12460 Dulaney Valley Road, Phoenix, MD 21131
About Us
Our Chef & Staff
Meet our Executive Chef
With over 30 years of experience cooking in India and Baltimore, our chef, Bolay (left), is excited to present her vision of traditional Indian cooking techniques and flavors presented in a modern way. (Her sister, Kinday (right), is the Executive Chef at Ananda.) Both sisters grew up cooking in the temples of Punjab, so their cooking, while modern, is quite authentic.
Our caring and committed staff will ensure you have a fantastic experience with us.
Our Philosophy
What we care about, and why
Brothers Keir and Binda Singh were born and raised in a small farm town in the Punjab region of India. The daily routine of tending the farm’s crops and livestock both morning and night — regardless of the weather — was challenging, but the pair still fit school and homework into their schedules. Their appreciation of education, hard work, and philanthropy was instilled in them by their parents, and directly influenced the men they would become, as well as the philosophy behind their restaurants.
The road to Peerce's began with the successful operation of Singh’s other restaurants, Banjara, The Ambassador Dining Room, and Ananda. In these ventures they developed their flair for creating restaurants with intimate and friendly ambiance. Like their other restaurants, Peerce's is an opulent, welcoming venue, which creates the perfect atmosphere for experiencing the fresh ingredients, rich spices, gorgeous colors and awakening scents of authentic Indian fare. Using traditional Indian methods of cooking, the restaurant features herbs and vegetables grown on its private farm located nearby. The brothers recognize that fresh ingredients are the foundation of incredible flavor, and continue to utilize their farming background in sourcing and preparing dishes.
In addition to sourcing locally, Peerce's endeavors to keep the menu as sustainable as possible, with all natural ingredients. Peerce's is committed to a menu free of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). For centuries, the development of Indian cuisine has included a careful study of spices, harmonized to create dishes that are flavorful, but not overpowering. With all the natural flavors Indian fare has to offer, additives are a foreign concept. These culinary techniques take us back in time to a simpler style of cooking. One of the most important missions of the Ananda team is dispelling common misconceptions of Indian cuisine. Too often, Indian food is mistakenly thought of as being excessively flavored with curry, or being too oily, too spicy or heavy. Our menu is refreshing and welcoming to anyone who is reluctant to try Indian food for the first time. Peerce's puts an emphasis on raw flavor by integrating lighter, healthier cooking techniques.
In addition to the taste and textures in traditional Indian cooking, the health benefits are just as appealing. Peerce’s menu is based on a style of cuisine that is centuries ahead of current trends and health fads. From garcinia cambogia and tumeric, to goji berries and ginger, Indian cuisine has been using ingredients for health benefits and remedies for centuries. Even our organic teas are infused with ingredients that boast healing properties. Join us in experiencing the best in Royal Indian Cuisine at the reimagined Peerce's.
Health Benefits
Indian cuisine has incorporated herbs and spices for thousands of years that have a multitude of health benefits. Here are just a few things that are commonly found in Indian recipes, including many used at Ananda, which can help improve the quality – and even the duration – of your life:
Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia is a plant, the fruit rind of which is used to make medicine. Garcinia Cambogia extract has recently found its way into the limelight, as the latest research has resulted in the discovery of its apparent fat-blocking and appetite-suppressing capabilities. Although there is some controversy over this, Garcinia has been incorporated into Indian cuisine for centuries. The indigenous plant makes a great additive to many Punjabi dishes.
Turmeric
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. It contains a compound called curcumin which carries many of the medicinal properties and is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. However, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine, a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2000%.
It is believed that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndromes, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions. Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases.
Curcumin also boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain. Studies have shown that turmeric can reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors), metastasis (spread of cancer), as well as contributing to the death of cancerous cells. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition to brain disorders and diseases, curcumin can prevent heart disease, one of the leading causes of death in the world. The main benefit of curcumin when it comes to heart disease, is improving the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of the blood vessels.
Given that curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory, it has been used to help relieve symptoms of arthritis. In a study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was even more effective than a prescribed anti-inflammatory drug.
A study showed that curcumin was as effective as prozac in alleviating symptoms of depression.
Tamarind
Tamarind is a rich source of dietary fiber. It binds to toxins in food thereby helping to protect the colon from cancer-causing chemicals. Additionally, dietary fibers in the pulp bind to bile salts (produced from cholesterol) and decrease their re-absorption in the colon; thereby help in expulsion of “bad” or LDL cholesterol levels from the body. Tamarind is an excellent source of iron and thiamin, as well as Vitamin C.
Tamarind’s pulp has been used in many traditional medicines as a digestive aid.
Goji berries
Goji berries are an excellent source of antioxidants. They are low in calories, fat-free and are packed with fiber.
Tulsi Tea
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a perennial herb indigenous to India. Tulsi teas are now gaining much deserved recognition in the Western world also. Ananda’s summertime sorbet, Lemon Holy Basil, is a tasty use of the herb.
Tulsi is a powerful adaptogen. In other words it helps the body to resist stress. It is also a natural sleep aid. (Although some Tulsi Teas containing caffeine.) Tulsi boosts the immune system. Regular drinkers report a far lower incidence of succumbing to common illnesses such as colds. It is absolutely packed with free radical fighting anti-oxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, and is therefore beneficial to those suffering from IBS, Chrohn’s disease and digestive disorders. The anti-inflammitants can also improve joint support. Furthermore, Tulsi can help to maintain healthy eye-sight. It helps to increase metabolism and improve levels of stamina. Regular drinkers have a lower than average incidence of gum disease. It also helps to combat bad breath.
Cumin
The health benefits of cumin include its ability to aid in digestion, improve immunity and treat piles, insomnia, respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, common cold, lactation, anemia, skin disorders, boils and cancer.
Cumin is extremely helpful in relieving digestion-related problems. The very aroma of cumin activates our salivary glands in our mouth, which facilitates the primary digestion of food. Cumin promotes digestion and also gives relief for stomach-aches when taken with hot water.
Early studies report that cumin can have a powerful effect in preventing diabetes by reducing the chances of hypoglycemia.
Cumin is a stimulant as well as a relaxant at the same time. Studies show that the proper intake of vitamins and good digestion help to induce a sound sleep. Cumin helps in both of these factors.
The healing properties of cumin make an ideal anti-congestive combination for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. It acts as an expectorant, meaning that it loosens up the accumulated phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tracts and makes it easier to eliminate them from the system via sneezing or coughing up and spitting.
The essential oils present in cumin act as disinfectants and help fight viral infections which can cause the common cold. Cumin also suppresses the development of coughs. It is rich in iron and has considerable amounts of Vitamin C, which are essential for a healthy immune system and keeps infections from forming or becoming worse. Vitamin-C is also a natural antioxidant. The high iron content helps prevent anemia as well as improving blood flow. This increased blood flow can improve overall blood circulation, helping to deliver more oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. This can improve concentration and cognitive performance.
Cumin is said to help ease and increase secretion of milk in lactating women. It is even more beneficial if taken with honey.
The high levels of Vitamin E in cumin help the body to maintain beautiful skin.
Cumin itself has detoxifying and chemopreventive properties, and accelerates the secretion of detoxifying and anti-carcinogenic enzymes from the glands. Between cumin and turmeric, people who eat Indian food frequently may be less likely to experience cancer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation?
We highly recommend making a reservation, and we do not guarantee walk-in availability. If you want to pop by, we recommend calling first to confirm we can accommodate you.
Can I bring my own Food & Beverages?
FOOD: We permit guests to bring a celebratory cake or other dessert. There is a $3/person fee for bringing in outside desserts.
BEVERAGES: Our liquor license does not permit us to have outside alcohol on the premises.
Can I request to be seated outside?
We do not guarantee availability of seating in any particular area, for several reasons:
If we are hosting a private event in one of our rooms, that space will not be available for guest seating.
If enough previously seated parties are in an area you've requested, we won't be able to seat you there until another party leaves. This also depends on the size of your party, and which tables are becoming available. The only way we can guarantee availability in a certain area is if you come as soon as we open.
Please also keep in mind that seating is limited to 50%, due to social distancing.
DURING WINTER MONTHS, OUTDOOR SEATING MAY BE SUBJECT TO AN $8/PERSON FUEL SURCHARGE.
Do you offer catering?
We do not offer off-premise catering. However, we can do large carry-out orders. Let us know what you'd like to serve at your gathering, and we will provide a customized quote for large trays of food to go.
We also offer in-house catering for private events at the restaurant. For more information, visit our Events page.
Is your food Halal?
All chicken and lamb is certified Halal.
Do you have Vegan dishes?
Yes, we do. However, our recipes are regularly tweaked, so we suggest contacting us directly or asking your server for recommendations of vegan items.
Do you have Gluten-friendly* dishes?
Yes, lots of them! However, our recipes are regularly tweaked, so we suggest contacting us directly or asking your server for recommendations of GF items.
*Items with gluten are prepared in the same space as items without gluten, so we consider our GF foods to be gluten-friendly, rather than gluten-free. Cross-contamination is rare, but very possible.
Ananda Farm
Located adjacent to Maple Lawn, just a half a mile from the Ananda restaurant, Ananda Farm is also the home of restaurant owner, Binda Singh. Binda and his family raise chickens and ducks (for their eggs) and grow a wide variety of seasonal herbs and vegetables that are used throughout the menu.
What We Grow:
Spinach Kale Cabbage Acorn Squash
Kohlrabi Mint Cilantro Salad Greens
Basil Sage Turnips Heirloom Tomatoes
Beets Okra Zucchini Bell Peppers
Eggplant Broccoli Cauliflower Chili Peppers
Butternut Squash Vidalia Onions
Our Eggs
Ananda Farm is home to some of the most prolific egg-layers.
Chicken and Duck eggs are used in omelettes and other recipes on a daily basis.
Our birds are free-range, and their eggs are 100% organic.