The Holy Trinity of Indian Food

There are a lot of good restaurants in Los Angeles, and quite a few Indian ones. A lot of them are tasty, but I knew I had tasted the true pinnacle of flavor when I first visited these particular places. Not only is the food divine, but it's truly affordable at $8 for a full meal. My three favorites are all connected in a way, and they're concentrated on the west-side in the "Palms" area, and all in the Southern Indian cooking tradition. They all also have vegan/dairy free options, and gluten/free dishes as well. I've listed all the pros and cons, but I would suggest trying them all!
Samosa House-West

This gem is on Washington Blvd near McLaughlin. The best deal (which is the same at all three places) is the $8 dinner/lunch plate. There are usually 8 dishes that day, in hot pans that you can see cafeteria style. You get to pick three of these flavor-filled entrees, and you also get a heaping side of rice (brown or white), raita (yogurt sauce) and a side of Naan (Garlic or Plain). The dishes change daily, so be adventurous! You can't go wrong with the jackfruit-which isn't sweet-or the Paneer in red sauce.
A definite plus for the Samosa House is the Naan. It's made fresh in house, you can see them rolling out the dough. It's soft, thick, and worth it even if that's all you order. 
Between the three Indian places, the biggest difference in this location is that it's a full fledged Indian grocery store. (According to their website, it's one of the biggest in Southern California.) You can find anything from mango juice to incense, giant spice containers to coconut shredders, and Indian sauce packets. It's worth it to wander around, and the prices are very decent.

Address: 11510 W. Washington Blvd, Culver City (Los Angeles), CA, 90066

Phone: 310-398-6766   

Hours: Open 7 Days, 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Check website for changes)

http://www.samosahouse.net/Samosa_House/Home.html

Samosa House-East

After many years in their "west" location, Samosa House expanded and opened another restaurant a bit further east on Washington. (Right off Overland). It serves the same flavorful dishes of the other location, with the same fresh-baked Naan. The big difference is that it isn't a grocery store as well. They've painted the walls bright colors and given this location a really great ambiance. I see many people stopping by for good food as they read or catch up on work. Try the smoked Cauliflower or the Veggie Korma. The location itself is obviously a "pro" or "con" depending on where you're coming from, so check out either location for a great meal.

Address: 10700 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232  
Phone: 310-559-6350 
Hours: 7 days, 11 am - 10 pm (Please call to check changes). 

Bawarchi

Barwarchi is located on the south-west corner of Venice and Motor, near Culver City. Look carefully or you'll miss it, it's in a small strip-mall where you can park. The set up is very similar to Samosa House-$8 for a dinner meal-and you get almost the same amount of food: Your choice of 3 of the dishes present, plus rice (saffron or pilaou), raita, a small salad, Naan, and a crunchy pappadum.
One big difference between either of the Samosa Houses is that there are twice as many dishes to choose from. That's right...there's usually 20 vegetable dishes that you can choose from. It's smart to go in pairs or groups, so that you share among you and try as many dishes as possible. There are similar dishes to Samosa House (like the jackfruit) but with many extra (such as the grilled jalapeno dish.) And believe me, when it comes to flavor, the chef at Bawarchi truly lives up to his title of "Grand Master Chef." Every dish is bursting with flavor, and the chef is usually around to see how you like his food.
It's hard for me to make suggestions, since I'm in love with so many dishes there. For a beginner, definitely try the slow cooked Dal with its creamy butteryness, which has simmered in flavor for 24 hours before being served. The lotus root is also fantastic, and I have tried in vain to cook something even partially similar at home with epic failure. Both Paneer dishes are wonderful (the rich bread balls in cashew sauce are really unique), or just try whatever new dish is present at the moment.
The only downside to this place compared is that it's quite small. I'm really hoping they expand and open the place up to accommodate more tables. Also, the Naan is very good, but I would love to see some in-house Naan in the future. I'm sure they'll switch at some point, since Samosa House never even had Naan until recently. But this is not a stop to miss, and the great price does not mean cheap food; it's far better than almost all the expensive Indian food that I've ever had.
Also, check out the website for the unique way that the food is cooked. (Hint: the pots are sealed with clay!)

Address: 10408 Venice Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232
Phone: 310-836-8525  
Hours: Open 7 days 11 am - 10 pm
http://www.indianbawarchi.com/

Also to note: 

Very nearby to Bawarchi on Venice Blvd. is India Sweets and Spices. It does not quite have the complex flavour notes or 24-hour cooked lentils, but it is still good India food and can be even cheaper than the other three if you order the right meal. But one thing they have cornered are the Indian desserts. There are two cases full of Indian sweets, which are usually changing. So if you want to check out someplace new, or you want to get some sweets after your meal, this place is worth the walk down the street.

Address: 9409 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232-2623
Hours: Open 7 days, 9:30am to 10pm (Check website for changes.)
Phone: 310-837-5286
http://www.indiasweetsnspices.com/index.html