Appu's Turmeric Cafe Long Beach - Vegan Indian Food

This place will surprise you. Fresh food like few restaurants. Chef V will share his passion for his wonderful work. He uses copper cookware to help bring out the best in the food for nutrients. Samosas are the best I have ever had. No deep fryer. Doesn't use added oils, or sugar. No preservatives. Turmeric in everything. Very health conscious place. If you dont like spice, tell them. Most everything with was spiced right for me.

I have had takeout from Appu’s Cafe multiple times, but today was my first time eating in the cafe. We had the all you can eat Thali, all vegan. It was so good!They do have some dishes that include dairy. Updated from previous review on 2025-10-30

This is a cozy Cafe specializes Indian influenced food with Mexican fusion. It is an entirely vegetarian restaurant. There are also vegan dishes and all dishes include turmeric. Talk to the proprietar to learn more about the beneficial aspects of turmeric.

The food was delicious and served beautifully. I will certainly go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Visited Appu's Tumeric Cafe after seeing great reviews on Google and Yelp. The place did not disappoint. We ordered Mix and Match Tacos, Desi Quesadilla, iced chai with lemongrass and Mango Lassi. Tacos were okay but the Quesadilla was amazing. Worth ordering. We also liked the nice lemongrass twist on iced chai. The food is clean with not too overpowering spices and grease. Would definitely visit again.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Great place if you are looking for vegan Indian options. Food was light and fresh. The desi queseritas were awesome, very unique. We also got the tacos, the paneer ones were really good. The lemongrass iced tea was refreshing.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Fabulous food - so healthy and delicious! The Maharaja Burrito with extra masala - The child Lassie is to die for!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had a lovely experience at this Indian fusion restaurant and felt compelled to share! Right from the moment I walked in, the staff impressed me with their warm, polite, and genuinely courteous service — something that made the entire meal feel even more enjoyable.

One of the highlights for me was the abundance of vegan options on the menu — a thoughtful and much-appreciated touch. It’s rare to see such variety without sacrificing flavor or creativity. The dishes felt like a fresh, modern reinterpretation of Indian home cooking — not traditional, but in the best way. They reminded me of meals a health-conscious Indian mom might invent in her kitchen: light, nourishing, and inventive, yet still deeply satisfying.

I tried the Desi Quesaritta, vegan mushroom soup, and vegan Indian flatbread — each dish had its own unique twist and was packed with flavor. And I can’t go without mentioning their vegan mango lassi — absolutely delicious. Creamy, refreshing, and surprisingly dairy-free!

If you’re open to Indian flavors presented in a new, health-forward light, and you appreciate kind service and thoughtful menu curation, this place is absolutely worth a visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had a lovely experience at this Indian fusion restaurant and felt compelled to share! Right from the moment I walked in, the staff impressed me with their warm, polite, and genuinely courteous service — something that made the entire meal feel even more enjoyable. One of the highlights for me was the abundance of vegan options on the menu — a thoughtful and much-appreciated touch. It’s rare to see such variety without sacrificing flavor or creativity. The dishes felt like a fresh, modern reinterpretation of Indian home cooking — not traditional, but in the best way. They reminded me of meals a health-conscious Indian mom might invent in her kitchen: light, nourishing, and inventive, yet still deeply satisfying. I tried the Desi Quesaritta, vegan mushroom soup, and vegan Indian flatbread — each dish had its own unique twist and was packed with flavor. And I can’t go without mentioning their vegan mango lassi — absolutely delicious. Creamy, refreshing, and surprisingly dairy-free! If you’re open to Indian flavors presented in a new, health-forward light, and you appreciate kind service and thoughtful menu curation, this place is absolutely worth a visit.

Really unique flavors, fusion of Indian and Mexican is a lot less common outside of central Cali. Not quite Punjabi Mexican but definitely a must try. VEGAN restaurant too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Enjoyed food here. Answered all questions patiently.

Nice and authentic veg food

Well, today was something different. Was helping a friend build a gate for the side of his house. Around lunch we decided to go grab some food. I had no idea where we were going, but I let the other 2 guys pick the spot. We ended up at Appu's Turmeric Cafe. I immediately regretted not throwing out an option on where to get food. Having seen enough Tik Tok and Instagram videos on some of the ways they prepare street food in India and the blatant lack of cleanliness, I was fully ok with myself if I never had to eat anything from India. Well, being hungry and realizing that this was the only option I did what I had to do. I ordered the Maharajah Bowl and a Lemongrass and Chai tea drink to pair it with. I know that I was being judgemental and not all food from India is horrible or made in a manner that is dirty. So when I took my first bite of the Maharajah Bowl I was blown away. All the flavors that came through in every bite was amazing. The lemongrass, the turmeric, the curry, everything was so flavorful and delicious. I was never expecting to enjoy my lunch so much. The only problem that I came across was that The Maharajah Bowl did not come in a bigger bowl. I literally walked out craving more! Also the bread, is heated and cooked to perfection. I will definitely be coming back to Appu's. Atmosphere got 3 stars because it's pretty quiet and boring inside. A little music from India would be appropriate and add some ambiance.

the boys and the owner here are always very kind and helpful and the food is !! delicious and original. my favs are the soups, maharani burrito, and protein bread.
thank u <3

Ty/Tai and Kamari did an excellent job between the Flatbread Sampler, Mushroom Masla, Mix & Match Tacos, Turmeric Rice, Mango Lassi, and Gulab Jamun, everything was exquisite and some of the best vegan/indian food I've ever had (on god 💯).

If I lived here I'd be dining here every day, will drive out here regardless soon enough. 😋

Family friendly, my child loved everything especially the mango lassi and the samosa was the best I’ve had! Appreciate that the food is fresh, made with care and filled with delicious spices. Highly recommend the lemongrass chai and samosa chaat. Thank you chef!