The Sudra

{{Short description|Defunct restaurant chain based in Portland, Oregon, U.S.}}

{{Infobox restaurant

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| name = The Sudra

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| established = {{Start date|2013}}

| closed = {{End date|2024}}

| current-owner = Sanjay Chandran

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Indian
vegan
vegetarian

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Portland
Beaverton

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The Sudra was a small chain of Indian restaurants in the Portland metropolitan area, in the U.S. state of Oregon. There were four locations, including three in Portland and another in Beaverton.{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Michael |date=2024-05-01 |title=Portland vegan restaurant The Sudra is closing. Here's what could be coming next |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2024/05/portland-vegan-restaurant-the-sudra-is-closing-heres-what-could-be-coming-next.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2024-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725022541/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2024/05/portland-vegan-restaurant-the-sudra-is-closing-heres-what-could-be-coming-next.html |url-status=live }} Sanjay Chandran operated the business from 2013 to 2024.

Description

The Sudra was a small chain of casual counter service{{Cite web |last=Woo |first=Nick |date=2019-07-25 |title=13 Stellar Curries in Portland |url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/curries-in-portland |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2020-06-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603143415/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/curries-in-portland |url-status=live }} Indian restaurants that served vegan and vegetarian{{Cite web |title=The Sudra {{!}} Restaurant Listing |url=https://www.pdxmonthly.com/restaurants/the-sudra |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Portland Monthly |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725022544/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/restaurants/the-sudra |url-status=live }} food in Portland and Beaverton, Oregon. It was named for Shudra, one of the four varnas of the Hindu caste and social system in ancient India.{{Cite web |last=Dall'Asen |first=Nicola |date=2017-10-05 |title=The Sudra |url=https://www.thrillist.com/venues/eat/portland/restaurants/the-sudra |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Thrillist |language=en |archive-date=2024-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725022559/https://www.thrillist.com/venues/eat/portland/restaurants/the-sudra |url-status=live }} According to Eater Portland, food at The Sudra was also influenced by New Mexican cuisine.{{Cite web |last=Wu |first=Waz |date=2021-02-08 |title=Where to Find Standout Vegan Curries in Portland |url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/portland-restaurants-vegan-vegetarian-meatless-curry |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2021-10-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026231306/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/portland-restaurants-vegan-vegetarian-meatless-curry |url-status=live }}

= Menu =

The menu included chickpea "cutlets",{{Cite web |last=DeJesus |first=Erin |date=2013-12-05 |title=Updating the Eater PDX HeatMap: Where to Eat Now |url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/updating-the-eater-pdx-heatmap-where-to-eat-now-10 |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2024-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725022546/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/updating-the-eater-pdx-heatmap-where-to-eat-now-10 |url-status=live }} korma,{{Cite web |last=DeJesus |first=Erin |date=2014-01-27 |title=Trifecta Tavern 'Settling In'; Earnest Cooking at the Sudra |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2014/1/27/6291387/trifecta-tavern-settling-in-earnest-cooking-at-the-sudra |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2024-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725022551/https://pdx.eater.com/2014/1/27/6291387/trifecta-tavern-settling-in-earnest-cooking-at-the-sudra |url-status=live }} turmeric-roasted Brussels sprouts, kale-infused dosas with black-eyed peas, and potato masala.{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Iz_ZDwAAQBAJ&dq=sudra+restaurant+portland&pg=PT134 |title=Fodor's Inside Portland |date=2020-04-07 |publisher=Fodor's Travel |isbn=978-1-64097-251-3 |language=en |access-date=2024-07-24 |archive-date=2024-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725022603/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Fodor_s_Inside_Portland/Iz_ZDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=sudra+restaurant+portland&pg=PT134&printsec=frontcover |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last=Sawyer |first=Adam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ijt8DwAAQBAJ&dq=sudra+restaurant+portland&pg=PT39 |title=Unique Eats and Eateries of Portland, Oregon |date=2018-10-01 |publisher=Reedy Press LLC |isbn=978-1-68106-186-3 |language=en}} It also served roasted cauliflower with sweet-and-sour bell peppers,{{Cite web |last=Jackson-Glidden |first=Brooke |date=2017-01-18 |title=Healthy Portland Restaurant Plates That Don't Feel Like a Bummer |url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-healthy-food-portland-restaurants |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2021-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102160920/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-healthy-food-portland-restaurants |url-status=live }} channa masala, ginger-agave roasted carrots, and soy chicken drumsticks with jalapeño chutney and soy yogurt.{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Ron |date=2017-06-09 |title=Where to Find Exceptional Indian Food in Portland and the Nearby Suburbs |url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-indian-food-restaurants-portland |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2022-02-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215215734/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-indian-food-restaurants-portland |url-status=live }} The Jackfruit Vindaloo Bowl has jackfruit, vegetables, vindaloo, and a kale salad, and the peacock salad has soy curls and roasted vegetables on raw kale.{{Cite web |date=2019-03-27 |title=Five Cheap Vegan Meals That Are Actually Good |url=https://www.wweek.com/culture/2019/03/27/five-cheap-vegan-meals-that-are-actually-good/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Willamette Week |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104191622/https://www.wweek.com/culture/2019/03/27/five-cheap-vegan-meals-that-are-actually-good/ |url-status=live }} The Pakora Plate had pickled broccoli and cauliflower pakora, anasazi bean curry, kale with tahini, blueberry-mint chutney, cilantro-lemon sauce, radish, and brown basmati.

On the drink menu, the Beet Tequila had tequila, cilantro, garam masala, beet juice, and grapefruit juice.{{Cite web |title=Inside Vegan Indian Eatery the Sudra |url=https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2013/11/inside-vegan-indian-the-sudra-november-2013 |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Portland Monthly |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725023125/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2013/11/inside-vegan-indian-the-sudra-november-2013 |url-status=live }} The Masala Film has mango puree with lime and ginger juice, and the mojito-like Bandit Queen has cucumber, lemon, and mint. The Sudra also served a vegan mango lassi with coconut yogurt and tamarind limeade.{{Cite web |last=Lassalle |first=Janelle |date=2018-08-03 |title=13 Portland Restaurants and Bars Mixing up Mocktails and Zero-Proof Drinks |url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/non-alcoholic-cocktails-mocktails-zero-proof-portland-bars-restaurants |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2024-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725023119/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/non-alcoholic-cocktails-mocktails-zero-proof-portland-bars-restaurants |url-status=live }}

History

The Sudra was owned by Sanjay Chandran. The first location opened in northeast Portland 2013, in the space previously occupied by Basa Basa.{{Cite web |last=DeJesus |first=Erin |date=2013-08-23 |title=Plywood Report |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/8/23/6382313/plywood-report |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2024-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226005927/https://pdx.eater.com/2013/8/23/6382313/plywood-report |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=DeJesus |first=Erin |date=2013-11-20 |title=Inside the Sudra, Now Open in NE's Ocean Complex |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/11/20/6327191/inside-the-sudra-now-open-in-nes-ocean-complex |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129213304/https://pdx.eater.com/2013/11/20/6327191/inside-the-sudra-now-open-in-nes-ocean-complex |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Roland |first=Rebecca |date=2024-07-23 |title=The Former Sudra Space Has Flipped — Again |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2024/7/23/24204697/bar-asha-temporary-closure-the-sudra-portland-oregon |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2024-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725023117/https://pdx.eater.com/2024/7/23/24204697/bar-asha-temporary-closure-the-sudra-portland-oregon |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Janey |date=2024-05-16 |title=The Portland Restaurant Closings to Know, May 2024 |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2024/5/16/24158324/portland-restaurant-closings-may-2024 |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2024-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518011825/https://pdx.eater.com/2024/5/16/24158324/portland-restaurant-closings-may-2024 |url-status=live }}

A second followed in the Two-Thirds complex,{{Cite web |last=Bamman |first=Mattie John |date=2016-10-31 |title=Two-Thirds Complex Takes Flight in St. Johns |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2016/10/31/13478186/two-thirds-opens-in-st-johns-micro-restaurants |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204040730/https://pdx.eater.com/2016/10/31/13478186/two-thirds-opens-in-st-johns-micro-restaurants |url-status=live }} in the St. Johns neighborhood in May 2016. The location suffered a fire in June,{{Cite web |last=Bamman |first=Mattie John |date=2016-06-30 |title=The Original Launches 'Secret' Food Menu |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2016/6/30/12069420/the-original-secret-food-menu-sudra-fire |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2017-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403114149/http://pdx.eater.com/2016/6/30/12069420/the-original-secret-food-menu-sudra-fire |url-status=live }} and closed permanently in June 2019.{{Cite web |last=Jackson-Glidden |first=Brooke |date=2019-06-17 |title=Vegan Indian Mainstay The Sudra Has Said Goodbye to St. Johns |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2019/6/17/18682391/sudra-st-johns-87th-and-meatballs-closing |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2024-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725023120/https://pdx.eater.com/2019/6/17/18682391/sudra-st-johns-87th-and-meatballs-closing |url-status=live }} Chanran opened another location on North Mississippi in July 2019.{{Cite web |last=Jackson-Glidden |first=Brooke |date=2019-10-04 |title=Essential Vegan Restaurant the Sudra Will Take Over the Tapalaya Space |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2019/10/4/20899048/the-sudra-moving-tapalaya-space |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2019-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005000815/https://pdx.eater.com/2019/10/4/20899048/the-sudra-moving-tapalaya-space |url-status=live }} The Fremont location moved to 28th Avenue.{{Cite web |last=Wu |first=Waz |date=2020-03-30 |title=Portland Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants Offering Delivery and Takeout During the COVID-19 Outbreak |url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/portland-vegan-vegetarian-restaurants-delivery-takeout-coronavirus |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2021-08-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821224850/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/portland-vegan-vegetarian-restaurants-delivery-takeout-coronavirus |url-status=live }} In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant offere a holiday meal kit with soy "chicken" pakoras, cilantro herb potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.{{Cite web |last=Wu |first=Waz |date=2020-12-18 |title=Vegan Holiday Meals and Desserts for Takeout |url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/vegan-holiday-meals-desserts-restaurants-portland |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2020-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231222852/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/vegan-holiday-meals-desserts-restaurants-portland |url-status=live }}

Another outpost opened in northwest Portland's Pearl District in 2021, in the space that previously housed Aviv.{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Michael |date=2021-10-20 |title=The Sudra is headed to The Pearl, replacing Aviv |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2021/10/the-sudra-is-coming-to-the-pearl-vegan-indian-fusion-restaurants-fourth-location.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2021-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102165448/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2021/10/the-sudra-is-coming-to-the-pearl-vegan-indian-fusion-restaurants-fourth-location.html |url-status=live }} The Pearl District location closed in 2022. The Sudra opened a location in Beaverton by 2023.

The North Mississippi and Beaverton locations closed in 2023.{{Cite web |last=Wu |first=Waz |date=2023-09-18 |title=Beaverton's New Vegan Bar Comes from the Creators of the Sudra, the Uncanny, and Victoria |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2023/9/18/23874310/june-vegan-bar-beaverton-portland |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2023-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929212834/https://pdx.eater.com/2023/9/18/23874310/june-vegan-bar-beaverton-portland |url-status=live }} In late April 2024, Chandran announced plans to close the original location in May.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-29 |title=Portland vegan Indian restaurant to close after 10 years |url=https://www.kgw.com/article/money/business/portland-vegan-indian-restaurant-closure-sudra/283-1e8b9a85-28d5-4ea3-be5e-ef32e885053c |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=kgw.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725023122/https://www.kgw.com/article/money/business/portland-vegan-indian-restaurant-closure-sudra/283-1e8b9a85-28d5-4ea3-be5e-ef32e885053c |url-status=live }} His bar Bar Asha began operating from the same space.{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Janey |date=2024-06-10 |title=The Sudra's Northeast Portland Restaurant Has Transformed Into Bar Asha |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2024/6/10/24175459/the-sudra-northeast-portland-restaurant-bar-asha |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Roland |first=Rebecca |date=2024-09-03 |title=Bar Asha Reopens With a Punchy South Asian Tapas Menu |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2024/9/3/24234919/bar-asha-reopening-south-asian-tapas-portland-oregon?fbclid=IwY2xjawFENt5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSVSoLbViKGMebimUOlOVnt3W7r-wjZtRTx5f_cSZAnp8o9EP4Jq2km8Tw_aem_mavCwzpBVSQYy5KvFs2_RQ |access-date=2024-09-03 |website=Eater Portland |language=en}}

Reception

Eater Portland included The Sudra in a list of the city's "essential" vegan and vegetarian restaurants.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2016-07-20 |title=Portland's Essential Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants, Spring 2018 |url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/portlands-best-vegetarian-vegan-dishes |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002043142/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/portlands-best-vegetarian-vegan-dishes |url-status=live }} Waz Wu included the business in the website's 2021 list of recommended restaurants in the city for "standout" vegan curries, and Janelle Lassalle and Thom Hilton included The Sudra in a 2024 list of Portland establishments for non-alcoholic mixed drinks. Ron Scott also included the restaurant in a 2024 overview of "exceptional" Indian food in the metropolitan area.

The Sudra was a runner-up in the Best Indian Restaurant of Willamette Week{{'s}} annual readers' poll in 2020.{{Cite web |title=FOOD, DRINK, RESTAURANTS |url=https://www.wweek.com/promotions/2020/07/21/food-drink-restaurants/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Willamette Week |language=en |archive-date=2020-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173206/https://www.wweek.com/promotions/2020/07/21/food-drink-restaurants/ |url-status=live }} It was also a runner-up in the same poll's Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant category in 2022.{{Cite web |title=Food Winners |url=https://www.wweek.com/promotions/2022/07/13/food-winners/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Willamette Week |language=en |archive-date=2022-07-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715144318/https://www.wweek.com/promotions/2022/07/13/food-winners/ |url-status=live }}