I Doordashed the Fish Pollichathu. Overall flavors was really good and delicious. Flavors were unique and on point. The Halibut that they used was very solid and complimented very well. I don't really give out 5 stars unless I'm really blown but i do think this is a good intro meal to Pollichathu. Recommendations would be to reduce the banana wrap leaf size or increase the fish size per proportion. I think Black Cod instead of Halibut will shine here! read more

Balaji Mess - Fish Pollichathu - Indian Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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It's a nice , simple neighborhood gem for your idli , dosa and biryani fix . The plus point of this place is it's one of the few dosa places in tri valley that offer meat and fish dishes as well . Their weeknight happy hour menu is also a great draw specially as you can avail it till store closing time. read more

This restaurant is a hidden gem of Pleasanton! They serve both vegetarian and non vegetarian Indian dishes. The ambiance is casual and the place was clean and maintained. The service was fast. We tried their Honey Chilli Gobhi,Schezwan paneer fried rice, Potato Bajji, Curry leaf paneer, Palipalyam Paneer and Jackfruit Biryani! Everything was 10/10 especially the Curry leaf paneer was unique in taste and so flavorsome. We ended the meal with the amazing coffee. Definitely returning back to try more items on the menu! read more

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Ordered weekend non veg thali for pickup and this is specifically for that , I guess even after few months into the business they haven't found their rhythm. They put bunch of nerds to bus the tables - who scramble and tag team basically on everything. Order wasn't ready and they made me wait for 20+ mins and this guy comes along and asks what's your name again and what was your order while the place has barely 2 tabes filled . To add to that realized order is missing roti/ rose milk and couple other curries and got served with one piece shrimp- SMH. And for hefty $19.99 definitely not worth the buck. Food was okay so the extra star. read more

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Brilliant find tucked away in the Raley's strip mall! We happened to see it walking by, so thought we'd try it out, it being new (to us). Boy, were we glad we did! We went for lunch at first; had the thali (both veg- & non-veg). Wow! Excellent quality - succulent, aromatic, just the right flavors. Almost felt home-cooked. Liked it so much, we were there the next day too. And again in another couple of days! The quantity is enough for two (depending on how hungry you are, of course). Also, the Staff is great - courteous & patient. Vamsi is the man! We had an event at home shortly after, so thought we'd try their catering too. They have a great "Dosa Package" - an appetizer, unlimited dosas, biriyani, dessert, and a beverage. This was a great hit with all our guests. Srini, the owner, was great to work with. Tip: Dosa batter is fantastic! We plan to get it from there going forward. All in all, a real treasure in good old Pleasanton. We are new "regulars", and plan to continue for a while. read more

Balaji Mess is a rustic, understated strip mall restaurant offering authentic South Indian food with both veg and non-veg options. On weekends (including Fridays), they offer a Weekend Special Thali, a meal served on a boat-shaped metal thali with a huge variety of colors and flavors. The meal came with Chicken 65 (fried boneless chicken pieces), pompano fish curry, mutton curry, rasam (a spicy, sour pepper soup), ambur mutton biryani, a sweet made of semolina, fried karela (bitter melon), salan (spicy curry), dal tadka, kesari (a sweet made of semolina, ghee, and nuts), along with the staples of rice, chapati, papad, curd, and Indian pickle. Everything was flavorful and delicious, but I especially liked the crunchy texture of the karela fry, the hearty spices of the ambur biryani, and the spicy flavor of the salan. Everything came together in a balanced meal, and the flavors never got boring! I also tried their selection of chutneys (served with their idlis and dosas): tomato, coconut, and peanut, and each was fresh and flavorful in its own way. Despite the hole-in-the-wall ambiance, the food was delicious and came at a good value, and the service was super friendly too! read more

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We went on a weekend afternoon, and the overall experience was quite disappointing. The thali took a long time to arrive, but what really ruined the visit was the staff's attitude and hygiene. The person serving the food seemed completely disinterested -- he was seen setting paper mats on tables without even cleaning them properly. There were food particles still lying around, and he didn't bother to wipe them off. With one hand, he was busy on his phone, and then casually started picking up leftover food particles from a few tables by hand! It was shocking to see such unhygienic and careless behavior, especially while customers were sitting nearby. The floor had food scattered all over, but he didn't bother to clean it until much later -- and even then, he mopped the floor with no effort or attention. After all this, he suddenly remembered to wear gloves, but only when it was time for billing. We had to ask for water ourselves, as no one cared to check or offer anything. The food itself was fine, but this entire incident and the staff's attitude were honestly disgusting. Definitely not returning -- there are plenty of other restaurants that at least value their customers and maintain basic hygiene read more

Balaji mess is an amazing South Indian place serving up some yummy tiffin and meals. We went on their opening weekend with a couple of meat eating friends cause this place serves both veg and non-veg items. We tried a whole bunch of stuff and everything was fantastic. Their green chilly paneer appetiser was very unique and spicy, I absolutely loved it & would totally recommend. The next amazing dish was their podi idly, which was the SOFTEST I've ever had! The pillowy soft idlies literally melted in my mouth, I honestly did not expect them to be that good. Such a simple dish elevated thanks to its texture and spices. Our friends enjoyed their mutton biryani SO much and mentioned how juicy and soft the pieces were. We finished up a strong filter kaapi and overall loooved dining here. I can't wait to be back to try their meals and also take home some idly batter :D read more

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We're a family of three and recently dined at Balaji Mess, and wow--what a satisfying meal! We ordered a bit more than usual (intentionally!)--one non-veg thali (sapadu), one veg thali, a chicken biriyani, and chicken 65. We knew we'd pack the rest for dinner--and yes, it was just as good the second time! Our daughter especially loved the chicken 65 and biriyani--it was flavorful, tender, and just the right level of spice. We were also lucky to try the jackfruit biriyani, which had the unmistakable taste of an authentic Tamil home-cooked meal. The fish was soft and flavorful, perfectly balancing the spice. The sapadu meals came with a well-thought-out set of 7 to 8 items. Those familiar with traditional South Indian meals will appreciate the thoughtful combinations--poori or chapathi with kurma, rice with sambar, rasam, kara kulambu, dal, curd, and a sweet to finish. It's not about highlighting one item but enjoying the full journey of the meal. Some may feel overwhelmed by the number of items on the plate--but that's the beauty of sapadu: it's a complete experience, not meant to be rushed. This place has clearly struck a chord with the local South Indian community, and rightfully so. It's some of the best homestyle South Indian food in the Bay Area, served with warmth and authenticity. Highly recommend! read more

Balaji Mess - Indian Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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Raley's plaza between Jim's and Heritage Donuts. Went for their grand opening. So awesome to see authentic Indian - and not another Italian or Pizza spot in Pleasanton. Thalis were very good. And Dosas looked fantastic. Everything was flavorful, the meat was tender (they have vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes) It was incredibly busy. The service was a little slow but they were very friendly and apologetic about it. The spice level of the rice and chicken was quite hot and there's no ability to adjust it for thalis because the food is pre-made. This is not a complaint just an FYI. They accept all credit cards. read more

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Albeit it's alittle off my normal beaten path to go out there for some Indian food, but was alittle surprised on how well the food was. What caught my eye was a Facebook ad stating that some of their Indian fish curries/dishes were $9.99. Being in the mood for some Indian, I decided to drive out there to get some take out. But located in the raley's parking lot and next to Jim's, this area does seem to be pretty full at times, thankfully it's a very big parking lot so this shouldn't be a huge concern unless maybe you are a delivery driver. Inside seems to be fairly nice and newly renovated if I recall because I believe it was an Asian restaurant before. The waiter seemed pretty nice when I mentioned I had a to go order but we exchanged few words beyond this. The food itself was pretty good, I even asked for one of them to be at the hottest spice level and there was some heat but to me it wasn't its too spicy or inedible. Even one of them I was pleasantly surprised to see and taste the coconut, that being said at this price point it's within range in food proportions versus price point imo. I did wish for a tad more but oh well lol. I would have ordered some rice with it, but at 3.99 for a portion of rice seemed to be a tad expensive. So I opted not to at this time. While I doubt I drive out there just to eat there, having a fairly cheap protein dish is nice and at their current "sale" price I might try and stop by another day. read more

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This is a very new restaurant still working on setup but the food was tasty! Special note for the sambar which was very well balanced and not watery with lots of lentil. Nice new spot for southern Indian food. Also I usually eat vegetarian but it's worth noting for some that this is one of the few southern places in the area with meat options if that's what you prefer. read more

Balaji Mess - They made me a "combo" with idly and pongal! - Indian Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Food is moderately ok for Bay Area standard but most importantly they advertised prices for happy hour but will charge you fraudulently extra and will promise to return to the card but never did. Even after calling them they did not reverse the charge neither called back. Steer clear of the place. read more

Delicious homemade flavorful food. One of the best I Dian Thalis with authentic taste from Indian homemade thali. read more

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We recently had their non-veg thali. All the items were tasty, but it felt like they could have added one or two more dishes instead of the plain gravies. Nevertheless, the food was good. We also tried their mutton biryani to-go, and it was pretty good. read more

Balaji Mess - Non Veg Thali (weekend) - Indian Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Absolutely fantastic! Spice level of 'mild' was perfect for me. Very tender and flavorful! Highly recommended and will definitely come again! read more

Balaji Mess - Mutton Chukka - amazing!!! - Indian Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Food was yummy! By far, the best south Indian food in tri valley. We tried, veg thali, chicken curry, kothu parota and curry leaf paneer

Amazing food and value, to be honest. They have non-vegetarian thaali, which is rare and it was delicious. As much as I like the vegetarian thaalis at Super Chaat Cafe, most of the time I like my meat. The Ambur biryani was also really great. It's a family restaurant. Our waiter was a really nice young man, and helped us every step of the way. The inside is really nice. The Southern Indian ambiance really shines through everything. read more

Amazing food and great service! It was our first time trying and everything was delicious. We ordered gongura paneer which was not on the menu and it was so good. We will be regulars here. Our kids also loved the food. read more

Used to be nice but one of the worst service inhale ever seen, you order something and they don't keep track on it and you end up waiting for an hour for food to be served. Won't recommend or visit in future. read more

first off, ignore all the bad reviews. this place has the best flavors, you just need to know what to ask for. I asked for gongura paneer (not on the menu) and boy it was the best thing I have ever had in life. that + filtered coffee combo. customize the food as you like and you won't be disappointed read more

Extremely long wait for underwhelming food. We ordered Onam Sadya, and the listed pickup time was 11:30, and then they asked us to wait a few minutes. Then 10 minutes. Then 45 minutes. We went home and called, and only then did they say the food is ready. So, we only received our food at 1:30. The food is underwhelming, and missing multiple essential, like sambar. Essentially, their sadya is NOT worth the time, money, or effort. read more

Very bad non-veg thali experience last Sunday. They do have about 7 or 8 items, all served in paper containers the size of condiment containers (or achaar in Indian parlance). Some of the items tasted pretty good, but there was barely enough to savor. They had advertised a chicken 65 but replaced with something else which was also good - but again, one popcorn-sized chicken piece. Only the white rice was of sufficient quantity. The reason I am giving one star - is their chicken biryani was not only stale, it was rancid, and the chicken piece in it had even started decomposing, from its color and smell. I brought it to the attention of a server who immediately agreed and was apologetic, I asked him to let the kitchen know so they could decide on removing it from the day's thali, or replace it with a fresh batch - not sure if they did. This one visit did it for me - I won't be going back. read more

Food was good, service was good but long wait times. It's a small place with limited seating. Some of the starters and thali options are good. read more

Very good experience... authentic south indian food with excellent service and friendly staff

A nice family owned restaurant. We got an onion chili uttapum and dosa which came with chutney and sambhar. Everything was really good

Most of the food was not good. They were sold out of thali. Green chilly gobi fry was good. Sambar was barely hot but they heated it. Fish curry was good but dosa, upma and cold chutneys were below average. Ambiance is obviously non existent but prolly not designed for good ambiance. Small place so the 1 order taker/server gave average attention read more

Where do I start...after long long time had flavorful food. Food that I cud not stop eating. We ordered : Veg Thali Jack fruit biryani Curry leave paneer Poori Medu Vada Every thing was super. Curry leave paneer is a new item i never heard off. its was yum. Garlicy and just the right amount amt of spices. A must try. I nvr had jack fruit biryani so tasty - a must try. Medu vada - I hve not had so soft and crunchy vada in whole BAY AREA. Super yummy. Beans poriyal - was another item in thali tht was too good. Small place with good food and friendly staff. The food is not too oily, something I can also consider for takeaway when i don't feel like cooking. This will be my go to place. Definitely coming bk to try other item on menu. read more

It's a complete mess ...we tried Veg Thali...sambar and rasam was fine but vegies was inedible...also tried Mutton Chukka that was chewy like rubber. Best to avoid this place unless you just want to eat Sambar and Rasam read more

Their food quality is good but they are not consistent on the Togo orders especially Their quantity. Last order with biriyani hardly had any meat in it. Their unlimited breakfast service was very slow and the approach they took to serve all items in the plate had lot of wastage since most of the items are not favorite items. Ambience is ok. read more

15 mins to be seated is ok, but 30 mins to serve thali is not ok. Writing this review while i wait. Will update this review about the food. If you do not see my update about the food. That means I'm frustrated and left even before the food is served read more

Went there for the Onqm Sadhya. Arrived at 11:30. Still waiting to be served. It's 1:20 now. Got the food. Mediocre Sadyq. Friendly staff but they were stuck in an awkward position. read more

Just came back from this horrible place. Saturday morning, wasted time and money. Mandi Briyani was like reheated from last night. Raitha was only curd with hardly any onions, reviews showed a full egg, but they did not provide any egg, also no brinjal patchdi was provided. The chicken in the briyani was not cooked well. Mutton chuka and rotti was way below average. Not worth the money, quality and the quantity is very disappointing. What a Ripoff! read more

One of the best South Indian Restaurants in the Tri-Valley. Being a lover of Indian food, I have tried several places, which have been good but this new restaurant is AMAZING!! I tried the Green Chili Pan Fry, Excellent!! As well as the Mutton Dum Biryani, another great dish. Very tender. I only wish there would have been more goat meat, so perhaps ask for additional meat. The spices/flavors are undeniable. The pricing was really good also. Can't wait to try more amazing dishes! read more

Our experience has been excellent so far. this is the 2nd time we visited. Excellent service and great food. we can't complain. we tried Idli/vada combo. Very helpful to customize our food and her help was highly appreciated. Will visit again read more

Glad to see another Indian restaurant pop up in Ptown! We ordered takeout for a group, and the Gobi 65 was huge hit with everyone! We also enjoyed the other dishes which were new to us. Impressed that our order was ready for pickup in 15 min. Adding this is our rotation of takeout spots! read more

Wow!! Please try their Benne dosas! It was so rich and delicious their dosa sizes are huge. Chutneys can be better overall but just for their Benne dosa will come here again! read more

Very small place. Food decent for vegetarians. Other South Indian places around this area have better, fresher options perhaps the non veg food tastes better. read more

The flavor is good. But they don't give you much More than just rice. It would have been nice to have gotten what I paid for

I am a non-Indian with very limited exposure to South Indian food, so ignore my rating. Non-Indians should specify the "hotness" level of their order. I much enjoyed the Prawn Ghee Fry, accompanied by steamed rice. The Parotta was a pleasure, as was Rava Kasari for dessert. They don't have ice for your canned soda because the kitchen is small and the health department does allow portable ice makers. I'll be back for some of the chicken dishes. Prices are very reasonable, staff is amiable. read more