1. Tabla Flavors (Yelp Reviews)

While I cannot speak for the other branches, the Foster City branch has some of the best Indian food I have eaten outside India. It is one of the few places that knows how to make good North Indian as well as South Indian food (dosa, idly, uttappam). Their Veg and Non Veg Thalis give first timers a good opportunity to try various dishes in small quantities and their Madras Chicken Curry is to die for. You will be shocked if you order the 70mm Dosa as it is more IMax than 70mm (order one and you will understand).  

2. Shalimar (Yelp Reviews)

Located in the tenderloin district of San Francisco, the area is not the best nor is the ambience. However if you are looking for an inexpensive place with outstanding pakistani food that is open late at the night (11:30 PM), Shalimar is hard to beat. A chicken tikka masala, a naan (they are huge) and a mango lassi will set you back about 10 bucks and leave your appetite sated. Shalimar also has some traditional Pakistani dishes like Nihari and Haleem that are hard to find at other Indian restaurants.

3. Naan N' Chutney (Yelp Reviews)

As a long-time regular at Shaan, I was disappointed to find Naan N' Chutney in the place where Shaan use to be but decided to give it a try. The person taking the order suggested I try the Chicken Curry instead of Chicken Tikka Masala and I am very glad I took his suggestion. The curry was so good that I went up to the counter after the meal to thank him for pointing me towards the chicken curry. The decor and the service were a notch above Shaan. I went back twice with a few co-workers and they want to go back again. So while I am not sure why the Yelp reviews are so bad (I try not to venture into the bathrooms of Pakistani restuarants), I do recommend you check out this place for its chicken curry lunch special which costs about $10 but also gets you naan and a full plate of basmati rice. 

Insider Tips: In the "Non Veg Thali" at Tabla, you can ask them to replace the "Bhuna Ghost" with a different chicken dish and they are happy to oblige. Both Shalimar and Naan N' Chutney offer all you can drink free chai (tea). All three places serve "halal" meat.

4. Chaat Cafe (Yelp Review)

Beyond the traditional Indian fare of Saag Paneer and Chicken Tikka Masala, Chaat Cafe also serves "Chaat" or light snacks from the Gujarat region of India as well as a variety of wraps made from fresh naan. The samosa chaat, the  bhel puri, the spicy "Desi Chicken Wrap" and the "Paneer Wrap" are some of my favorites.

5. Chaat Paradise (Yelp Reviews)

Located right off El Camino Real in Mountain View, Chaat Paradise is the home of the best chaat in the Bay Area (yes I have been to Vik's Chaat Corner in Berkeley and was not impressed) and authentic Gujarati vegetarian fare. However the taste of the food varies from time to time (they must have multiple chefs) and service can be spotty. The place should be avoided on weekend evenings as it gets very crowded and at times the wait to get a table can be over an hour. The best introduction to certain dishes at Chaat Paradise is the "bhel thali" which comes with a "chaat", "chaas" and various curries. Did I mention that their "chaas" (buttermilk) and parathas are yummy?

I could continue this list with a bunch of other places that I like but would prefer hearing about some of your experiences with Indian food  in the bay area.

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If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. — William Blake.

Yes, I am blogging @ http://www.sinletter.com/ablog.aspx

If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. — William Blake.

Yes, I am blogging @ http://www.sinletter.com/ablog.aspx

Hemel.