so you can add a bubble tea or a mango lassi in the same order. Already at BITES? You can order from your phone at the table. See all options on our menus page.

Bringing friends who don't want dosa?

BITES is a food hall with four spots, so your friends can grab a cheesesteak from Charleys, a smoothie from SmoothieFRESH, or wings from BITES Bar & Grill, and everyone eats at the same table. For more ideas near campus, see food near College Park, MD.

Plan your visit

  • Address: BITES Food Court + Bar, 8046 New Hampshire Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20783. Free parking.
  • Hours: Ananda Kitchen is open daily 11am to 9pm, and until 10pm Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Order: start a pickup order or read the dosa guide first.