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Top picks in Santa Clara

Food and chai spots

Made for those who believe a meal is incomplete without a spiced, authentic chai.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chatori Chaat Food Truck image 1
Chatori Chaat Food Truck image 2
Chatori Chaat Food Truck image 3
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Indian restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Delhi street food with customizable spice levels for diverse tastes. Covered seating area features heated lamps creating a warm, homey atmosphere despite nearby road noise. Vibrant vibe includes music that enhances the casual, inviting setting.

Food features high quality ingredients and a unique touch in every dish. Popular items include mutter kulcha, Bombay sandwich, and Ragda patties, all served with consistent excellence.

Strong, milky, and spicy chai comes complimentary here, showing a clear focus on quality and customer service. The chai is consistently described as amazing and a delightful free treat.

People are saying

"The food here is unbelievably delicious and fresh."

"I loved the Indian street style pasta from the food trucks."

"I loved the complimentary chai; it was strong, milky, and spicy."

Good to know

1

Catering services are available for events with customizable menu options.

2

The food truck specializes in authentic Delhi flavors and vegetarian dishes.

3

Parking is plentiful nearby, making it easy to visit the food truck.

02
Pav Bhaji and More Santa Clara image 1
Modern Indian restaurant

Modern Indian restaurant offers a clean, spacious setting with minimalistic decor and a cozy, serene vibe. The atmosphere feels like a welcoming cafe, making it pleasant for dining. Clearly marked vegan and Jain options highlight attention to diverse dietary needs.

Food features fresh, tasty, and authentic Bambaiya style flavors with a focus on Jain and North Indian cuisine. Presentation is beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

Amrutulya Chai stands out with its rich flavor and is often called the best chai in the Bay Area. The Masala Chai here pairs well with snacks like Vada Pav and Pav Bhaji.

People are saying

"The Indian food, especially the pav bhaji, is amazing."

"I thought the chai here was delicious and amazing."

"I found the food to be very tasty and authentic."

Good to know

1

There are roughly 12 to 15 parking spots available at the restaurant.

2

The restaurant is spotless, including clean bathrooms.

3

The place can easily accommodate about 15 tables.

03
Star Chaat Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Large space with bold orange walls and a live pani puri counter creates a vibrant setting. Atmosphere is family-friendly with Punjabi music playing, sometimes loudly. Seating is comfortable and the vibe suits small gatherings well.

Food features authentic Indian dishes like paneer makhni, garlic naan, and dahi bhalla with standout flavors. Service is friendly and polite, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Rich, authentic chai comes in several varieties including rose cardamom and Kashmiri chai. Hot chai is served consistently with attentive service.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the Amritsari Kulcha."

"The Paneer Tikka here is delicious and well-spiced."

"The chai here is rich and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant just opened today, offering a fresh menu.

2

Monthly specials feature unique dishes not available regularly.

3

The restaurant is completely vegetarian, catering to plant-based diets.

04
Flying Idlis image 1
Indian restaurant

South Indian food truck offers quirky painted drum tables and covered heated seating under an outdoor canopy. Atmosphere blends local Indian vibe with a relaxed, welcoming energy. Crowds vary from calm to very busy, reflecting its popularity for authentic tiffins.

Offers authentic Andhra street food with fresh, warm flavors that stay consistent across visits. The menu focuses on vegetarian comfort food that is both affordable and healthy.

Irani chai stands out with its rich, authentic flavor and is often described as better than other local options. The masala chai also offers a strong, spicy taste that complements the food well.

People are saying

"These food trucks serve delicious dosas and tangy sambar."

"The food here is fresh, warm, and full of flavor."

"I thought the Irani chai was too good to be true and loved it."

Good to know

1

Most menu items range from $7 to $10, making it affordable.

2

Parking is limited, especially during peak dinner hours.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy periods, especially on weekends.

05
Idly Express Drive-Thru image 1
South Indian restaurant

Drive-thru setup includes outdoor seating for about 16 people, creating a casual, efficient atmosphere. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with a focus on authentic South Indian flavors like Chennai-style idli and sambar. The place draws those seeking quick, high-quality meals with a convenient express cafe feel.

South Indian cuisine offers consistent quality and rich flavor across multiple dishes. Food delivers a comforting and tasty experience with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Vegan masala chai stands out with its rich, spicy flavor. The chai pairs well with vegan filter coffee and medu vadai for a classic South Bay experience.

People are saying

"The Indian food here is outstanding, especially the uttapam."

"The food here is amazing and spectacular."

"I thought their vegan masala chai was the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Drive-through ordering is available and very efficient.

2

The restaurant has no indoor seating; only outdoor tables are available.

3

Expect limited seating, especially during peak hours.

06
Madhu Idiyappa Kadai image 1
Vegetarian restaurant

Food truck setup with outdoor seating creates a casual atmosphere that feels safe and friendly. Evening visits attract those seeking authentic South Indian snacks made fresh with traditional methods. Unique offerings like red rice idiyappam and puttu distinguish it from other options in the area.

Food features Kerala style dishes with excellent texture in idlis, paniyaram, and dosa. The menu offers home-cooked flavors and consistently tasty South Indian food with genuine hospitality.

Chai here often lacks flavor and quality, sometimes served as just water with floating tea powder. It rates around 4 out of 5 but generally needs better preparation before serving.

People are saying

"I highly recommend their live dosa counter for any party."

"The food here is so authentic and delicious, especially the idiyappam."

"I rated the chai here a solid 4 out of 5."

Good to know

1

The dosa costs $9, which is a great deal.

2

Madhu Idiyappa Kadai offers authentic Sri Lankan food.

3

They serve red rice idiyappam and puttu, unique to the Bay Area.

07
Chandni chowk image 1
Indian restaurant

Decor mimics a classic Indian street corner with truck dhaba vibes, Bollywood posters, and colorful wall art. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and lively, enhanced by cricket and Bollywood music. Small, cozy space suits groups of 3-4, offering an immersive cultural experience.

Offers classic dhaba atmosphere with cricket and Bollywood music. Serves excellent North Indian food with great selection and preparation, though food quality can vary.

Kulhad chai offers a perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and milkiness just like homemade chai. Matka chai comes in traditional clay pots, served piping hot and richly spiced for a comforting experience.

People are saying

"The Chandni Chowk theme's decor is stunning and immersive."

"The decor and 90s ads made it feel so nostalgic."

"I found the chai here to be outstanding and richly spiced."

Good to know

1

Chandni Chowk is open till 1am on most days.

2

There is a decent amount of parking available, making visiting convenient.

3

Chandni Chowk is one of the only restaurants open late in the area.

08
Voyager Craft Coffee - Santa Clara University image 1

Coffee shop offers modern decor with wood grain accents and large windows that create a bright, cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes dog-friendly shaded areas, attracting a lively crowd especially on weekends. Space supports studying and work, though it can get crowded and parking is challenging.

Coffee, pastries, and food all stand out as excellent here. The food quality is above average for a coffee shop, making it worth trying alongside the drinks.

Chai latte comes with rainbow latte art and pairs well with breakfast items. The chai latte offers a smooth, flavorful experience.

People are saying

"The coffee here is excellent and tastes great."

"The food here is great; the staff are super friendly."

"I enjoyed the chai latte; it was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Finding parking at Voyager Craft Coffee is very difficult, especially around noon.

2

The coffee shop is often busy, with expected wait times of 10 to 15 minutes.

3

They donโ€™t serve any food after 3 pm on Sundays.

09
Milyar Coffee house image 1

Bright, open space with marble paneling and Middle Eastern decor creates a unique setting. Comfortable seating and many power outlets support long stays for work or socializing. Arabian music plays softly, adding to a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Food includes shawarma wrap and sambusa that taste very good. Tea and other drinks complement the delicious meals well.

Freshly brewed chai stands out here, made individually rather than served ready-made. The Adeni chai tastes strong and rich, offering a warm and comforting experience.

People are saying

"The cafe's drinks are delicious and perfectly made."

"It's a great spot for getting work done, especially with the comfortable seating."

"The food and drinks here were delicious."

Good to know

1

The cafe is open 20 hours a day, from 8 am to midnight.

2

Street parking is limited, but there is a nearby parking lot.

3

Expect long wait times for service, especially during busy hours.

10
The Ketli Chai image 1
Indian restaurant

Outdoor seating includes board games like carrom and Uno, creating a lively and fun atmosphere. The vibe blends a desi college canteen feel with a cozy, clean environment. Late-night hours support a relaxed hangout spot with spicy Indian snacks and hot chai.

Fresh and spicy Indian food stands out here, especially street style dishes like Maggi and bun muska. The food consistently delivers good quality and bold flavors.

Ketli chai offers a refreshing blend with floral hints of badaam milk and saffron. Options include vegan chai and masala varieties, consistently delivering a satisfying experience.

People are saying

"The ginger chai here is super cozy and flavorful."

"It's a great spot to chill and hang out late at night."

"The Maggi and chai here are tasty and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The Ketli Chai is open late at night for snacks and tea.

2

Parking can be a challenge when it gets busy.

3

Getting a table can be difficult during peak hours.

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