First Time Trying Indian Food - Little Andaman

As a study abroad student constantly balancing the desire to explore Barcelona's food scene with my tight budget, I stumbled upon a real gem today. After my food and entrepreneurship class at Universitat de Barcelona (UB), I visited Little Andaman and discovered that amazing Indian cuisine doesn't have to empty your wallet! 

The decision to try Little Andaman came after our guest speaker, Anoushka, gave an inspiring presentation in class. For my fellow students worried about dining out with food allergies (I have quite a few), let me tell you this place is a game-changer. Not only do they understand dietary restrictions, but they also keep their prices student-friendly. 

Walking in, the restaurant's calm music and earthy vibes immediately made me forget about my pre-exam stress. The warm lighting and comfortable seating create the perfect atmosphere for both casual dining and those days when you need a peaceful spot to recharge between classes. 

What makes Little Andaman special is its unique concept, which is that it is an Indian coastal cuisine restaurant serving tapas-style dishes that encourage sharing and exploring less familiar Indian flavors. It's not just your typical Indian restaurant it's an invitation to discover the rich diversity of coastal Indian dishes through small, flavorful bites. Here's the best part for my fellow budget-conscious students: their daily meal deal is just 12 euros! In a city where eating out can quickly drain your monthly allowance, finding a place that offers such value is like striking gold. And if you're feeling more adventurous or want a more elaborate dining experience, they offer plenty of a la carte options to create a more extensive meal. 

I started with their tapa del día and naan del día, paired with a mango lassi (a refreshing Indian drink blending mango and yogurt). When I mentioned my allergy concerns, they kindly removed the tamarind chutney from my starter. The naan bread was baked soft and fluffy with just the right amount of char. The mango lassi was a delightful surprise, creamy and sweet without being overwhelming, making it the perfect accompaniment to my meal, especially when I tried the spicy sauce on the side! 

The main course was their tiffin pollo grilled chicken breast with basmati rice and a Parsi-style tomato and apricot sauce. The chicken was tender and perfectly seasoned, while the basmati rice was fragrant and fluffy. The dish was bursting with flavor, and the apricot sauce added a delicious sweet-savory dimension. 

For dessert, I treated myself to their mango cheesecake in a glass bottle. The presentation in the glass bottle added something new. Even with dessert, my entire meal stayed within a reasonable student budget. 

What makes Little Andaman perfect for students isn't just the prices it's the whole package. The cozy booth seating is perfect for lounging in between classes and the quick service means you can grab a satisfying meal even during a tight break between lectures. Plus, the generous portions mean you might even have leftovers for a late-night study session. 

After this experience, I'm already planning to add Little Andaman to my rotation of affordable student hangouts in Barcelona. Whether you're looking for a quick meal deal or want to splurge a bit on a tapas-style feast exploring the diverse flavors of coastal Indian cuisine, this place delivers without emptying your wallet!