2024-03-05
Embark on a culinary journey through San Francisco's best Indian eateries, as we unveil hidden gems and popular hotspots that cater to every palate, from aromatic biryanis to zestful chaat.
Nestled in the heart of Mission Blvd, Favorite Indian Restaurant's warm ambiance sets the stage for their acclaimed butter chicken, a perfect companion to their Naan. Despite occasional variability in spice intensity and an unexpected tofu-for-paneer swap, this buffet-style eatery garners praise for its hearty veggie korma. The quest for the Bay Area's best tikka masala continues here – a venture worthy of the California spender seeking gustatory comfort paired with a generous vegetarian selection.
Location: 24052 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544
Chaat Bhavan lies tucked within Sunnyvale's dynamic streets, offering a vegetarian feast that brims with authenticity. It's a culinary destination where dishes like Mughlai Paneer Tikka and Sabudana Kheer leave patrons spellbound with hints of home-cooked nostalgia. Despite occasional culinary missteps and the challenges of crowds and parking, this venue remains a favorite for vegetarians itching for a reliable fix of comfort food, ensuring my own return for another comforting bite of their neighborhood-celebrated Indian fare.
Location: 976 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Santa Clara's Anjappar Chettinad offers a robust haven for those desiring the vigorous punch of Chettinad cooking. The ghee roast chicken and sumptuous tandoori selections never fail to delight, with weekly specials infusing the menu with endless intrigue. While a recent encounter with an unwelcome metal wire stirred some discontent, standout dishes like chicken dosa and biryani command consistent admiration. The combination of hospitable service and genuine ambiance cements Anjappar Chettinad as a value-driven destination, packing heat for the intrepid and mild options for the uninitiated.
Location: 777 Lawrence Expy #8, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Nestled in Mountain View, Bay Biryanis offers an authentic touch of India in every fragrant morsel of their meticulously prepared biryanis. The casual eatery maintains a commendable balance of rich flavor and affordable pricing, particularly enticing with their Methi Chaman Paneer—a vegetarian delight. With portions generous and service attentive, this spot beckons for repeat visits. Indeed, Bay Biryanis stands out as a culinary haven for those with budding or full-blown love affairs with Indian cuisine.
Location: 698 W Dana St, Mountain View, CA 94041
Amber India mixes rich flavors with a plush setting, yet on occasion, customer experiences here tend toward the dichotomous. While some diners sing its praises, reports of hairs discovered in dishes cloud its stellar reputation. The lunch buffet, though riddled with a pricey conundrum, yet remains popular amongst vegetable aficionados for its Mix Veg Pakora and Papdi Chaat. So before reserving, it's wise to sift through recent feedback. With easy parking, the overall visit can be unpredictable—sometimes opulent, other times underwhelming.
Location: 4926 El Camino Real, Los Altos, CA 94022
