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Unique Indian food in San Jose

Made for those who are constantly searching for unconventional flavor combinations and unique interpretations of classic Indian dishes.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Mazala Pizza San Jose image 1
Mazala Pizza San Jose image 2
Mazala Pizza San Jose image 3
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Pizza restaurant

Outdoor seating creates a cozy, lively atmosphere with casual, welcoming energy. Vibrant red pizza boxes feature interactive designs that add a playful touch. The place stands out for its unique Indian-flavored thin crust pizzas and family-owned, small business vibe.

Chicken Tikka Pizza features a naan crust cooked to golden, crispy perfection with a smoky tikka spice aroma. Paneer Tikka Pizza and samosa smash offer distinct Indian flavors, while masala fries bring well-seasoned spice to the table.

Bold spices create a unique twist on traditional pizza. Cheese and veggie options feature distinctive flavor combinations not found everywhere.

People are saying

"I found the unique Indian flavors here to be a delicious fusion."

"It's a great late night spot for affordable and tasty pizza."

"This Indian food is a must-try for its authentic flavors."

Good to know

1

Tuesdays offer 50% off on all orders.

2

Mazala Pizza is pick-up only with no seating available.

3

The restaurant is open until 3:30 AM for late-night cravings.

02
Taaza Thindi image 1
South Indian restaurant

Cloud kitchen setup offers authentic Karnataka and Bangalore-style South Indian food with crispy, flavorful dosas and fresh ingredients. No dine-in or seating is available, and ordering requires advance planning with pick-up only. The space feels utilitarian with minimal ambiance, focusing entirely on food quality and catering services.

Masala dosa here is very authentic Mulbagal style with a crispy exterior and soft interior. Traditional items like thatte idli and idli are soft and perfectly cooked, served with chutneys featuring cardamom and tasty sambar.

Unique dishes feature coconut chutney with an exceptional taste and Indo-fusion items like paneer tacos that balance flavors well. The food overall offers a well-balanced and distinct flavor profile.

People are saying

"I loved the crispy, soft dosas and flavorful chutneys."

"The filter coffee here is really good."

"The dosas here are generously covered in ghee and perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

Taaza Thindi operates as a cloud kitchen, so there is no dine-in option.

2

The restaurant is pick-up only.

3

Customers should wait 20 minutes after arriving to pick up their dose at their dedicated pickup slot because the dose is made fresh.

03
Dumont Creamery & Café image 1

Cozy café with comfortable seating and a calm, welcoming vibe suited for quiet work or relaxation. Decor blends traditional creamery charm with a modern, clean aesthetic. Dog-friendly with indoor and outdoor seating, it offers a peaceful spot away from busy streets.

Rich and creamy kheer stands out with its smooth texture and delicate rose hint. The kheer falooda blends silky noodles and sweetness, offering a traditional yet indulgent Indian dessert experience.

Unique ice cream flavors like Biscoff Caramel, Kheer, and Malted Milk Apple Honey stand out for their creative blends and smooth textures. The menu mixes classic and one-of-a-kind options that offer natural sweetness and creamy richness.

People are saying

"The ice cream here has such unique and delicious flavors."

"I loved their unique ice cream flavors like Biscoff and Ruby Cheese."

"I loved the Indian food, especially the kheer, it was divine."

Good to know

1

The café is open late, perfect for a sweet treat after dinner.

2

Most ice cream flavors are eggless and gelatin free.

3

Many vegan ice cream flavors are available.

04
Badoota image 1
Indian restaurant

Cloud kitchen offers authentic Karnataka-style Donne Biryani with pickup only on Saturday nights. The vibe is focused and efficient, with a pre-order system to manage limited availability. Food delivers distinctive regional flavors rarely found elsewhere in the area.

Specializes in Bangalore-style Donne Biryani with options like Chicken and Mutton that are aromatic and well-cooked. Weekly specials include dishes like Hoskote Mutton Biryani and fresh jackfruit biryani, alongside other items such as Puliyogare and Baby Corn Kabab.

Donne Biryani stands out with its unique spices and textures. Serving biryani in a Donne adds a distinct flavor and texture that reflects Karnataka's culinary style.

People are saying

"The Donne Biryani here tastes like Bengaluru."

"This Indian food's Donne biryani tastes like Bangalore."

"The Donne Biryani's unique spices and textures were a delightful surprise."

Good to know

1

Badoota operates as a cloud kitchen with no dine-in option, only offering pickup on Saturdays.

2

Pre-ordering is recommended to avoid sold out items, especially before Friday.

3

Pickup is available only on Saturday nights, so plan accordingly.

05
Suvai Taste of India image 1

Bold orange-and-red decor and brass cutlery create a vibrant, inviting atmosphere with a spacious layout. Music plays softly, adding a calming, refined vibe without overpowering conversation. Seating is comfortable and the environment feels clean and high-class.

Chicken tikka masala and butter chicken feature rich, well-spiced gravies. The Dindugul Venu Biryani and 65 biryani offer authentic, flavorful rice dishes. Non oily whole wheat roti and free naan accompany meals, while onion pakora stands out as a crispy appetizer.

Menu features unique dishes spanning from Andhra to Kanyakumari. The paratha dipped in curry stands out as a distinctive choice.

People are saying

"I thought the curry here was the best Indian food I’ve had outside India."

"The Indian food here is so tasty, especially the butter chicken."

"You have to try their unique paratha dipped in curry."

Good to know

1

They offer a weekday buffet for $19.99 with a variety of options.

2

The buffet includes free naan and bread.

3

They have a discount on prices until 9/21 due to their opening.

06
Saapaaduu image 1
Indian restaurant

Restaurant combines contemporary elegance with traditional South Indian decor featuring brass and gold-plated utensils. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming with tasteful background music enhancing the dining experience. Seating is tight and cramped, creating a bustling environment during busy times.

Soft rumali roti stands out with its unique texture and quality. Dishes like Tawa Sukka Biryani and pallipalayam chicken offer balanced masalas that keep meals light yet flavorful.

Serving plates, bowls, and cutleries show an innovative design that adds a unique touch. The Vegetarian Chatti Chori stands out with its flavorful mix of rice, curries, fried vada, pickle, beets raita, and sambhar.

People are saying

"The South Indian food here is so authentic and tasty."

"I found the menu to have unique South Indian dishes."

"The Indian food, especially the biryanis and dosas, is a must-try."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for special events like the Pongal lunch due to high demand.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during peak times; arrive early if possible.

3

Walk-in customers may face long wait times or seating issues.

07
DESI EXPRESS (Inside SoFA Market) image 1

Indian street food spot inside a food court offers authentic chaats and sandwiches with excellent chicken tikka masala and flavorful chutneys. Cozy setup supports a casual lunch atmosphere popular with office crowds. Location is somewhat hidden at the market's end but provides adequate seating and a home-style vibe.

Mango Lassi stands out as killer and garlic naan tastes delicious. The menu features excellent chicken Tikka masala, samosa chaat, and gol gappey, with chutneys served separately for neatness.

Food features an exotic blend with a unique guava flavor in the pani puri and a standout Bombay sandwich.

People are saying

"I thought the Bombay sandwich was the best in the Bay Area."

"The Indian food here is spot on and full of flavor."

"You have to try the unique guava flavor in their pani puri."

Good to know

1

DESI EXPRESS is located inside a food court in downtown San Jose.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of chaat options.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to other places for similar dishes.

08
Tandoori Pizza - San Jose image 1

Nicely decorated space with outdoor seating and a wide seating area creates a comfortable spot to chill with friends. The atmosphere blends a bar-like vibe with lively, comfortable energy, enhanced by Punjabi hip-hop and Indian music playing alongside sports on TV.

Tandoori chicken and Achari paneer top the Indian-style pizza options here. The pizzas feature tender crusts with bold Indian flavors like Butter Chicken and Chilli Paneer.

Creative pizza ideas stand out with Tandoori Pizza offering a unique twist. Garlic bread starters come in a pizza-style format, adding a flavorful and distinctive start to the meal.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing, thanks to Husn's great service."

"This Indian food is amazing, especially the rich, creamy Butter Chicken pizza."

"Their pizzas are so unique with creative Indian twists."

Good to know

1

Dining-in is only available until 10 PM; after that, only takeout is offered.

2

Expect long wait times; my order took 1 hour and 15 minutes.

3

Parking can be difficult around the area.

09
Cali Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small interior with dim lighting and '90s decor creates a nostalgic, cozy vibe. The atmosphere feels intimate but lacks a traditional pizzeria energy. Known for Indian fusion pizzas with fresh, flavorful toppings and a crispy, flaky crust, it attracts those seeking unique, well-crafted options.

Butter chicken pizza features a rich, creamy flavor with tangy, savory sauce and toppings like tandoori chicken and paneer. Other options include creamy chili chicken tikka masala pizza and tandoori paneer pizza, alongside Indian snacks like samosas and pakoras.

Pizza here mixes Italian and Indian flavors in a way that suits an Indian palate. They claim to offer unique creations, but the actual pizzas are more standard than expected.

People are saying

"I found the pizza to be delicious."

"It's great that they have vegan cheese options for everyone."

"The Indian food here is creamy and flavorful, especially the chicken tikka masala pizza."

Good to know

1

Every Tuesday, medium and large pizzas are 40% off.

2

Cali Pizza offers a 30% discount all day on Tuesdays.

3

They have vegan cheese available for pizza customization.

10
Talab image 1
Indian restaurant

Modern decor creates a calm and inviting atmosphere with boutique decorations and minimal indoor seating. Space feels cozy yet well-maintained, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options. Live streaming of NFL games adds a unique touch to the experience.

Mango lassi and Masala Chai stand out as flavorful drinks. Masala chhaas offers a delicious, authentic taste.

Food blends Bengali and Awadhi cuisine with a distinct native touch. Appetizers like the whole fish pomfret fry and Egg Devil offer unique takes on classic dishes.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Bengali food; it felt like home."

"I loved the authentic Bengali and Mughlai Indian food here."

"The food here has a unique, distinct native touch."

Good to know

1

On Fridays to Sundays, the menu expands to include a wider selection of rare Bengali dishes.

2

Happy hour menu is available with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Not all dishes from their extensive menu are available despite visiting on a Friday night.

11
FITOOR image 1
Modern Indian restaurant

Modern Indian restaurant combines live DJ performances and fire dancers to create an energetic atmosphere with upbeat music. Interior features modern décor and ambient lighting, while outdoor seating offers a relaxed environment. Tables are placed closely, contributing to a lively but less intimate setting.

Butter chicken stands out with a perfect spice kick and pairs well with cumin rice and garlic naan. Chicken dum Biryani offers a flavorful mix served with yogurt dip, while Daal Makhani delivers a butter-heavy, tasty flavor.

Melt-in-your-mouth Avocado & Paneer Galouti stands out as a unique dish. A distinctive cocktail menu complements the full bar, creating a different vibe than most Indian restaurants.

People are saying

"The food here is fabulous, creative, and flavorful."

"The Indian food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The food here is so creative and full of authentic Indian flavors with a modern twist."

Good to know

1

FITOOR has a belly dance performance on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

2

On weekends, they have a DJ and belly dancers.

3

A belly dancer performs on Fridays and Saturdays with a live DJ.

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San Jose, California

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