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Local picks

Indian food and tea in Santa Clara

Made for those who view a hot cup of tea as the essential companion to a full Indian meal.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pav Bhaji and More Santa Clara image 1
Pav Bhaji and More Santa Clara image 2
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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.

Pav Bhaji stands out with its rich, buttery texture and perfect spice balance. The Vada Pav offers a flavorful, must-try option, and the menu includes tasty North Indian dishes like misal pav, grilled sandwiches, and chaat.

Amrutulya Chai stands out as a delicious and highly recommended tea option. The chai pairs well with savory snacks like Masala 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 thought the chai tea was delicious and flavorful."

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.

02
Chatori Chaat Food Truck image 1
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.

Paneer tikka stands out as really well done and highly recommended. Other dishes like paneer pyaz paratha, pani puri, and various chaats also deliver strong, delicious flavors.

Complimentary chai arrives strong, milky, and spicy, showing clear care in preparation. Staff offer this free chai warmly, making tea a notable part of the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is unbelievably delicious and fresh."

"I found the Indian food here to be fresh and delicious."

"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.

03
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.

South Indian dishes like Flying Idlis, Vijayawada special dosa, and ghee podi idly stand out with superb taste. The food pairs well with extra mango lassi and comes with friendly service.

Irani chai stands out as a key highlight, praised for its rich flavor and quality. The masala chai also delivers a strong, enjoyable taste that complements the overall tea experience.

People are saying

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

"The Indian food here, especially the idlis with podi, is next level."

"The Irani chai here is flavorful and a must-try."

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.

04
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.

Paneer makhni and garlic naan deliver rich, authentic flavors. Drinks like mint chaas and mango lassi complement dishes well. Snacks such as vada pav and Dahi vada stand out for their taste.

Rose cardamom chai and Kashmiri chai offer rich, authentic flavors. Tea service includes hot chai served attentively, with special care to prepare it as requested.

People are saying

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

"The Indian food here is authentic, vibrant, and perfectly balanced."

"The chai here is rich and authentic, a perfect way to end the meal."

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.

05
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.

Fresh idli get made for each order, a rare touch. The masala vada and Gobi 65 come out fresh and crispy. Dosas cost $9 and come with unique chutneys and sambar that stand apart from the usual.

Chai comes in different styles like ginger and masala, often served alongside dishes like idiyappam and dosa. The tea is generally good, scoring around 4 out of 5, though quality checks could improve consistency.

People are saying

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

"The puttu and kadala curry here is excellent and authentic."

"This tea tastes authentic, just like home."

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.

06
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 dishes like Idli, Uttapam, and Vada come with fresh, generous chutneys including coconut and tomato. The sambar has a rich, salty flavor, and the vegan masala chai offers a unique, spiced taste.

Vegan masala chai stands out as the best in the south bay here. The vegan filter coffee also gets frequent praise for its rich flavor. Regular tea options are okay but less notable.

People are saying

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

"I loved their tasty filter coffee."

"The Thatte Idly here was outstanding, with delicious curry."

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.

07
Golkonda Indian Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Small dining space with about eight tables offers a cozy atmosphere filled with the aroma of authentic Indian spices. Bollywood movies play on TV screens, adding a cultural touch that enhances the traditional vibe. The place feels like home with its simple, no-frills setup and warm, welcoming ambiance.

Hyderabadi biryani stands out with rich, flavorful, perfectly cooked rice. The Vijayawada paneer biryani and mirchi bajji offer authentic, bold Indian flavors. Fish curry comes with tender, well-spiced chunks that pair well with naan, and veggie samosas provide classic comfort food.

Chai stands out with its rich flavor and spicy warmth. Elaichi tea offers a solid pick-me-up in the evenings, making it a good spot for a tea break near Levi's Stadium.

People are saying

"I found the Hyderabadi biryani here to be rich, flavorful, and authentically spicy."

"This is the best Indian food I've had in the US."

"The food here is great and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a long wait during weekends, especially for dinner.

3

The restaurant is open until 10 pm on weekdays.

08
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.

Late night Indian food features juicy chicken and creamy textures paired with soft rumaali roti and garlic naan. Pav Bhaji offers a mostly vegan option with subtle butter, while samosa chat delivers a crispy and tangy flavor burst.

Matka chai comes in traditional clay pots with a perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and milkiness. Cutting chai offers a comforting, authentic taste similar to what you'd find in India.

People are saying

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

"The Indian food here, especially the chole bhature, is amazing."

"I found the matka chai to be aromatic and superb."

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.

09
New India Bazar Santaclara image 1
Indian grocery store

Indian grocery store offers a wide variety of products with a mini kitchen serving fresh fast foods and sweets. The layout is cramped and crowded, creating a controlled chaos atmosphere familiar to many. Shoppers find excellent samosas and a lively environment that feels authentic.

Samosas stand out with delicious taste and a flavor reminiscent of Bombay. Parathas and Desi Tea also feature as popular choices alongside typical Indian curries and sweets available for to-go.

Free chai welcomes visitors, sometimes paired with snacks like biscuits or khari. Great prices on PG Tips tea complement a wide range of Indian tea options.

People are saying

"I found all the Indian groceries I needed at this grocery store."

"I found the Indian food samosas here to be the best in town."

"I got a free cup of chai as a bonus."

Good to know

1

Parking is very difficult at this grocery store.

2

Expect to find a wide variety of Indian groceries.

3

Frozen food may not be reliable here.

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