Eats - Indian

Amber India - San Jose Location
377 Santana Row, Ste 1140 (across from the movie theaters)
San Jose, CA 95128
408/248-5400
Rating: **** Price: $$$ Service: *** Atmosphere: ***
www.amber-india.com
Amber is THE place for fancy Indian food. The sauces are legendary and rightly so; on my first trip here two years ago, I wanted to lick the serving bowls clean. On this trip, however, the gravies didn't hit the right notes. We had murg tinka kabob (chicken kabob), shrimps hara pyaz (tiger shrimp, green onion, Goan balchao sauce), asafi murg quorma (Hyderabadi-style chicken in a cashew sauce), Hyderabadi chicken biryani, and Punjabi chole (garbanzo beans in a spicy sauce of tomatoes and ginger).

Of these dishes, I'd only order the murg tinka, biryani, and chole again. We devoured the chicken kabobs instantly (although I'm still looking for the name of the "cream cheese" style kabobs we had at a Punjabi restaurant in Hyderabad). The biryani is pretty authentic although not fiery like in Hyderabad, with the cooking dish sealed with dough so the chicken cooks with the rice, although I'd have preferred lamb/mutton. The chole was lovely and interesting even after many bites.

The shrimps hara pyaz were slightly underdone which meant they were kind of gelatinous, and the sauce they were in was forgettable. The same goes for the chicken koorma unfortunately.

This is easily an order for six, so we ended up taking quite a bit home. Before tip, the total was $85.90, which is a good deal considering the amount of food. Service is very, very good, although not as attentive as on my first visit. The room itself is nicely done, although unflatteringly lit. It can also be quite noisy.

In short, go to the San Francisco location. I have a feeling that their top chefs have been relocated to the new restaurant there. October 22, 2008

Bombay Garden - San Mateo Location
172 E. 3rd St. San Mateo, CA
(650) 548-9966 www.dinebombaygarden.com
Rating: *** Price: $ Service: ** Atmosphere: **
A tiny place with a huge following. This is basically THE Indian restaurant in San Mateo, although I've only been for the lunch buffet which is good and changes frequently. Hint: If you're seated underneath the enormous skylight, check that you won't be rained on by the air conditioner. 06/00

Bombay Garden - San Rafael Location
909 4th St., San Rafael, CA 94401 (415) 459-9555 www.dinebombaygarden.com
Rating: ** Atmosphere: ***
This is a nice little place off of the main drag in San Rafael. I went with my boyfriend for dinner on the spur of the moment, and chose this place because they are open fairly late. We split the non-vegetarian maharaja dinner, which comes with plain and garlic naan, rice, dal, raita, reshmi tikka (chicken on a sizzling platter, very nice), sheekh kabob, papadam, chicken entree, and a vegetable (in this case a curried mix of what looked like frozen vegetables in a creamy sauce). For dessert there was a nice cardamom flavored rice pudding (kheer).

For $33.95 that seems like a deal, but I think we'll only go back for lunch. The chicken and shish kebab appetizer was a dinner-size portion and perfectly cooked. The papadam were stale. The entrees looked like they had been saved from the lunch buffet (not an uncommon practice for these sort of prix fixe dinners at Indian restaurants, but not particularly welcome) and the vegetable was just bad. TIP: order a la carte.

They definitely spent some money on the decor and except for the giant projection TV playing Indian musicals, the place is quite nice (I want to find the carved, inlaid chairs for my own house). Service was excellent. 05/05

Bombay Oven
20803 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408/252-0520
Rating: ** Price: $$ Service: ** Atmosphere: **
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Located near DeAnza Junior College, this humble restaurant provides okay food at fairly low prices. Admittedly, I've only visit once and then late in the evening. The nan was freshly baked, and the tandoori chicken (which I would normally not order, but I was with a friend) was succulent. 06/00

Dosa
995 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
Rating: *** Price: $$ Service: *** Atmosphere: ***
We rushed over here because we were due for a play at the kid's theater down the street. Unfortunately, that meant ordering everything to go. From order to box and bags took about 15 mins. The waitstaff were very friendly, although if I were to go again I'd try to snag one of the tables for two in the front window. The back of the restaurant is pretty dark. The dosas suffered from being in boxes, but were delicious nonetheless. The sauces that came with them were equally tasty. I'd have to say though that the prices are high compared to most Indian restaurants, but this is the "fashionable" part of Valencia so you pay for the glamour. Dec 30, 2007

Favorite Indian Restaurant
1235 A St.
Hayward, CA 94541
510/583-7550 www.favoriteindia.com
Rating: ***
A tiny dive just east of 2nd St. in downtown Hayward. We almost didn't go in because there's a tiny French restaurant just a few steps away. Like Happy Cafe in San Mateo, you can't tell from the exterior, but this place serves decent if not fancy food. It's a six-table dive, with florescent lighting, tacky art, and barebones table settings, but the service is good and the food is actually quite good. After a snack of papadam with two sauces, we had spinach pakora which was okay. The lamb tiki masala had a luscious mild sauce, which made me think of a makhani butter sauce; we ate the sauce with everything. Tandoori fish kebab followed. The catfish was in bite-size chunks and perfectly cooked. It was served on a sizzling platter, which I thought was a little odd. Garlic naan (which I ordered) and basmati rice (which just showed up) rounded things out. Dinner was $28. A steal. 09/13/03

India Garden Restaurant
1261 Folsom St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Open 7 days a week
415/626-2798
This is quickly becoming my favorite San Francisco Indian restaurant, whose only real flaw is the standoffishness of the waitstaff. The restaurant is on the first floor of a Victorian about three blocks from the Lonestar and teh other South of Market gay bars (we've actually been asked by the waiter whether we could give other patrons directions, which I enjoy doing). The food is excellent. Beautifully prepared, often delicious, and carefullly seasoned. We almost always order the Goan curry prawns, which have a luscious coconut milk sauce. The prawns are secondary, but the sauce! Delicious. We also usually order a lamb dish saag or similar dish and a couple of vegetable only dishes. Breads are good, but unspectacular. Dinner for two, which really means dinner for four since we always over-order so we have a big late night snack after coming home from the bars, runs $47. (7/7/2006)

Update 9/21/2006: This is now our de facto afternoon restaurant South of Market. The Goanese curry just kicks ass and so far it's the only place I've been to that serves it.. Some of the other dishes are just so-so (I didn't like the hydrabadi lamb) but the nice man who runs the tandoori lets me watch him make the nan and meats. Lunches (3-4 dishes) runs about $45 including tip.

Update May 28, 2007: This has become our de facto restaurant of choice when South of Market in San Francisco, mostly because it's the only restaurant (other than the excellent Thai place) near the bars. You see how we think. The food remains very good, although I wish this was a southern Indian place that had dosas. Big lunch for two (mango lassi, two entrees, nan) before tip: $34.67

Updated March 16, 2008: We returned because we braved the beer bust at the Lone Star. We had the garlic nan, chicken pakora (my boyfriend loved these, but they were a little limp), aloo gobi and goan curry. The latter two dishes have changed completely; now they're full of tomato sauce for some reason, and I'd say not as good. I think they have a new chef making curries, or at least someone different from lunch. I can't recommend either now. The lamb biryani, which is the first time we've had it here, was very tasty and worth trying. A huge mea (we stopped eating after the third dish arrived) before tip: $46.71. Service was fabulous as usual.

Updated August 31, 2008: We stopped here for a late lunch/dinner, and to see how it compared now that I've actually been to India twice. Their tandoori dishes and breads are quite good, and their curries are average. For a huge meal, $50.83 before tip.

India Clay Oven (San Francisco location)
2436 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
I have to say that this is a spectacular building, but that's all I'm going to say about it. Our lunch took over an hour to arrive and when it did it was underwhelming in most respects. There are better restaurants out there that are cheaper and offer better service. 03/26/2006

Kamal Palace Cuisine
6374 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Long Beach, CA 90803
Rating: **** Price: $$$ Service: **** Atmosphere: ***
A medium-sized restaurant with fantastic tandoori fish. The tandoori sampler, true to its name, is basically a big platter of meat served with nan and rice. I ate here with my ex and both of couldn't finish one platter, which is saying a lot given he's from Iowa. The restaurant is located in the back of the shopping center, downstairs, and on the water. 08/02

Komala Vilas
1020 East El Camino Real (intersection of El Camino & Henderson)
Sunnyvale, California
Ph: 408/733-7400 www.komalavilas.com
Closed Tuesdays
Breakfast: Weekdays 8:30 - 10:30, Weekends 8:30 - 10:30
Lunch: Weekdays 11:30 - 2:30, Weekends 11:30 - 2:30
Dinner: Weekdays 7:00 - 9:00 Weekends 7:00 - 9:00
Rating: ** Price: $ Service: ** Atmosphere: *
I went here with a friend for vegetarian Indian and mostly to compare the vada and dosa with Udupi Palace, which is a few miles down El Camino Real. It's a toss-up. While the atmosphere isn't as tidy as at Udupi, the service is more informal and chatty. We had the set menu, which included vada (tasty if not as crisp as Udupi) and dosa. I need to go here again because I was actually distracted by my conversation. 11/02

Lotus Cuisine of India
704 4th St.
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 456-5808
Rating: *** Price: $ Service: *** Atmosphere: **** www.lotusrestaurant.com
My boyfriend and I found this place by accident while driving around downtown San Rafael near 101. The lunch buffet is a real bargain at around $8 for all you can eat, but the selection is more limited than at San Jose Indian restaurants like Mayuri or Sneha. There were a 4-5 average standard curries with the mushroom mattar being the standout—great texture and flavor. Still, for under $8, it can't be beat. The decor is also worth noting since it actually has one (including a silvery enameled front door). Service is friendly and fast. We'll probably go back for dinner to try some of the specials. 02/21/05

Mayuri
2232 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Rating: **** Price: $$ Service: *** Atmosphere: *** www.mayuricuisine.com
This is the closest Indian restaurant to my house, which means I eat there frequently. It's probably not the best, but I like the overall experience. The most striking thing about this restaurant is the 2001 decor, all mod white plastic and porthole mirrors. Service is casual and helpful if you aren't sure what you're ordering. The masala dosas, large crepes stuffed with curried potatoes with a dipping soup, are delicious. The oddly named Chicken 56 curry is lovely and warming. The vindaloos are freaking blazing and to be avoided unless you're one of those who can eat whole scotch bonnets. The banquet room next door is almost always booked with weddings, which fills the restaurant with the thumping of dance music. Lunch buffet is extensive and quite popular. 02/01

Update August 01, 2003: Went to dinner with a friend. We split a masala dosa, which was quite good if not up to Udupi standards. He had the lamb sheeshkabab, I had the Chicken Makhani. We both opted for the thali dinner, which comes with three sides, rice, pappadam, naan, and dessert. Chicken Makhani is without a doubt one of the most delicious things on earth. It's buttery, tomatoey, savory and utterly the best way to eat tandoori chicken, which in this case was overcooked and dry. The sauce however was the focus of the entire meal and I ate it and mixed with everything. You have to consider that I'm lactose intolerant and I knew full well that there was either cream or yogurt mixed in with the sauce, but I couldn't help myself. I LOVE CHICKEN MAHKANI. My friends sheeshkabab was fine, served sizzling on an iron platter with raw onion and lemon.

Update Septemeber 27, 2003: Went for the lunch buffet (about $9). I think the quality of the food improves at the buffet whenever there's a banquet going on. They had a variation of vada that were very tasty, with chilis and spices. The spiced cauliflower was cooked but crisp, and the other dishes—chicken mahkani, chili chicken, tandoori lamb kabob, dal mahkani, and a half dozen other vegetable dishes—were quite good considering we arrived at 2:30. Mayuri is now my favorite lunch buffet.

Update April 17, 2004: You know, I'm convinced this place has the best lunch buffet in San Jose. The nan is fresh, unlike most other restaurants, and the variety of dishes is unsurpassed. I've seen a middle-aged woman bringing food to the buffet and I'm pretty sure she is the chef. If so, she has an amazing repertoire of dishes, some of which like the tiny eggplants are beyond belief. I think I may have mentioned that if you go when there's a celebration in the adjoining banquet hall, the food is far more interesting. Look for a full parking lot and you're guaranteed a good meal.

Update April, 2006: I really love Mayuri. It's still got great food, and they go out of their way to make sure you're happy. We had the pasanda chicken, which is a bit like chicken mahkani, except with nuts and without the tomatos—one of the richest dishes I've ever eaten. We also had a masala dosa, which is always good here. Nan and rice come with the a la carte dishes.

Update Summer, 2006: We've been going here A LOT this year, mostly because we figured out which dishes contain dairy products (so we can avoid them). The last few visits, the manager at dinner has been very friendly to us, and introduced us to a spice mix called "gunpowder," which doesn't quite live up to its name but in a good way. He also showed us how we should be using the condiments they provide to vary the taste of each bite, which I've been doing enthusiastically ever since. Just a touch of mint chutney makes some dishes pop. I really love this place, and I'm sure that bias my opinion, but we rarely have a mediocre meal here.

Updated July 4, 2007: The only interesting change is that sometimes they don't supply your own basket of nan at lunch, probably due to waste. We've actually eaten here probably once a month this year, mostly because of the dosas and the manager who jokes with us. Avg price for a huge meal including a dosa is about $40.

Updated Jan 11, 2008: We return for an early dinner. This place fills up late, like around 7 because at 5:45 it was practically empty except for some loud couple on a date who we had to listen to. The menu has been updated. We had the tomato utappam (sort of a lentil pizza with the tomato slices and chiles embedded in the crust), fish tikka (my FAVORITE way of eating fish, especially catfish which normally tastes like dirt), chicken chettinadu which was fine, and guttuvankai masala (the tiny roasted eggplants stuffed with a mixture of ground nuts and spices which I really like but my boyfriend doesn't. Dinner, which could easily have fed 4-5, was $43.41 before tip.

Updated March 13, 2008: We went vegetarian since my boyfriend's niece was in town. We had the guttuvankai masala (very dry this time), a masala dosa which the niece loved, eggplant, kofta, and cauliflower pakora. The really exciting news is that the owner is going to feature a special dish every Wednesday, really rare and unusual dishes that pregnant women order because they're craving something from their childhood. The interesting thing is that if you leave without staying for one hour (you're timed) you're charged the normal price. Stay an hour, and it's a bargain. I'll write a special review when we attend one of these. It's basically what I've always dreamed of, which is the opportunity to taste dishes that are always left off of typical Indian restaurant dishes.

Updated August 13, 2008: We pretty much go here every Wednesday now for the special buffet. I'll have to say that after going to Hyderabad, India and eating "real" lamb bihryani, I actually prefer the rice part of Mayuri's version; it's just as chili hot, but with more interesting spicies. They had an excellent jackfruit curry (kathal kasabji) this time, which we're going to try and recreate at home. Dinner for buffet for two $23.71 before tip. Our Sikh waitor was super handsome and attentive. I must be getting old because I'm actually noticing things like this now.

Nawab India Restaurant
5 South Ellsworth Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
650/401-8424
Rating: **** Price: $$ Service: *** Atmosphere: **
The fragrance of spices fills this small restaurant. I'm not a fan of Indian seafood, and the fish dishes I've had here weren't noteworthy. However, most other dishes are first-rate and far more frangrant than at other restaurants. The lunch buffet is limited but the quality is good. 08/01

Pasand India Cuisine
3701 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95051
408/241-5150
www.pasand.com
11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 7 days
Rating: **** Price: $$$ Service: *** Atmosphere: ***
The fanciest Indian restaurant in the area, Pasand has few weaknesses. The food is excellent, and the full dinners are wonderful. The decor is by far the best of any Indian restaurant in the restaurant desert between Taylor and Montague in Santa Clara, and service is good except when the restaurant is packed, which is often. Service can get a bit gruff when they're busy. 06/01

Sangam Indian Restaurant
2565 N. First St.
San Jose CA 95131
Rating: *** Price: $$ Service: ** Atmosphere: *
Stuck in the middle of a mini mall at the corner of First and Trimble, this tiny place with some outdoor seating has become our great favorite for a quick 20 min lunch. While the lunch buffet doesn't have the selection of Mayuri or most larger places, but the quality of the food is pretty good. Incredibly busy between 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays. 09/02/2006

Update: I went here for dinner one night when stuck at the office until late and the food is a bit better than at lunch (not surprising since it sits out for awhile). I had the Indian-style okra, some chili chicken (safe bet always), and nan, all of which were nicely done. I really like the people that work here; super friendly and happy. Be aware when ordering out that the portions are regular dinner portions. I had a huge amount of food left over since it was just me.

Sarovar
301 S. Abott Ave.
Milpitas, CA 95035
408/942-1116 Website
Rating: ** Price: $$ Service: *** Atmosphere: ****
We were in Milpitas to visit Home Depot and happened on this place in the older section of town. The outside is very unassuming, but they did a wonderful job with the interior, which is lined with velvety curtains. Unfortunately, the food doesn't really match up to the decor, at least for lunch. The food was palatable, but uninspired. The most interesting dish was a "fusion" of Indian/Chinese/Italian spaghetti, which was just sort of hot. Service is excellent, however, and it is a very pretty place. We may try it again for dinner, which could be much better. April, 2006

Shalimar
167 W. San Fernando St.
San Jose, CA 95113
408/971-2200 Website
Rating: *** Price: $ Service: *** Atmosphere: ***
I went here with my friend Piet because the San Jose Opera company apparently comes here after rehearsals. Piet's a tenor. We went on a Wednesday, I think, and there were four other diners. Uh oh. But everything got better from there. The menu includes a great deal of wok-cooked dishes, which I thought was unusual. I had the full thali dinner, which was very nicely done with interesting side dishes. The restaurant itself is quite large, with seating for maybe 80 and the place settings are fancy for a South Bay Indian restaurant (which are usually pretty basic). We'll go back for more, and hopefully I can remember what I ate this time. 02/04

Update March 4, 2006: I returned for lunch with two friends. The lunch buffet isn't up to Mayuri's standards, but it does offer a nice variety of dishes and hot tea (which surprisingly enough was very nice to have). The food is good, but not up to their dinners, which I recommend. Waitstaff is excellent, as always here.

Sneha
1214 Apollo Way (off Lawrence Expwy), Suite 4048
Sunnyvale, Ca 94086
408/736-2720
Rating: ** Price: $ Service: ** Atmosphere: *
Sneha is where I take people that haven't had Indian food before. It offers a great buffet, with a wonderful selection of both hot and mild curries, pakora (Indian tempura), and a great seletion of nan and other breads. This is another popular spot for dinner. Desserts include the usual syrup-soaked doughnuts and fruit, plus mango soft-serve ice cream. The price is a bargain for the variety and quality. 06/01

Update 06/03: Took two friends here on two separate occasions. While the food isn't as interesting, fresh, or tasty as ordering a la carte at another restaurant, the quality is still quite good and the place is always busy. Sometimes they throw in new dishes, like pepper pakora or the always popular chicken maharaja, which I didn't realize was a real dish (I always assumed it was just a fancified name for something else). Service is good, and they accomodated my friend's request for mango ice cream when we had to use the back dining room.

Update 11/03: Went for a fast dinner with a friend. Still the same level of quality. I like this buffet because they always have masala dosa.

Turmerik
141 S. Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086 website
408/617-9100
Food: *** Price: $$$ Service: **** Atmosphere: ***
We went here on a whim. The menu items are a sort of fusion of California and Indian, and include exotic meats such as wild boar. Entrees are pricey, running around $18-24. The dining room downstairs is where you order a la carte and is more suitable for a date, while upstairs it's bright and plain for those who choose the $13 buffet. Selection is a bit limited at about a dozen items total. Service was exceptional. My friend chose the buffet, while I ordered from the menu. When my food hadn't arrived, the waiter went to the buffet and collected a small sampler of appetizers for me so. Unfortunately, when my salmon with fenugreek sauce did arrive, the fish tasted a bit off and was very overcooked. The potato paratha were just fine, as was the mango lassi. 12/02

Updated Nov 21, 2008: This place now has one of the better buffet lunches in the Sunnyvale area, and there are many to choose from. The special dishes (especially the cauliflower) are extraordinary, and they serve all of the same additions that you'll find in India. Very popular at lunchtime, at least before the "economic crisis." Lunch for two is $26.40 before tip, but a very pleasant experience.

Udupi Palace
976 E. El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, Ca 94087
408/830-9600
Rating: **** Price: $ Service: *** Atmosphere: **
Fabulous dosas considering it's a microchain. Unfolded, they're almost the size of a manhole cover, and a bit less sour than at Mayuri. This is a strictly vegetarian place, so menu options are limited to breads, veggie or legume curries, and the like. Some Indian food is still a mystery, like the dish that's basically a gigantic buttermilk pancake with dipping sauces, but it was all very, very tasty. Still, I would go for the dosas (slightly sour crepes with a crunchy/chewy texture) or vadas (donuts fried in ghee) alone. DO NOT order the vadas served in a sauce before trying them on their own; the texture is completely different. Excellent, attentive service without being intrusive. 06/02

Updated 11/02: Again, we went back for the vada. In fact, that's all we ate because what we really wanted that day was peking duck in two courses down at Silver Lake House. The vada were perfect, as usual. Crispy and delicious without being greasy.

Updated May 2009: We visited one afternoon between the lunch and dinner rush, and I was disappointed at the quality of the food. The dosas were a bit soggy, and the vada didn't have the lovely ghee flavor or the super crispy crust. I'm going to assume it's because we went at a weird hour, but for now I'm only ordering dosas at Mayuri. There's also a new vegetarian restaurant near the Sunnyvale Fry's that I'm dying to try out.

Viks Chaat Corner - NEW
726 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA 94710
510/644-4412
We went here because I needed to drop off a DVD for the CEO's birthday with my boss who lives in Alamo, so we were to meet halfway. The restaurant basically a warehouse with some tables and chairs. It's airy and fairly well lit though, but the food is the thing here. We had keema samosa, vegetarian dosa, fish kebabs, and bhel puri. The latter is a must try. It's made of puffed rice with onions, cilantro, and some potatoes with a really nice dressing of sorts. The fish kebabs and samosas were both fine, as was the dosa. Expect long lines on weekends. The crowd was mostly non-Indian when we were there. Next door is a grocery, which we didn't explore. Lunch for two with two bottled drinks: $25.73 10/7/2006