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I used to like them but lately their chicken has been really fatty and hard to eat and their rice that comes with the meal is supposed to be 8oz but you barely get 5oz with the box. For as expensive as it is I expect much more from them.
Okay, this place is so so good!!! I have gone many times for their daily lunch buffet, which is around $20 and offers freshly made, yummy Indian dishes with plenty of vegetarian options. It's served with rice, naan, dessert and warm spiced Chai. Yesterday I arrived too late for the buffet, so I ordered the palak paneer, a creamed spinach dish that has cubes of homemade cheese in it. It is to die for. I also ordered the baked homemade cheese cuz it was a cheesy kind of day! This is a family-owned place, and all of the staff are really nice people who act like they're happy to see you, which I find quite refreshing in a world where customer service has really gone downhill. Seriously, there's a reason why this place has such good reviews. You gotta check em out.
We got the holiday Thali which came with a lot of great stuff: rice, pickles, naan, daal, butter chicken, gulab jamun, and raita. We also got an order of garlic naan, pakodas, a mango lassi, and paneer tikka masala. Everything was delicious, and the twinkling lights inside were super cute.
I am very sad to write this review. A couple weeks ago I went there for lunch. They have small buffet spread. The food was tasty but unfortunately there was a black hair attached to my chicken!!! I called the server to show him and he didn't apologize! He also didn't look at me, just said he would let the kitchen know. Wow. The service really lacks, I understand it's self service buffet but they don't come to the table to see if I want something to drink. I had to call someone when I wanted more water. Over all a bad experience since I also got tremendously sick of my stomach for the next 2 days.
Phulkari Indian in Castro Village Shopping Center sports a sunny patio and a lunch buffet featuring delicious North Indian flavors. I started with an appetizer of Veg Pakoda, crispy fritters made of chopped vegetables in a chickpea flour batter, paired with mint and tamarind chutneys. The buffet featured five main dishes--the Tandoori Chicken was yogurt and spice-marinaded chicken thighs/drumsticks cooked to juicy perfection in a tandoor oven, and the Punjabi Bhindi was chopped okra and onions stir-fried with a salty and oily spice mixture. My favorite entrees were the Dal Makhani, a soup made of black urad dal, ginger, and spices; the Veg Korma, a yogurt-based curry with mixed vegetables, paneer cubes, and warm spices; and the Butter Chicken, tender pieces of boneless dark meat chicken in a mild, sweet, tangy, and creamy tomato-based curry flavored with fenugreek leaves. Each of the curries went nicely with a side of thin, freshly-baked tandoori naan and garlic naan! And to drink was a kettle of hot, addictive masala chai. While the variety of selections at the buffet wasn't huge, everything offered was perfectly spiced and delicious, and everything came at a great value at just $17.99 for their weekday buffet.
Loved the ambiance, service and taste of food here :) there is lots of parking right outside and they have both indoor and outside seating options. They reopen in the evening at 4.30pm and by 4.35pm their 3 tables were already filled up. I was surprised that restaurant was at full capacity by 5.25pm !! So popular!! In $52 (before tip) we got: - veg pakora app- 5/5 freshly fried and delicious mixed pakoras. It paired perfectly with the green coriander chutney and tamarind sauce they gave with it. - 2 masala chai - 3/5 expensive for the quantity and taste it had. I wish it was more flavorful, less milky and should be served more hot. - channa bhatura 5/5 loved the freshly fried huge bhatura (1 pc) served with gravy channa and sliced onions, i wish they added some pickle too in it. - butter chicken 5/5 loved the creamy texture with tender chicken pieces. Definitely a must try. Its served with rice. - aloo naan/ parantha - fresh and loaded with potato filling. It paired well with both gravies for us. There was ample to eat and leftovers from the above for us. They have lots of nut free options which makes this a convenient spot for people with allergies. Will definitely come back to try their lunch buffet some day. I wonder what are the buffet prices for weekend.
2 roti 2 curries is 41$ after tax. That is not the issue it is the standard of quality of Indian food that can be this bad that I after few bites, you are thinking what the heck is this?. The previous owners had good food which I could go for years. Unfortunately this is the only Indian place in Castro Valley. I have gone there many times and have been disappointed. I hope this review will urge owner to have quality Indian food not a hack, but represent the true culture and flavor of Indian cuisine. This is worst than a street dhaba food in India. May be I am giving Dhaba food a bad name. Hopefully we have few more Indian restaurants.
Sent of the food was incredible walking in. Service was some of the best service we've ever had.. super friendly people work there and they're very dumb to earth stuff we ordered was a 10 out of 10. We enjoyed ourselves and the aesthetics were beautiful like the food look gorgeous the presentation was on point. We will be back !
I wanted to give this restaurant a try from so many months. When they advertised about their weekend, Diwali buffet, I knew this will be the best way to try their dishes. Unfortunately, I went there with high hopes, but buffet was poorly done and quality of food was not what I was expecting. As a North Indian, I have tried multiple Indian restaurants and my review is not biased at all. All four of us rated their butter chicken as very bland and not tasty. Their tikki, spring roll, pooris were all very cold. Naan were ok. Jalebis and halwa was cold as well. They were placed in medium sized steel container without warmers. There were only two employees working handling multiple tables at the same time during busy lunch rush. They were trying their best to refill everything and taking orders from the menu. They each get a star. I read their regular menu has some upscale vibes, freshly made and tasted better but not sure if I will go back again.
Came here last week on Tuesday for the first time, party of 2. Our order we shared: lamb curry, side of rice, butter chicken, garlic naan. Total was about $25 per person after tax and tip. Pros: - DELICIOUS food, the butter chicken, lamb curry, and garlic naan were very delicious. - Decent portions! not HUGE like Favorite Indian, but I was pretty full after we ate and we had a small portion of leftovers after. - good amount of meat in the dishes, they don't skimp and only give you the curry - fast and polite service, they kept our waters filled frequently - not too crowded on a weeknight - parking wasn't difficult since it was located in the village Cons: - Very shaky table that we sat at near the door that made it hard to eat without spilling things when we leaned on the table Not a con, but it is helpful to note that rice does NOT automatically come with dishes like other places. Otherwise 5/5 stars and I will return!
Phulkari Indian Cuisine opens where Aroma was. Seating same. Decor/menu changed. Review for buffet only. Was assigned a table upon entering. Water served. Everything else was self-service at buffet tables. AUCE lunch buffet (weekday): $17.99 -passed on rice, tandoori chicken, naan my favs. -most entrees were watery, blandish. Tasted as if water was added to leftovers & reheated. -kheer rice pudding watery, slight flava. -punjabi kadhi: nice onion fritters, watery sauce. -butter chicken, bland chicken, watery sauce -mushroom matter curry: mushrooms yes, curry watery. Chai had slight flava. -veggie pakora: fried & steamed. Blandish ok. -salad ok with cucumbers, red cabbage, romaine, onions, mixed greens. Dressing: raita, mint, tamarind. Dal makhini watery... 3.5 stars lunch buffet poorly executed. Regular menu has upscale vibes. Freshly made. Probably better tasting...
Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the flavorful Indian dishes, friendly and attentive staff, and an inviting ambiance.
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5 months ago
Solid authentic Indian food exceeding quality expectations and a veteran in takeout service. Phulkari Indian Cuisine is a top choice for us when we are in the area as their food is delicious, made fresh, and packaged well for on the go families like us. We have our favorites from their menu but they host a variety of curries, proteins, and small bites/street eats. Panipuri - crispy balls ready to be loaded up with lentils, delicious fillings and sauces, these mouthfuls are great for starters but you'll find yourself eating these throughout the meal not only because you're hungry but also because you just can't get enough of them. Samosas - hearty fried dumplings packed with potatoes that are perfect for eating on the go. Great by itself or with sauces and curry, these hot pockets are a burst of flavor that will stuff you up. Goat curry - full of flavor and a bit on the spicy end for those sensitive to capsaicin. Pair with naan or rice and you'll be golden, from the tastes you'll be experience as well as the heat! Butter paneer/chicken - the sweetness of the curry is subtle but the creaminess is what will win you over. Smothered over chicken or paneer, this is a delicious palate pleaser. Biryani - solid staple, flavorful and cooked perfectly. Great by itself or paired with some curry or a grilled entree. Salmon - delicious but a bit overcooked for my liking but in a pinch, omega-3s can be supplemented in this meal. Overall, Phulkari satisfies our craving for Indian curry any day and it's great knowing that the experience will consistently be a good one anytime those cravings come up. We haven't had a chance to dine in but would welcome the opportunity to visit for a sit down. For now, they're still our go-to for Indian cuisine when we are in the area. Unsure of where you'll end up settling for food or not having the time or space to cook an elaborate meal packed with flavors and aromas? Phulkari pulls through as the restaurant of choice! read more
EDIT: both of us had some stomach issues following our meal. Not horribly sick, but stomach aches and gurgling and stuff, general discomfort. Phulkari is under new ownership! New menu, new prices, new staff. Upon walking in they asked us if we would like to sit outside after seeing my service dog. I said no thank you (as it was chilly out) and they didn't push the issue at all, just sat us. They served us water immediately. This is a small thing but the water glasses were easy to hold and lightweight and I liked that. Anyways, they checked on us several times while we looked at the new menu, encouraging us to ask questions if we wanted. Rice is complimentary with each curry-type dish. Our food came quickly. When they noticed we had eaten half our rice, they repeatedly offered us rice and we said no thanks. Then they brought it anyways. We didn't mind, they were very eager to give good service and to be present. They refilled our glasses once they got low. At the end of the meal they came over and discussed the food with us, let us know about the new ownership and how they've changed the menu, and that they are using all fresh ingredients. They seem very eager to provide good food and service. The dishes were both flavorful. The vegetables in them were fresh tasting. Neither was at all spicy-- afterwards they let us know that they are doing all the dishes mild (Castro valley lol) so if you like your Indian food spicy you will need to tell them explicitly when you order. read more
11 months ago
We prefer Indian food in buffet style but it's difficult to find it in this area so we haven't had Indian food for a while. Yesterday we decided to give this place a try without knowing that they offer buffet!!!! Food tasted great, not too much spices and price was not bad at all. Clean and prompt service Weekends $19.99 Weekdays $17.99 read more
I used to like them but lately their chicken has been really fatty and hard to eat and their rice that comes with the meal is supposed to be 8oz but you barely get 5oz with the box. For as expensive as it is I expect much more from them. read more
3 months ago
Okay, this place is so so good!!! I have gone many times for their daily lunch buffet, which is around $20 and offers freshly made, yummy Indian dishes with plenty of vegetarian options. It's served with rice, naan, dessert and warm spiced Chai. Yesterday I arrived too late for the buffet, so I ordered the palak paneer, a creamed spinach dish that has cubes of homemade cheese in it. It is to die for. I also ordered the baked homemade cheese cuz it was a cheesy kind of day! This is a family-owned place, and all of the staff are really nice people who act like they're happy to see you, which I find quite refreshing in a world where customer service has really gone downhill. Seriously, there's a reason why this place has such good reviews. You gotta check em out. read more
We got the holiday Thali which came with a lot of great stuff: rice, pickles, naan, daal, butter chicken, gulab jamun, and raita. We also got an order of garlic naan, pakodas, a mango lassi, and paneer tikka masala. Everything was delicious, and the twinkling lights inside were super cute. read more
1 year ago
I am very sad to write this review. A couple weeks ago I went there for lunch. They have small buffet spread. The food was tasty but unfortunately there was a black hair attached to my chicken!!! I called the server to show him and he didn't apologize! He also didn't look at me, just said he would let the kitchen know. Wow. The service really lacks, I understand it's self service buffet but they don't come to the table to see if I want something to drink. I had to call someone when I wanted more water. Over all a bad experience since I also got tremendously sick of my stomach for the next 2 days. read more
Phulkari Indian in Castro Village Shopping Center sports a sunny patio and a lunch buffet featuring delicious North Indian flavors. I started with an appetizer of Veg Pakoda, crispy fritters made of chopped vegetables in a chickpea flour batter, paired with mint and tamarind chutneys. The buffet featured five main dishes--the Tandoori Chicken was yogurt and spice-marinaded chicken thighs/drumsticks cooked to juicy perfection in a tandoor oven, and the Punjabi Bhindi was chopped okra and onions stir-fried with a salty and oily spice mixture. My favorite entrees were the Dal Makhani, a soup made of black urad dal, ginger, and spices; the Veg Korma, a yogurt-based curry with mixed vegetables, paneer cubes, and warm spices; and the Butter Chicken, tender pieces of boneless dark meat chicken in a mild, sweet, tangy, and creamy tomato-based curry flavored with fenugreek leaves. Each of the curries went nicely with a side of thin, freshly-baked tandoori naan and garlic naan! And to drink was a kettle of hot, addictive masala chai. While the variety of selections at the buffet wasn't huge, everything offered was perfectly spiced and delicious, and everything came at a great value at just $17.99 for their weekday buffet. read more
2 years ago
Loved the ambiance, service and taste of food here :) there is lots of parking right outside and they have both indoor and outside seating options. They reopen in the evening at 4.30pm and by 4.35pm their 3 tables were already filled up. I was surprised that restaurant was at full capacity by 5.25pm !! So popular!! In $52 (before tip) we got: - veg pakora app- 5/5 freshly fried and delicious mixed pakoras. It paired perfectly with the green coriander chutney and tamarind sauce they gave with it. - 2 masala chai - 3/5 expensive for the quantity and taste it had. I wish it was more flavorful, less milky and should be served more hot. - channa bhatura 5/5 loved the freshly fried huge bhatura (1 pc) served with gravy channa and sliced onions, i wish they added some pickle too in it. - butter chicken 5/5 loved the creamy texture with tender chicken pieces. Definitely a must try. Its served with rice. - aloo naan/ parantha - fresh and loaded with potato filling. It paired well with both gravies for us. There was ample to eat and leftovers from the above for us. They have lots of nut free options which makes this a convenient spot for people with allergies. Will definitely come back to try their lunch buffet some day. I wonder what are the buffet prices for weekend. read more
3 months ago
The food was good. Only thing of note was there were stringy bits in the Chana Masala, and I'm not sure if it was supposed to be there or not. A meal for 2 was a little under $50 after tip. I would come again. read more
4 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
2 roti 2 curries is 41$ after tax. That is not the issue it is the standard of quality of Indian food that can be this bad that I after few bites, you are thinking what the heck is this?. The previous owners had good food which I could go for years. Unfortunately this is the only Indian place in Castro Valley. I have gone there many times and have been disappointed. I hope this review will urge owner to have quality Indian food not a hack, but represent the true culture and flavor of Indian cuisine. This is worst than a street dhaba food in India. May be I am giving Dhaba food a bad name. Hopefully we have few more Indian restaurants. read more
5 months ago
Sent of the food was incredible walking in. Service was some of the best service we've ever had.. super friendly people work there and they're very dumb to earth stuff we ordered was a 10 out of 10. We enjoyed ourselves and the aesthetics were beautiful like the food look gorgeous the presentation was on point. We will be back ! read more
I wanted to give this restaurant a try from so many months. When they advertised about their weekend, Diwali buffet, I knew this will be the best way to try their dishes. Unfortunately, I went there with high hopes, but buffet was poorly done and quality of food was not what I was expecting. As a North Indian, I have tried multiple Indian restaurants and my review is not biased at all. All four of us rated their butter chicken as very bland and not tasty. Their tikki, spring roll, pooris were all very cold. Naan were ok. Jalebis and halwa was cold as well. They were placed in medium sized steel container without warmers. There were only two employees working handling multiple tables at the same time during busy lunch rush. They were trying their best to refill everything and taking orders from the menu. They each get a star. I read their regular menu has some upscale vibes, freshly made and tasted better but not sure if I will go back again. read more
6 months ago
2 months ago
Came here last week on Tuesday for the first time, party of 2. Our order we shared: lamb curry, side of rice, butter chicken, garlic naan. Total was about $25 per person after tax and tip. Pros: - DELICIOUS food, the butter chicken, lamb curry, and garlic naan were very delicious. - Decent portions! not HUGE like Favorite Indian, but I was pretty full after we ate and we had a small portion of leftovers after. - good amount of meat in the dishes, they don't skimp and only give you the curry - fast and polite service, they kept our waters filled frequently - not too crowded on a weeknight - parking wasn't difficult since it was located in the village Cons: - Very shaky table that we sat at near the door that made it hard to eat without spilling things when we leaned on the table Not a con, but it is helpful to note that rice does NOT automatically come with dishes like other places. Otherwise 5/5 stars and I will return! read more
Phulkari Indian Cuisine opens where Aroma was. Seating same. Decor/menu changed. Review for buffet only. Was assigned a table upon entering. Water served. Everything else was self-service at buffet tables. AUCE lunch buffet (weekday): $17.99 -passed on rice, tandoori chicken, naan my favs. -most entrees were watery, blandish. Tasted as if water was added to leftovers & reheated. -kheer rice pudding watery, slight flava. -punjabi kadhi: nice onion fritters, watery sauce. -butter chicken, bland chicken, watery sauce -mushroom matter curry: mushrooms yes, curry watery. Chai had slight flava. -veggie pakora: fried & steamed. Blandish ok. -salad ok with cucumbers, red cabbage, romaine, onions, mixed greens. Dressing: raita, mint, tamarind. Dal makhini watery... 3.5 stars lunch buffet poorly executed. Regular menu has upscale vibes. Freshly made. Probably better tasting... read more
So fking good man the paneer was spiced much more flavorfully than I usually come to expect from this dish, so that was a pleasant surprise! The butter chicken was delish how can you mess that up, the mango lassi was a little more yogurt-tasting than mango but made me feel like I was treating my digestive system. read more
11 months ago
2 years ago
I've eaten here so many times pre covid after covid and still to this day, this was my comfort restaurant when I was pregnant about 5 years ago I would come in once a week & I always experienced great service and felt so welcomed. It's a cute little restaurant tucked away in the village with amazing flavor and variety to food I typically come for the lunch buffet & it never lets me down. I leave feeling satisfied and happy with my decision. I hope you all come and try it too! read more
5 months ago
A friend recommended this restaurant as he and his girlfriend love this spot. Lunch buffet offered with weekday ($18, not including drink) and weekend pricing. Not a lot of variety with 2 chicken items of tandoori chicken and chicken tikka with about 6 vegetarian items including salad. Food was okay and definitely more on the mild and bland side...I love Indian/Pakistani food and tried many places over the years. I should've taken that as an indicator considering my friends don't like spice. I did enjoy the vegetable pakoras, carrot halwa and free chai offered as many spots don't offer this yummy sweet dessert. Service was minimal and only one person handling the front room with dropping off naan, removing dishes and bringing water...not the most friendly. Possibly I'll return to try their dishes vs the buffet. Indoor and patio seating. Parking in the busy (during peak times) Castro Village Shopping Center read more
2 years ago
Phulkari has been consistently delivering good food whenever I have ordered from there. Highly recommend this place and is our go to order for whenever I feel like eating Indian! read more
New ownership and name for this cute little restaurant in the Castro Village. The menu has a large variety, so when we heard there was a special lunch weekend buffet for diwali we had to try it. Overall, dishes came out fresh and decent variety. Mostly meat (chicken and goat) and veggies. There is no seafood dishes in the buffet. Everything was decently good with the right spice level (nothing too spicy). There is also chai and dessert. I thought out of everything, their naan was well made and better than other places being not too doughy. We also came back for dinner and tried other entrees. Entrees were on the smaller side, and for a large party I would order more than one of each dish if hungry. Overall, for both experiences, service seemed a little lacking. Staff is nice but could be more attentive on checking on the tables. Price is a bit pricey for the entree portions you get. We'll come visit again though. read more
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Phulkari T.
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9 months ago
9 months ago
1 year ago
Me and my daughter been here and we ordered butter chicken and lamb we have a good time enjoy the food is so delicious we love it we will come back. read more
Phulkari is the new gem in town that's taken over the old Aroma spot just last month. It's located right in the Castro Village shopping center, so there's plenty of parking every time I swing by. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by the host/server. The place offers both cozy indoor seating and an outdoor patio that's perfect for those sunny days. Though, I'd say grab a sweater if you're dining out these days as it does get a bit nippy. I was lucky enough to drop by for their soft opening and couldn't resist bringing the family along the next time. And yes, we all loved it! We may have gotten a bit carried away, ordering three curries, an ambitious amount of naan, and a biriyani that we couldn't finish. The 'dum style' biriyani is something I haven't seen before - it's baked under a layer of dough which locks in all those amazing flavors. Phulkari is definitely doing something right with their new seafood additions too. The Ocean Finds has to be the best option on the menu as far as I've tried. read more
1 year ago
The lunch buffet was good. The food was freshly made. The Nan and goat curry were delicious. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Amazing service and delicious food Nice and quiet environment, friendly staff checking in and refilling water as needed. read more
1 year ago
While it was surprisingly empty here on a Saturday lunch hour, the service was attentive and friendly, and the food was great. The vegetarian dishes really shine here, whereas the goat and chicken was a bit dry. Overall, we really enjoy coming here and the place is a much loved gem in Castro Valley. read more
2 years ago
Beautifully designed place with attentive, friendly, and helpful staff. Each dish was packed with flavor and was the perfect amount of spice for my low spice tolerance LOL. The naan was super buttery, soft, and fresh -- I just wish they had bigger portioned sizes. I left here feeling full and satisfied! read more
2 years ago
We've eaten here several times but I've never reviewed. We've come for dinner and ordered from the menu but my favorite is the lunch buffet. It's not easy to find a good buffet after Covid but this place has a great one. Salad mixings, several delicious lentil and chick pea dishes, an amazing butter chicken and very tasty Tandoori chicken. Cooked perfectly (not overdone) and juicy!! Naan bread cooked fresh and chai tea and rice pudding round out the meal. Small but quiet and our host was very accommodating!! read more
1 year ago
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3418 Village Dr
Castro Valley, CA 94546
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(341) 241-4700
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Ask the Community - Phulkari Indian Cuisine
What are the buffet prices for dine-in and takeout?
Hello, Buffet is only available during lunch time from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. From Tuesday-Friday, it is $17.99 and Saturday-Sunday, it is $19.99.
What kind of cooking oil do they use?
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
5 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
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