Vegan-friendly
Lacto
American
Indian
Delivery
Take-out
Mexican
Small vegetarian cafe opened Jan 2015 on the 1st floor of a medical building. Uses fresh ingredients, and many of the vegetarian items can be made vegan upon request. Limited counter seating inside and a few tables outside. Plenty of parking. Open Mon-Sat 10:00am-7:00pm.
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3816 Woodruff Ave Ste 100B, Long Beach, California, USA, 90808
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- Outdoor seating
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 25 Dec 2021 by appuscafe
Update business info -
Added by 3Lego on 08 Jan 2015
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14 Reviews
First Review by 3Lego
Forakora
Points +574
Indian Fusion Cafe - Edit
I loved the mango lassi, and was intrigued by Indian tacos and burritos. Decided on tacos since it was Tuesday. Very yummy!
Read more4 stars because the place is vegetarian, not vegan. A little disappointing to see animal products still used when clearly they are unnecessary
Pros: Creative options
Cons: Not all items are vegan
Guest
Brooklynbomb
Points +72
So many delicious vegan + gluten free options - Edit
Don’t be put off by the location, their food is well worth having at the few humble tables outside. Loved the Mushroom Masala and mango lassi that we shared, and the soups were nice and flavorful. I’d like to try more if I ever end up in that part of town again. Dishes were reasonably priced and perfectly spiced, and the server was so sweet!
Read morePros: Vegan + gluten free options , Nice service , Great flavors and price!
Cons: A bit hard to find
Guest
RobbieG
Points +395
Sub-par - Edit
I ordered the Maharani burrito. The description says it has safron rice, chana and lentil soups with special sauce. In reality it was just safron rice with 3 lonely garbanzos and 2 tiny shreds of lettuce wrapped in a tortilla. The website makes it look classy but it’s a tiny cafeteria in a medical building. I would have given 1 star but Happy Cow makes you give at least 2 stars to all veg restaurants.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-04-28
Pros: Fancy looking on the website.
Cons: Food not as described, Small portions, Expensive
Guest
TommyG.
Points +31
They really know how to wrap a burrito! - Edit
Filling, flavorful, fresh ingredients, and a variety of vegan options. This spot is def a go-to whenever I’m on this side of Long Beach. Had two burritos and the mushroom soup (which was a standout forsure)!! The burritos are heavy on the rice so I recommend “making it a meal” with one of their sides and adding avocado/asking for extra pico.
Read morePros: Quick , Healthy/fresh , Flavorful
Cons: Burritos are mostly rice
Guest
Pyromaniak678
Points +13
Tasty pricey famous rice burrito. - Edit
Tastes good but don't get the "famous maharaja burrito to" if you're hungry. It's just a flavored rice burrito. Spent $28 on 2 burritos and a Chai and we still left hungry. Don't come for the atmosphere, no seating inside and there's a table outside but you're by the giant noisy A/C things.
Read moreBut definitely eat here, super tasty. Just get food with protein in it.
Pros: Lots of veg options , For ready faster than quoted
Cons: Maharaja buritto is just rice. , Pricey for what you get , Left hungry even though I spent $15 for a burrito
RobbieG
That was my experience too. You were generous to still give them 4 stars. There doesn't sound like there's anything in your review that would make me want to eat here. lol
Read moreGuest
AustinSharon
Points +18
Healthy and tasteful - Edit
My experience was very friendly when picking up my food. When looking at the menu I was very satisfied with all the options and had a hard time choosing a vegan one cuz they all looked good. Great Indian flavor and happy to have choices that were healthy and not soy based like many vegan options.
Read moreGuest
SteveRice
Points +51
Great food, great service. A treat once you find it. - Edit
Vegan choices are the best. Always a joy to go there. Call ahead! It's around back of the building.
Read moreGuest
kenvegan
Points +13135
Filling Indian Food - Edit
I cannot say this is the best in the area, as Artesia's Little India section is not far, but this is a good Indian Food option if you are in the area.
Read moreI ordered a bowl, consisting of rice, lentils, chickpeas. Was interesting to see broccoli in Indian Food, which I had not seen before.
Pros: Convenient if you are nearby
Guest
OwenKirschner
Points +22
Once a week go to! - Edit
A hidden gem with limited seating.
Read morePros: Freshly made
Cons: Limited seats
Guest
mmabley
Points +16
Eat at Appu’s! - Edit
Don’t let the nondescript location fool you. This is a restaurant with huge flavors and amazing food. Come ready to enjoy a great meal and friendly conversation with Appu. This was my first time here but I’ll be back ....and I’m bringing friends!!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options., Very flavorful food., Great conversation and service.
Guest
Susanloveschocolate
Points +13
Appu's is the Best - Edit
I had the best food today, Dr. VR was so knowledgeable, kind, and educational too. He said you came in for the food but you got an experience, I sure did.
Read morePros: Excellent food and drink, Super friendly and nice, wonderful customer interaction
Guest
xmrfigx
Points +933
Hidden gem - Edit
The downside to working in retail is that it is hard to find good healthy options for lunch when you are short on time. Add to that the desire to eat vegan in an area that does not have much to offer in vegan cuisine and you are stuck with lots of salads or beans and rice on the daily....
Read moreToday I decided to try a little place about 15 minutes from work that I had read about. The only really vegan friendly option near my work in Lakewood. Boy am I glad I did! The entrance is at the back of a little medical building. Once you walk in, Appu's Cafe is on your left. It is a small, but very clean little cafe. I was immediately greeted by the chef/owner who welcomed me. I explained (per the sign) that I was vegan and his face lit up and immediately offered suggestions on the menu.
First was a sample of the yellow lentil soup of the day. One sip and I knew I made the right choice! I ordered a bowl of the soup and then asked for a sandwich recommendation. He said, today I recommend you try the maharaja burrito, vegan style. I quickly agreed and he proceeded to put my meal together, to go.
There was another patron there who explained to me how she goes to Appu's 2-3 times a week from Cerritos the food and that everything is so flavorful.
While my food was being prepared, the owner proceeded to talk to me about how he prepares his food and the lemongrass chai latte (which he also recommended and I ordered). He had such passion, not only for veganism which and his family strictly follows, but passion for his work. He mentioned that he was already retired and that this is what he truly loves doing. Creating flavorful, healthy, conscientious meals to share with his guests.
After returning to work to have my meal, I found everything to be incredibly delicious and flavorful. All his recommendations were spot on and I will definitely be going back not only for the food but the good conversation. Appu's cafe is DEFINITELY a hidden gem that is worth checking out!
Pros: Great service, Flavorful vegan choices, Passionate owner
Guest
Ortizt8
Points +23
vegan friendly! - Edit
First time here but not the last! So good! And the owner is such a sweetheart! Great vegan lentil soup and burritos! He accommodates his food to be vegan friendly so well!!! Great food!
Read moreGuest
3Lego
Points +33
Great Healthy Vegan Food ! - Edit
In our search for a local restaurant that serves healthy vegan food, my husband and I recently discovered this hidden gem in Long Beach. Appu's Cafe may be a little difficult to find the first time, but it's worth looking for, and you'll want to come back often. It is located at the back side of the Woodruff Medical Doctors building on the first floor, and there is plenty of free parking.
Read moreAppu's Cafe is operated by physician/owner/chef, V.R. He is passionate about finding new ways to prepare and introduce healthier vegetarian & vegan meals to the public. On most days V.R. will not only serve up an amazing meal, but will also gladly discuss the merits of healthy eating and good nutrition as well.
The food is made to order, so almost anything can be made vegan or modified to accommodate special dietary needs. We love the fact that no butter or oils are used in the preparation of this food.
Appu's is open for breakfast and lunch, and the international menu is varied and interesting. We ordered and shared a Maharaji Burrito and the Pav Bahji which was served with a side salad of moong bean & shredded carrot. We finished off our meal with a homemade cinnamon crisp. The only drinking water available is bottled water for purchase. Our meal tasted fresh & delicious, and we look forward to going back for more.
Pros: Healthy Vegan Food, Friendly Service, Affordable
Cons: Limited indoor seating
Guest
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