One of my favorite restaurants for AUTHENTIC Tamil food in the valley. There aren't too many Tamil…read morerestaurants in the Phx Metro area. This and Thirukuppusamy's in Chandler are the only two. If you are from North Phoenix or West Valley, this is the closet place to get a MEAN dosa. All of the South Indian food is great here. If you come here and expect a good Butter Chicken, lol. Order South Indian food and you won't be disappointed. The food at Chennai Cafe is salty, spicey, and tangy. It's got a good mix of all the flavors that remind me of home. I specifically get the Thali meals. These meals have a bit of every curry that is made that day. Usually split between 2 veg curries, 2 nonveg curries, rice, naan (roti), yogurt, and a dessert. All the curries were excellent. I couldn't eat the entire thali as the quantity of food will put you to sleep, so I ate all the meat stuff with the rice and bread and took all the vegetarian/dessert stuff home. Service is typical Indian restaurant, bunch of dudes standing around. You'll have to flag them down anytime you want something. Don't be shy to do so! That's how you do it at an Indian restaurant. Ambiance is typical no-frills Indian restaurant. Don't expect white glove treatment here. Small dining room area with chairs pretty close to each other. However, know what you are going to order and it'll come out fresh and spicy. Definitely an all time favorite for me in the Valley.

This was my second visit to Chennai Cafe and this time I left feeling unwelcome and questioning…read morewhether I would return. When we arrived the employee told us it was a 15 minute wait and asked for our name and phone number. We looked forward to our meal and so after we gave our information and then left to walk around until we received the call. After about 15 minutes we got a call at 1:37pm that our table was ready. It took us about 3-4 minutes to walk back and we were promptly seated. I was happy to see that there were real plates unlike the paper plates we had to use the last time. I filled my plate and while it was just as good as the last time we were there I quickly remembered how spicy the food is. I sat with my plate of food as I made it through the spicy but otherwise tasty food. Not everything was hot. Some of the food even though presented on heated elements was actually slightly cold. When they cleared the table of our dirty plates I asked them to leave our water cups and the water pitcher which was still 1/3 filled as my mouth was still recovering from the heat/spiciness. Then to my surprise one of the employees approached our table and told us people were waiting and wanting us to leave. I have never felt so insulted by a merchant or dining establishment. We still hadnt drunk our water and I had paid the bill at 2:02pm so it hadnt even been 30 minutes since we were sat for our meal. If you don't mind being rushed during your meal then this is the place for you!

THE BEST chaat I've had in the states…read more I have not had a single dish here that I have not been absolutely blown away by. We started coming here after our previous Indian spot closed down (RIP buzzing cuisine) and I cannot overstate how good this food was. The service was incredibly fast and the staff are very kind, and it's actually a pretty large place seating-wise. As others have said, I also asked for recommendations and the advice I got was super solid (mostly trying to gauge their spice level). It's $7 for a samosa chaat. In this economy. I have gone there on my lunch break to just grab a cheap bite 3+ times at this point and we have had 3 dinners from here as well. Aside from the pricing, the food itself takes risks that pay off extremely well. I often find myself going to Indian spots in AZ and feeling like the flavors have been muted or toned down to be more palatable and enjoyable for all audiences. Chaat Express does not cater to the unseasoned tongue and everything you get here is bursting with amazing, authentic combinations of herbs and spices. The flavors are just indescribably good. When BOTH of a samosa's chutney sauces are delicious (and especially when the red sauce is not overly-sweet), you know you are in for a treat. Their curries are made with the same ideology: bold, flavor-forward, and delicious. In addition, their meats are always bafflingly tender. Whether you get their goat or chicken, it will be cooked perfectly. If you're not a meat-eater, their paneer is also great and the texture is exactly what you would want to expect. I've also had their lassi, rice, and naan. I really like the way they do their naan. It's buttery but not overly-buttered, and always very fresh. Their mango lassi is also perfectly sweet with just enough of a hint of that tanginess that it stands out on its own. And again, for $4 you cannot beat that value. TLDR: this place NEEDS to do well or I will lose my mind. please come here. i am begging you to not let this place flop

Visited on a Saturday noon - to our surprise, it was lunch hour and only one table was occupied…read more Not sure if it was because of the heat that people didnt step out.. but usually places tend to be a bit crowded, for being in a very decent location. Anyway, so we ordered samosas, pani puris for apps. Ordered a soda and a Gud vali chai. The server or owner, didn't look that of people's person - being in a service industry ideally one should be. That was a bit of a surprise for us. The apps came quick. The pani puri was missing flavor.. the samosas were amazing. The soda came in first, but for the chai, my husband had to ask 3 times. And it came in between our main course, which was not pleasing for sure. Maybe they are short on staff, there was just one other table occupied so wonder why the constant reminder for a cup of chai which usually comes first... We had put in the order for the mains. Chole Bhature and Puri Aloo sabji. Here's the kicker - we weren't served basic cutlery and napkins. When we asked the owner/server got it along with 2 plates and a snarky comment followed "the main course usually comes in a plate, so usually we dont serve it"... errr - we didnt really ask for a plate, it was just napkins and cutlery.. so mannerisms aside (which need to be highly fixed) --- the food - The food was good - it was different than what we usually get in AZ. The flavors were robust, different, not too rich to make you uncomfortable if you have errands to run post lunch and give you a carb crash. But just the perfect amount of richness. It's a decent place, nothing super fancy. You can walk in with shorts, a simple tee and have a meal and it'll be fine..Don't go expecting it's a fine dining place. I am giving it a 3/5 only because, while the food wtv little we tried (We did not try the non veg) so lesser points for that.. it was GOOD. As a hard core Foodie and loving all cuisines, I expect a lot more from indian cuisine. So the 3 points honestly is all towards the food. The rest, could be made up with the place being very very slow and sort of boring for a saturday afternoon... and the basic service industry mannerisms which need to be pulled up.

The garlic mushroom soup is amazingly flavorful. I ordered the lamb Marsala and it was…read moreexceptional. Very good spice level (medium) and lots of meat. They don't skimp on the rice either. Meals were served fast and super hot. Really enjoyed it. If you want to try Indian cuisine I'd recommend this restaurant.

Bummer to lower my rating from 5 stars since I loved my first visit here so much. I am also quite…read morepicky and careful with giving 5 stars ratings typically and was truly excited about this place after my first visit. However, when we came back so excited for more it was a weird experience here. We came at 5pm especially to try the banana Bajji listed as an option between 5pm-7pm only to be told it's not available. Then tried to order the Kara Kuzhambu with the lentil dumplings and told lentil dumplings not available anymore only okra/ eggplant option for this. The restaurant vibe felt really odd in general. We kind of felt like they weren't sure if they wanted to be open right now or something. The tables were not clean from lunch and they didn't get back to us when we asked questions. We decided to leave and come back another time given the great first experience. The next day, we decided to try again at lunch when the restaurant seems to do most of the business and I called to double check they have the Kara Kuzhambu with eggplant/ okra options just in case and two people seemed to have no idea what I am talking about. I spelled it, explained it's on the menu and it's a tamarind based curry- nothing. The dish I tried here before was very good and I really appreciate that their menu is marked for allergies and different diets. It seems to be very popular among Indian people and a fun cultural experience at weekend brunch/ lunch. However, the service felt really weird and unwelcoming this time and with the dishes listed on the menu but not being available it was a let down. The waiter told us the banana bajji and the lentil dumplings were discontinued completely so it was a bummer they are still listed on the menu. This confusing and unwelcoming exprience led to a big rating difference from me even though I really liked the food I tried in my first visit as well as the atmosphere. Still happy for that super fun first memory here though! My general rating system: 1 star: I would stay away 2 stars: Has some good things about it but I generally don't recommend. 3 stars: Pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back but a decent place 4 stars: Great place. I would go back. 5 stars: I highly recommend stopping whatever you are doing and making plans to try it out! An Evie favorite!

Ordered the paper masala dosa for dinner. Dosa, aloo masala, sambar, and coconut chutney were all…read morephenomenal. Masala chai was ok... I didn't sense any spices at all. I think it was probably just a normal chai. Gulab jamun was nice! Overall the food was solid. The ambiance and service leave a lot to be desired. Owner and employees are a bit meh. Not actively rude or anything, but not warm / welcoming. Ambiance is a bit of a dud. All that said -- I would absolutely return for more dosas!

Bad quality food Most menu items were missing…read more Bissibelabath did not have a side of raita Chai was reheated - even when requested for fresh chai - tasted terrible Self service based - crappy utensils Sad to see a good brand name being trashed

This restaurant is around the corner from our place and had changed hands in the previous months…read more We never used to see anyone in the old place so decided to try the 'new management'.. We were very surprised we were the only ones dining but we were extremely well looked after and welcomed. This is a family run business and you can tell. The owners are very proud of the heritage and their cuisine. We let our server (Mrs Owner) choose our dishes and we loved every one of them. The restaurant is a large space which is tiled and glass, so could get noisy if the room was full of people but somehow I don't think that will be too much of an issue. This review is 2months after we are there so I can't remember exactly what we had, but it WAS good. We always support local family restaurants in Tempe. If you're looking good northern Indian cuisine, you can't go wrong.

Stopped in for a quick lunch and was surprised to find they had a buffet. I was happily greeted by…read moretwo people who explained their liquor license had expired, which was disappointing on a hot day, but no biggie. The sign was torn off of the exterior (rebranding I think) so I thought they were closed at first. Clean interior but nothing about the decor really catches your eye. The food, while abundant, was bland at best except For the garlic naan which was super thin and highly fragrant. Meh

They are back and better than ever!…read more The new location is amazing and beautiful. And the food is beyond astounding! Including mint and mango chutneys. The new super buffet was glorious, lovely and simply amazing. Huge varieties including Biryani! Every flavor and taste is pure rapture. Every single dish was simply perfect, spiced to perfection, rich deep complex flavors blending into a heavenly feast. Served with fluffy, soft garlic naan. The Tandoori Chicken was smokey and juicy almost dreamlike. The yellow daal was welcoming and wonderful with robust seasoning and a sharp delightful spicy taste. The Malai Kofta tasted better than it did in 1997. And the Korma was dreamy in flavor and texture. The Paneer Masala is a masterpiece, with a rich flavorful gravy that is unbeatable. And the service was just as friendly and welcoming as it was it the 1990s. I took Momma and uncle and the owner greeted us at the door. It was just like coming home after a long trip. Our plates were cleared instantly and water filled before it was half drained. With more naan arriving constantly. Mind you we have been going to the old location since the 90s. Delhi Palace sets the bar that all other Indian food restaurants are compared to. And all other places are no where near as wonderful, delicious or great or simply as pleasant to enjoy a meal in. We always call Delhi Palace "Old Faithful" because of the high quality and magnificent flavors. And now they have exceeded that. The first meal was transcendent and luscious. Having them back is like having a wound finally healed. I look forward to many more feasts shared with family and friends. In short tell your family and friends and come support Delhi Palace, it is better than it ever was. I look forward to many more years enjoying the Delhi Palace

So glad they were able to reopen!!! $12 lunch buffet was amazing. Great food, deserts, chai, and…read moremango lassi for such a good price!!!!

Love ITLU!! Their food is so fresh and their Ragi dosa is soooo crispy and yummy…read more Also got to try Gobi cauliflower, it was so flavorful and crispy. Their lemon biryani is like perfectly fluffy and lemony and buttery, very satisfying even without any meat. Their chai is so rich, I could drink like 5 of em!!

Came here on a food hop to share a couple dishes and started with the gongura (sorrel) dosa which…read morecame with tomato chutney, coconut chutney and peanut chutney as well as a hot sambar. The gongura dosa was so delicious and the gungura was perfectly tart. We enjoyed the chutneys as we always do. The peanut chutney here reminded us of hummus a tad. The tomato one was my favorite and I liked the coconut one better than I expected. The sambar here was so delicious and a tad spicier than others I have had which I really enjoyed. I liked it so much that I decided to get a Vada sambar next. The vada was perfectly fried and still stayed crispy inside the sambar. I was interested in trying the battered Crispy Water Chestnut since I don't often see it on menus but decided to skip it after finding out it has artificial red food which I prefer to avoid. I was told that the curry leaf mushroom dish did not though. We ended the meal with a lifer for us- a traditional meetha paan breath freshener. I enjoyed the idea of trying this traditional end to the meal more than the taste and texture but really appreciate the experience. I was really surprised when the restaurant's staff told me to grab one by hand from a bowl of a bunch of them close together on the counter- seemed to not align with food safety laws and not be appealing. I really wanted to try one though so grabbed one from the very back that was still covered and used a napkin. When we walked out, I was offered some jalebi on the house that they were frying outside. I grew up eating Zalabia, the Moroccan version of Jalebi and haven't had it in years so this was a perfect touch and a great dessert to end the evening with. The whole restaurant is pure vegetarian which for an Indian restaurant also means no eggs. Lot's of dairy free vegan dishes too including the gongura dosa, chutneys and vada sambar we had. My general rating system: 1 star: I would stay away 2 stars: Has some good things about it but I generally don't recommend. 3 stars: Pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back but a decent place 4 stars: Great place. I would go back. 5 stars: I highly recommend stopping whatever you are doing and making plans to try it out! An Evie favorite!

I'm really bummed out writing this because I genuinely love the food at Udupi Café. I've always…read moreenjoyed their dishes, and that's the only reason this isn't a one-star review. But I wish I actually got the food I ordered. This is now the third time I've tried to get their carrot halwa. The first time was through delivery, the second time I even tried in-store, and now this third attempt was another delivery order. Each time, no luck. Fine, things run out, but it's a pattern, you don't have it. I ordered directly from their website, so I hoped the menu would be up to date. The third-party driver called to offer substitutions, which I appreciate, but it's still disappointing. And to top it off, they forgot the vegetables in my masala padpam. That was the part of the meal I was most excited about! So here I am, having spent around $80 total, with two items unavailable and a key part of another dish missing. The only reason this isn't a lower rating is because I do still really like the food. I just wish I actually got to enjoy what I ordered and yes, this could be resolved by going in so they could tell me before I order that they're out of items.

If you're into vegetarian cuisine heat and flavor this is the place to go…read more It is very modest inside. Nothing fancy. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Food was fresh and tasty