Biryani was fire! Good eats at this restaurant and they are family owned, excellent service. Restaurant is tastefully decorated and very clean. We parked in the adjacent lot on Green. Would definitely come back! read more

I'm surprised I haven't left a review before. Before the Eaton fire displaced us, this was one that of our favorite weeknight restaurants when we were in that "I don't want to cook, or spend too much money, or eat something unhealthy" mood. First, the vegetarian momos are delicious. The two of us love sharing the combo plate and then sharing something else. This gives you the fun of trying lots of dishes (like you would with a big group). The chai tea is delightful, too. Sometimes there is a wait to receive your food, but the service is always nice. The decor is kind-of retro hippy backpacker with old maps of the Himalayas, and it's very clean. read more

First things first. Parking was a breeze. Enter off Green Dr if you can. $1/2hrs. Huzzah! In Pasadena?! Anyway, you can see what we had in the photos. We also had chicken tandoori but I forgot to take the photo. It was stunning. Everything was delicious and well prepared. Service was an A+! Will be back!! read more

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July 14, 2025 | Pasadena | While in the area & craving a bite to eat, a friend and I decided to try something new; Himalayan Café! The bright & colorful food on the menu looked delicious! Plus, the decor was beautiful! Customer Service: Top of the line, incredibly welcoming, and easily answered any questions, as well as helpful with deciding what to order! Thanks again! Super friendly! Decor: Vibrant, elegant, as well as full of personality... A beautiful mix! There is even an area covered and displaying Jimi Hendrix! The flowers on the table were a beautiful addition as well! My Main Vegetarian Dish: Tasty, but mainly flavorless. Perhaps this dish needs a little more seasoning to add flavor. Perhaps, there are other dishes on the menu that are more flavorful! My friend enjoyed the Chicken Momo! He said it was the best he's ever had! Nice!! Hot Himalayan Masala Tea: Yum! Loved every single sip of this flavorful tea! Naan: Mainly crunchy w/no flavor. I wasn't into it at all... and I normally love naan! Portions: My dish was small and I left hungry! Yes, I could have ordered more, but I wasn't willing to take that chance... As I love flavorful dishes! Overall: It's always fun trying new restaurants! read more

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I had a Groupon that expired this evening, so had to use it or lose it. Fortunately, the food was decent and worthy of my $68 coupon. Service was a little slow, and the tea not what I was expecting, but when in Rome... read more

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We were craving Indian food and decided to finally stop by this place since we always pass by in Downtown Pasadena. It's a small, family-owned restaurant that serves authentic dishes. We ordered the tandoori chicken, chow mein, nepali thali, and mango lassi. Every dish was packed with bold, flavorful spices, and the portions were generous, great for sharing. Our favorites were the tandoori chicken, which was tender and juicy, and the nepali thali, especially the soft naan paired with the variety of sauces. The mango lassi was also good. This spot definitely satisfied our craving! read more

Himalayan Cafe - Mango Lassi, Napali Thali, Tandoori Chicken, Chow Mein - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

We were debating between All India Cafe and here and decided to try this out. I was excited to try the paneer tikka masala and chicken vindaloo. It beyond met my expectations !! The paneer was delicious and my daughter loved it. The garlic naan was soft and really good. The chicken vindaloo was spicy but well cooked. Moreover, I would call the ingredients are super flavorful ! It made each bite worth it. I also got a side of raita to help with the spicy kick. My husband got a chicken thali and chai. The presentation was well-done as well as the feel of the restaurant. I loved the decor and Ganeshji murthis. And I loved the service. Tilak was super kind, patient and well-informed. He was very nice to our daughter and did an excellent job. We need more Tilaks!!!! I would love to come back again soon. I highly recommend ! 5/5 !!! read more

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We ordered vegetable samosas, tandoori chicken and naan. Delicious food. Terrific service. We will dine here again next time we're in Pasadena. read more

Himalayan Cafe - Vegetable samosas - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

After trying dozens of Indian restaurants around L.A. and Palm Springs over the past 30 years I found it difficult to find on that matched Bollywood in Studio City and continued to make the 10 mile drive when I wanted Tikka Masala BUT for the last year the Himalayan Cafe has really upped their game! The food is amazing and they are one of the few restaurants that can make it spicy enough for me! I wish we would be able to have left overs but clean the plates each time we go! Good service, quant atmosphere and reasonable prices make this my new regular for Indian food just 4 miles away! read more

Himalayan Cafe - Empty Plates Every Visit! - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

Always serving great food. This isy very favorite Indian food restaurant. I frequently order Door dash from them too read more

Amazing food and great service!!! Came on a whim and had a lovely evening here :) prices are reasonable too! read more

Himalayan Cafe - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

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*2 stars because I ordered for take out, hopefully in person the food is better* I ordered the chicken tikka masala, vegetable pakora, and naan. Honestly the most flavorless Indian food I've ever had. It was so bland, it was ridiculous. read more

Wow! I've lived in the Pasadena area my whole life and this was my first time here. Been missing out! It's a hole in the wall that easily gets lost in the hustle and bustle of Old Town. It's right near the parking structure, so it's easy to find. This gem is definitely something. At first glance, it may seem small, quiet, and empty. But don't let that deter you from entering and enjoying a wonderful meal. The waiter was very friendly and helpful as we decided on what to eat. For dinner, I got the Chicken Biryani in a mild. Warning: It is spicy, but oh-so good. It hit the spot as it was very flavorful. Would recommend if you like spicy! We also got some garlic naan for the table. The bread was a great side and it was delicious to dip in the Chicken Tiki Masala sauce, which someone else on the table got. It's worth a try, especially if you want something different. read more

Himalayan Cafe - Chicken Biryani - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Great Indian food. We got the butter chicken, the chicken korma, lamb biryani and chicken biryani. The flavors of the curries were great and the meat was tender (usually it's one or the other). The staff was very kind and welcoming as well. Big plus for being in Old Town as well! read more

Delicious Indian food. The chicken soup sure hit the spot on a cool evening. The blue interior wall had a very calming effect in the atmosphere. Service is good and the staff were helpful in explaining each dish. read more

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We went here because of a groupon special and figured hey, might not be a bad place to try out since it's close to us and my husband and I had walked by this restaurant for many years in old town. So finally we decided to try it. As we walked in, the vibe was nice. Small and quaint restaurant. Kind of a homey vibe to it. Seemed promising so we proceeded to sit down and eat here... And boy... was I disappointed. The amount of time it took to place out order was about 15 minutes. Once we placed the order the food took about another 30-40 minutes to arrive maybe even 50 minutes (it was 4 of us) and all of our food was served 10-15 minutes apart. By the time on person finishes eating the other got their food. It was just disorganized in terms of timing with the food service. My husband and I ordered the grill special with lamb, chicken, steak. Only the chicken leg was not dry. Everything else was. Also very little meat for what they charge. I got two pieces of chicken and they were mostly bone. I had asked for mild and my husband asked for spicy with his grill plate. They were both spicy so they completely ignored what I asked. Just flat out disappointing. On top of that. Their fried rice with chicken was a joke. The rice was dry, very little chicken pieces. Barely any in the plate. My older daughter was the only one who had a decent plate which she ordered curry (not sure which) but everything else was bad. My husband who rarely complains, complained a lot about this place. He said he'd never had such dry meat and I agree. We would've been much happier going to urban plates instead of here. Save yourself the money and go somewhere else. Many people while dining in were leaving due to how long food service took and asked for their food to go. Idk what was going on in their kitchen but they definitely need to improve their quality. I would not come back here again. Also, I hope they learn not to overcook the meat to the point I needed two glasses of water to finish eating it. read more

Stepping into this intimate space feels like you are being transported to Nepal. The decor is beautiful and the server was very nice. I made a to go order this includes the Tandoori mixed grill that includes bone-in chicken, boneless chicken breast, lamb and shrimp. The FLAVOR was amazing and all meats were tender [I did have one shrimp that was over cooked]. The food was cooked to order and very fresh. I also ordered the garlic Naan which had very good flavor. Because I ordered to go, I think the packaging steamed my Naan and it was a bit too moist for my liking. I will come back to dine in for the full experience. read more

Himalayan Cafe - Dining Area - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

Very cool ambiance and lovely service. Food is also very flavorful and reasonably priced, especially their lunch specials. Must try their garlic naan and chicken momo! The chutney sauce is very delicious. Also the samosa chaat with chickpeas is good! Lots of flavors including a tamarind sauce, yogurt sauce and spices. The chai is also good, they offer sugar on the side if you want to adjust the sweetness. Parking lot is next door for one one dollar for 2 hours. read more

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(Took Out 06/05/23 MO @ 5:00pm): One day I hoped to visit the Himalayas, but for now this cafe and its food would have to do! I've had Himalayan Cafe on my radar for several years, so when a meeting finished up nearby and I needed something for dinner, I took it as a sign. I've only had Himalayan cuisine once before many years ago (oddly enough also in Pasadena!) while I loved and had Indian food multiple times. It was the food's aroma that instantly pulled me in later to be taken over by the various flavors and spices. Would Himalayan Cafe take me to new heights of eating enjoyment!? PURCHASE Taj Mahal Premium Lager Beer 22floz Bottle ($9.00): Rich amber color, bready honey malty aroma, light body, bready honey malty flavor, crisp finish, and honey malty sweet aftertaste - a nice beer. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=riYsy3drzU-jZEf0Usr8XA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Aloo Naan ($5.00): Unleavened flour bread stuffed with mashed potatoes and spices, this was a light appetizer for me as I dunked torn pieces into the provided dipping sauces https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Tkpf68P-vwtk_JWsNzfoow&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw for extra flavor. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=y3gqPpq9Jy46Im0mnjXdfg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Chau Mine Chicken ($12.00): Homemade stir-fried noodles, bite-size pieces of chicken, and mixed vegetables served with various chutneys, I never associated noodles with this type of cuisine which drew me to this dish. It reminded me of chow mein with obvious Indian aroma and spices, the portion size was big, and there were plenty of chicken pieces - it was a truly delightful dish! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=tNifphwhYfJBOSrBPMZ84Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Nepali Thali Special Lamb ($21.00): A combination platter that came with black lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, seasoned lamb, saffron basmati rice, and various chutneys served with butter naan. I was somewhat disappointed by the small portion sizes. Yes, everything tasted very good and the lamb was so flavorful and tender, but I was left wanting more for the paid price. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=r3wyORZMEulkuwLqwNDIcA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Mango Lassi 12floz Drink ($5.00): I always ordered this as a dessert whenever possible although it quite possible could've stood in as a meal on its own. This had a subtle mango flavor sweetness, a touch of soothing cardamom, and a slight velvety texture. It was good... and it helped to clear me out the next morning! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=4pMD8FYtJZ9GRLCBAV-dSQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw SERVICE I was greeted by two charming young men behind the counter who quickly tended to my takeout order. There was only one family dining at the time, so I basically had their undivided attention. Will they worked on my order, I was kindly provided with water https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=VYSKv9oxItYM1C-VeudVUw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw while I waited. About fifteen minutes later, my order was all securely wrapped up and ready. All was easy-peasy - Dhan'yavāda! PARKING (Varied; FREE this instance) I found a spot down at the corner of Green St. and simply crossed the street. Otherwise, there were plenty of parking structures all throughout the area as well as timed parking (read posted signs) along the main drag of Fair Oaks Ave. and all surrounding streets - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A decent-sized space with many dining chairs/tables, soothing dark blue walls and light brown-painted plank walls, respectively, while tasteful cultural decorations and ornaments were hung on the walls. Plenty of natural lighting entered through the many windows and doors while recessed electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while low-volumed music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1xaf6DHtYihbH0F81QhvAg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I was happy to finally try Himalayan Cafe and would consider another visit to further explore their sizable menu. Everything tasted fine, but next time I might try something more familiar to alleviate any further disappointment at least when it came to portion size. The prices were comparable, and the service was efficient. And, whenever possible I liked to support small family-owned and/or local businesses. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $57.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more

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Came in on a rainy Sunday and it was pretty slow. We got to choose our own tables and the server though was not personable, was indeed helpful when answering our questions. It definitely was picking up as it was getting closer to dinner time. We ordered the Daal soup, chicken Marsala, chicken Korma, garlic naan, basmati rice, a mango lassi and a Nepali beer. The Daal soup was light and healthy since it wasn't a creamy based broth. The lentils along with herbs made for an almost refreshing taste, a good start before the main meal. The chicken in the Marsala was seared giving it a nice texture. I originally came for the Marsala but the Korma was my favorite. The chicken was so moist and the flavors were so delightful. The whole cashews gave it such a nice texture. Very delicious when paired with the basmati rice and garlic naan. The garlic naan also had a lot of garlic (which you don't see at most places) making it stand out on its own. The mango lassi was delicious but I didn't care for the chocolate syrup. In my opinion I think it ruined the whole taste for me. As for the Nepali beer, it was like a lighter version of Heineken which was also very good. The restaurant is decorated with cool tones and lots of pictures on the walls. Very nice ambiance and very soothing to the eyes. Noise level was on the quieter side and restrooms were decently kept. read more

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Tried this place for the first time and wow it was a super high quality restaurant-the food was *chefs kiss* we got the mix vegetable pakora with medium spice, it was literally a flavor bomb-think tangy, salty, spicy, sweet! My friend got the lamb vindaloo with medium spice, while i got the chicken korma with medium spice. The korma is creamier and slightly sweeter, while the vindaloo is more tangy, salty, and spicy. Fair warning: the portions are meant to be shared so we had a lot to eat haha! Also the spice is no joke here-don't get medium if you can't handle spice (my friend and I love spice so all was good). We got the kheer for dessert and it was perfect after all the spice-mild with a hint of sweet (avoid biting into the cardamom pods if ya can!) Korma and read more

Himalayan Cafe - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

What a neighborhood gem! My husband and I just moved to Pasadena and have been seeking out unique, authentic cuisine. Himalayan Cafe was our first stop. We ordered the korma, assorted veggie appetizers and garlic naan. All amazing! The flavors were layered and delicate. The service was on-point and attentive. The price was extremely fair. We'll definitely be back! read more

Thought the chicken saag was delicious. It looks modest from the outside but the inside is a really nice environment with colorful decor and good amount of seating. Good service. read more

Himalayan Cafe - Chicken Saag, lamb Vindaloo, Garlic Naan - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

We can't say enough great things. This little establishment has some great food. Options portions are very large while looking compact with a lot of flavor. Don't forget to order any version of the korma and any version of naan. Weight staff is always quick and responsive.. I also do love the Homie feel of this location. And all of this I discovered from a Groupon and I have been back many times since. read more

Came here from Groupon to celebrate our anniversary. Himalayan appetizer platter. The paneer was dry and flavorless. The korma was better and the vegetable samosa was probably the best of the 3. Saag paneer- again paneer was dry and flavorless but the dish as a whole was too salty for me Chana masala- creamy and delicious. Ask the waiter what makes it so orange, you'll get a funny answer! Garlic naan- pretty good Nearby parking structure costs $1 for the first 2 hours. Restaurant was clean, smells heavily of spices. Service was good. Waiters are friendly. I was disappointed when I asked if rice was included with the entrees and they said yes but charged $3.95 for rice. read more

Himalayan Cafe - Chana masala and saag paneer - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Food was just okay. I'm shocked at how much it was...not worth it for sure. They use frozen veggies (peas, corn, etc) and they charge $17-20...wow. Not worth it at all. The fried shrimp was tasteless and the batter was overbearing. The momos were not what I expected. Not a lot of taste very bland. The chicken roll was VERY VERY SALTY!!!! Do not get this my stomach hurts after eating here. read more

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This has become my go-to spot when I am craving Indian food. The food here is excellent! We ordered the chicken tikka masala spicy and the chicken tikka, along with some garlic naan and basmati rice. Both dishes are so flavorful, and the best I have had anywhere. Definitely recommend! I also like that I am supporting a small, family-owned business, as they need our support during these times. read more

I have worked as an anthropologist in Nepal since 1973 and am always eager to find restaurants serving Nepalese/Himalayan food. This little cafe in Pasadena is special. In most "Nepalese/Himalayan" restaurants, the food is really just "Indian". Perhaps this is because so many of their staff previously had experience in Indian restaurants, perhaps it is because so few Americans can tell the difference between Indian and Nepalese/Himalayan cuisines. The Himalayan Cafe is trying to educate our palates admirably. Everyone at Himalayan Cafe is efficient, hard working, and welcoming. Portions are generous and tasty, with care taken to adjust spiciness to individual patron's preferences. If I have a complaint, it is this: don't be afraid to include even more regional Himalayan specialities: jhol momo, sukuti, and sel roti! read more

I've been going to the Himalayan Café for about 10 years now and I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate the owners always keeping the food. The same. The amount of food is the same. They never change anything. The spices are phenomenal and the food it's mouthwatering delicious. the atmosphere is exquisite very authentic Himalayan environment read more

AMAZING AMAZING!!!!!!!! The BEST Indian/Himalayan cuisine in all of Pasadena area! The tandoori chicken was marinated and cooked to perfection!!!! The Tikka shrimp masala was incredibly yummy!!!! The garlic naan looked like a photograph and the MoMo's recommended by the sweetest waitress ever was the highlight of our meal! Come here now!!!! Eat and fall in love with the food!!! We will be back soon!!!!! Love this place! 10 out of 10!!!! read more

Himalayan Cafe - Amazing!!!!!! - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

I've given this place multiple chances, but my order is wrong every single time. It wasn't until today that I realized the samosas and naan aren't even fresh and reheated from frozen. The samosas were ice cold and inedible, the naan was dry. The mango lassi was so thick it was hard to drink. On top of that, the portions keep getting smaller. Unfortunately, this will be my last visit. This place is not the type of place you can get a quick to-go order. My order for two took over an hour of wait to receive the food. read more

Friendly staff - seems mom&pop with a casual cultural atmosphere, and delicious food - we had the assortment tandoori chicken plate and Nepali Thali with lamb. Their Naan was very fresh, crispy on the outside and almost mochi like in the inside. Street parking or the structure on Green street. read more

Was actually headed to the Thai spot right next door, but ran into this Cafe. Menu looked really interesting so I decided to check it out instead. Himalayan Cafe is right in the middle of Old Town Pasadena. You can pay for parking in the large lot right next to it, or find metered parking in the adjacent streets. The Cafe is pretty small, with not much space for an eating area. But you have a nice window view of Fair Oaks Avenue. Ordered the following: - Vegetable Samosa: 4/5 - Really good flavors here. Lots of chickpeas and chutney. The samosas were flaky and hearty. - Chicken Tikka Masala: 4/5 - Smooth tasting, not overpowering. Got it mild. Chunky chicken pieces and large enough to share for two. - Tandoori Chicken: 3/5 - Pretty good. Came out in a spectacular sizzling hot plate. Pieces were kind of small and cut oddly, so there were bone fragments in some pieces. - Mango Lassi (cold): 5/5 - Wow, really delicious drink. Smooth, not too sugary. Excellent dessert beverage. Overall, this place is pretty good, but as other yelpers have mentioned, it's kind of pricey for what you get. read more

Himalayan Cafe - Tandoori Chicken - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

Wow wow wow what a delicious meal!!! I can not say enough about this restaurant. The food was amazing!!!!!!! I wish I could take there sauces home. The restaurant is lovely, clean with lots of bright light shining in. The staff is so courteous and kind. This is now my favorite spot in Old Town Pasadena Thank you so much Himalayan Cafe, your food is top notch! read more

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What a cozy spot for a delicious Indian lunch!! My daughter got the Daal soup and it was delicious and came out piping hot! The cheese in my Saag Paneer was the best I've ever had, and the mango lassi was really yummy. I want to come back to try the strawberry Lassi, too. Our friends got the lamb vindaloo that looked delicious. We all enjoyed what we ordered and the Garlic Naan was devoured FAST. read more

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hands down the best food i've had in a while. the vegan Bhanta Ra Aloo and was delicious and made even more special by the Mixed Pickle. the service was awesome and the workers there are very friendly. highly recommend if you want a cozy vegan meal read more

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This spot is my go to for Indian cuisine! I've taken almost everyone I know here and rave about it all the time. The food is amazing and never misses. The customer service is always so good, please expect to be very well taken care of! The ambiance is great. They usually have good music playing in a quiet environment. Going here always lowers my cortisol levels. I LOVE this place read more

Good food, service was awesome and the ambiance is chill and comfortable with relaxing music playing in the background.

This was such a beautiful place to enjoy a quiet lunch on Memorial Day. It smelled amazing inside, and the music playing was beautiful. The tables are set with ornate quilted fabrics and charming flowers. We were served lemon water while we looked over the menus. The lunch special prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you receive. And my huge glass of Mango Lassi was only $5! We added Naan and Garlic Naan to our plates, and it was delicious. I've never had Indian food this good. Such a delightful balance of flavors, spices, and textures. The waitresses had amazing hospitality, and genuinely wanted to make sure everything was going well. I think I just found my favorite lunch spot! read more

Himalayan Cafe - Mango Lassi - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Went here for the first time and I love it. The customer service was top tier and everyone was so sweet. The dal and tiki masala were both so good. I will definitely come back, it's the perfect spot for a date because of the laid back atmosphere. My new favorite restaurant! read more

Himalayan Cafe - Daal Soup! - Himalayan/Nepalese Near Me - Pasadena, California

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