Appu's Turmeric Cafe Verified listing

FOR RESERVATIONS TO DINNER AT APPU'S TURMERIC CAFE, CLICK HERE.

The much-loved Appu's Turmeric Cafe—Chef Vinod R. Venkataraman's award-winning vegetarian and vegan Indian-Mexican fusion restaurant—has become one of Long Beach's most distinctive dining destinations since relocating to its spacious home on Palo Verde Avenue in 2023.

What began as a humble 500-square-foot kitchen inside the Woodruff Medical Offices has grown into a destination where wholesome food, vibrant flavors, and heartfelt hospitality come together.

"We built Appu's on the belief that healthy eating should never be boring," says Chef VR. "Every family-owned restaurant reaches a point where it has the opportunity to share its vision with a larger community. Moving into this space allowed us to create not just a bigger restaurant, but a place where we can educate, inspire, and serve food that nourishes both body and soul."

The new location has transformed the dining experience. With ample parking, a spacious dining room, and an open-concept kitchen, guests are invited to watch their meals being prepared and engage directly with Chef VR and his team. Conversations often extend beyond the menu to the healing properties of turmeric, spices, whole foods, and the principles of gut-friendly cooking that define Appu's philosophy.

Every dish reflects Chef VR's commitment to nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Fresh vegetables, handcrafted spice blends, plant-forward recipes, and authentic Indian techniques come together in a menu that appeals to vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers alike.

The restaurant has earned a loyal following for signature creations like the legendary Maharaja Burrito, flavorful tacos, comforting curries, and its popular All-You-Can-Eat Thali Lunch, offering guests an authentic taste of India's diverse regional cuisine.

At its core, Appu's Turmeric Cafe remains a family-owned restaurant driven by one simple philosophy: Healthy eating is a choice. Eating healthy is a lifestyle.

That philosophy, paired with genuine hospitality and unforgettable food, continues to make Appu's one of Long Beach's hidden culinary gems.