Where Indian Ingredients Meet Austin Creativity
Words Codi Chen | Photos Baptiste Despois
Stepping inside Electric Gravy Indian Bar & Canteen, you’re met with the unmistakable buzz of desi energy. It’s part Bombay street corner, part East Austin bar scene, and entirely its own thing. Located on the East 11th Street corridor, this bar-forward, flavor-drenched newcomer serves up Indian-Texan street food with a heavy side of funk and flair.
Born from the creative minds behind Old Thousand, Electric Gravy is the brainchild of co-founders Peter D’Souza and Ben Cachila, with Executive Chef Brendan Nomura bringing the heat in the kitchen. With Peter’s flavor instincts, Ben’s design eye, and Brendan’s inventive kitchen skills, the trio combined their talents to build something totally new but deeply familiar.
This venture started as a concept between friends, born from years of dreaming and a scrappy, do-it-yourself spirit. The space itself reflects that ethos. Stamped ceilings, mismatched barstools, sari-draped curtains, and a gallery of vintage Bollywood posters mix together in a way that shouldn’t match but absolutely does. “It’s chaos but cozy,” Peter laughs. “That’s kind of the point.”
The menu strikes a delicious balance between comfort and creativity, where Indian flavors meet Texas in bold, unexpected ways. Diners find dishes like curry queso, a velvety blend of tomato masala, tarka, and gooey cheese served with tortilla chips, a nod to Texas snacking, with serious depth. The tadka fried chicken on naan layers crispy, spice-rubbed chicken with fresh cucumber, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, and a drizzle of Electric ranch, all atop pillowy naan. Craving something gooey? The grilled butter chicken and cheese bring together rich, saucy chicken and jack cheese in a panini-style sandwich that’s pure indulgence. Every dish starts with traditional Indian ingredients and techniques but gets remixed with Austin swagger.
The bar program is just as bold as the food, with a mix of craft beer, fine wines, and inventive cocktails that riff on Indian flavors. The Mumbai 75 puts a floral twist on the classic French 75 with rosewater and cardamom, while the Maharashtra Mule blends vodka, kokum, and cucumber for a cool, tangy kick. For something rich and spiced, the Dirty Chai Espresso Martini brings together cold brew, chai masala, and a jolt of Tito’s vodka.
“We didn’t want just good food or good drinks; we wanted to bring the full experience.” Peter goes on to explain, “We asked: How does it feel when you walk in, when you sit down, when you take that first bite?” He adds, “East Austin is full of people who are up for something adventurous, so we created a space that’s vibrant, welcoming, and delicious.”
Spirits with Spice
Electric Gravy is a bar-forward space where bold Indian spices elevate classic favorites. Try the Frozen Lassi Painkiller, a tropical mix of rum, mango, coconut, and yogurt, or the Pudina Pani Marg, a refreshing, yet spicy, margarita with serrano tequila, mint, and cilantro. And for those opting out of booze, most cocktails can easily be transformed into mocktails without losing their punch.
Contact:
1050 E 11th St., #100
electricgravyatx.com
@electricgravyatx
