Where have I been?! This place is a hidden gem! Really good Indian food that satisfy my cravings. What I order is butter chicken, mozzarella naan, and tandoori chicken. The tandoori chicken is to die for! So tender, juicy, and I know people hate this word but it's also so moist that it is overall delicious. My mozzarella naan is scrumptious but unfortunately there's not a cheese pull. Which is a bummer... Also the butter chicken is so creamy well balance of spices that goes perfectly well with my naan. I also order it mild. Would I come back? ABSOLUTELY of course! A hole in the wall. I'm not exaggerating... personal experience. This restaurant is not hard to miss. It a green building right next to Tostadas. I did a quick pick up through DoorDash for myself. There is a promotion of buy one get one free. Worth it! Also very clean restaurant. read more

Punjab Cafe - Tandoori Chicken (6 pieces) tons of stirred fried green bell peppers & yellow onion. - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

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Firstly, I have to give credit where it's due. I believe the owner was making a point of walking through the small, quaint dining room, checking in on guests and making everyone feel welcome. That personal touch didn't go unnoticed--bravo, sir. I visited on a Saturday at lunchtime. When I arrived there was only one other guest, but the restaurant gradually filled with what appeared to be regulars. Many walked in, confidently chose their usual tables, and headed straight for the buffet. Throughout my meal, I also noticed a steady stream of takeout orders leaving the kitchen, which I took as another positive sign that the restaurant has built a loyal following. The one unavoidable downside has nothing to do with the food: parking. Downtown San Jose's parking situation is every bit as challenging as people say. There were a handful of metered spaces in front of the restaurant, but they looked questionable, and several nearby vehicles seemed to be taking their chances with the free grace period. The buffet selection is on the smaller side, but what it lacks in quantity it largely makes up for in quality. There were eight hot entrées, and each delivered satisfying flavor. The butter chicken featured tender pieces of chicken breast in a rich, mildly spiced gravy, and I was pleasantly surprised that every piece remained moist. The tandoori chicken, mostly thighs, was cooked exceptionally well--juicy, flavorful, and never dry. I also enjoyed the chili chicken. While it's more Indo-Chinese than traditionally Indian, Punjab Cafe executes this fusion classic very well. My only real disappointment was the naan. It was overly thick, chewy, tough, and somewhat brittle, with a texture that reminded me more of a pizza crust than fresh naan. The lone employee working the front of the house deserves recognition. She continuously refilled water glasses, cleared plates, replenished the buffet, and kept the dining room clean and organized--all while maintaining a smooth operation. The weekend buffet was $19.99 (plus tax) and included self-serve hot chai. On my visit, dessert options were rice pudding and semolina halwa. Overall, if I find myself in the area again, I would gladly return. It's a no-frills, very casual buffet that focuses on serving flavorful, satisfying food rather than putting on a show--and sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for. read more

This is our go-to place for Indian food. The flavors are incredibly authentic, and every dish is packed with taste. If you're visiting for the first time, the Chicken Tandoori is an absolute must-try. It's flavorful, perfectly cooked, and surprisingly diet-friendly for those watching their calories or maintaining a calorie deficit. The quality, consistency, and authentic Indian flavors keep us coming back. Highly recommended! read more

We ordered Tikka Masala with Mozzarella and plain Naan but we received another naan instead but we still gave it a try. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful but I would give 7/10 to Tikka Masala. 30$ for Tikka Masala without rice is too pricey especially if it doesn't come with rice or naan or any sides. read more

Punjab Cafe - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

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Amazing Indian food, I got the lamb korma and butter chicken in the dinner for 2. Flavors were great, the butter chicken almost had a bit of coconut flavor last time I went, but was creamy and delicious. Lamb korma tasted pretty authentic and delicious. Meats were tender in the curries. The garlic naan was quality. I'd definitely regular the place. Mango lassi was fire as well. Prices are great, 65 ish before taxes and tip for 1 chicken, 1 lamb, samosa starter, gulab jamun, and this one other dessert. Added 1.99 per person for mango lassi. read more

Punjab Cafe - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

Pretty great Northern Indian food. While the buffet is good with plenty of choices and frequently replenished supplies, I especially love to order off the menu. This way it's obviously cooked to order, and as such is piping hot and extra delicious. The Lamb Sag is hearty with a creamy structures built around the fresh spinach, lamb slices, and cream (perhaps cheese). Like most entrees, I think it comes with a complementary bowl of rice. Same with the butter chicken - savory, a tad sweet, and all so good. We also ordered naan - the Garlic. Crispy, bouncy, a bit charred - it was almost like a pizza at some familiar standbys. We drank a lot of water - and had to ask again and again for more. Not sure why the waiter didn't just leave a pitcher with us. Anyway, I definitely recommend Punjab Cafe. read more

Punjab Cafe - Delicious naan - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

I came back about four months later and ordered the same dish again, and I have to say that I'm genuinely happy to see the difference! In my previous review, I mentioned that I would rather pay the full price for one delicious, flavorful dish than get a Buy One Get One deal with huge portions that tasted bland and disappointing. I also shared what I felt needed to change. This time, the flavor was back to being delicious, rich, and exactly what I was hoping for! The portion and amount of meat have decreased compared with my first order, but honestly, it's still acceptable and, for me, completely worth the price. Getting two flavorful dishes for around $26 is still a great deal. Most importantly, I really appreciate that the owner seemed to listen to the customer feedback and make adjustments rather than simply ignoring it. That deserves recognition. Thank you for listening and adapting to what customers actually want. The taste is what brought me back, and this time, I'm happy to say I enjoyed my meal! read more

Punjab Cafe - Chicken Biryani - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

I did UberEats and picked up food from this restaurant. They were busy so I was curious about their food. I ordered chicken briyani (medium spicy) and vegetables pakoras. Both were very delicious! The briyani was spicy and on point. The chicken was tender and well marinated. The pakoras were delicious too (crispy and not greasy). They open late and if you're craving some spicy briyani, try this authentic Indian place. It won't disappoint you. They also have lunch buffet on Thursday till Sunday $18.99/pp. The restaurant was clean and organized. Will definitely come back again. read more

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We came over for dinner. Everything was really good, especially the dal tadka, garlic, naan and Malai kofta. The owner was really good and courteous. Food arrived on time, bathroom and restaurant was clean! Def recommend this place. read more

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Yeah 5 all day incredible food service and value. Unlimited rice and naan if you dine in!!! Not even for ayce lunch buffet, just if you order any entre. Service is super friendly and they even served me secret menu gobi manchurian. Only gripe is the annoying parking situation, which drops the ambiance a bit in my opinion. Would highly recommend this spot. Enough talk read more

This place is close to home (5mins) so very convenient to catch a quick tasty lunch or dinner. Love coming here with my husband. Food is consistent each and every time, well flavored, fresh and abundant for two people (we always have leftovers). We love the butter chicken and the naan bread but everything we've tried has been great. Service is quick, and to the point. It's a cute little spot so if you're looking for no frills tasty Indian food, come here! read more

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I ordered from door dash and accidentally pushed picked up before receiving the food and I'm thankful they were able to retrieve my order. I'm sitting as I speak and all I can say is I'm thankful that they are extremely nice. Thank goodness. I'm happy great customer service and clean place as well read more

I've been going to Punjab Cafe for a few years now, mainly for takeout. But today I decided to try the weekend lunch buffet for the first time and I can't believe I didn't go sooner! They had my usual favorite vegetable samosas, 8 curries (both meat & vegetarian options) and rice, tandoori chicken and chai. They also quickly served piping hot naan to our table. Everything was so tasty!!! The employees are all very friendly as well. The price is just right at $18.99 which is an incredible deal. Highly recommend! read more

We went first time. Food is good . Owner himself works and serves which is a big plus. A bit too spicy but one can ask for a milder version

My review is based solely on my Uber Eats order that I picked up. It was prepared within the given time, well-packaged, and easy to retrieve. The staff member handed it over as soon as I checked in. Food - Chicken Biryani x2 - Chicken Tikka Masala - Palak Paneer - Manchurian - Chicken Samosa x2 - Plain & Garlic Naan - White Rice Everything was delicious! The chicken samosa was a modified version made with phyllo dough and wrapped in a triangular shape. While it wasn't your typical samosa, it was still quite good. I believe they also offer the traditional samosa on the menu. My friend and I enjoyed all.of the food, and there was so much that we had leftovers! read more

Solid place! I really enjoyed their Butter Chicken and Chicken Curry. Their Garlic Naan was so flavorful too. Also their medium was a pretty good spice level. Highlight dish though was definitely the Lamb biryani. Recommend the Veg Manchurian too so much umami! I appreciate their free rice and service was really in point. Server checked up and refilled water so quickly. Note: parking is kinda hard, if you're an student nearby definitely worth walking read more

Punjab Cafe - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

I ordered take out, 2 butter chicken medium spicy (16 oz each) and 2 orders of porotta (total 4 pcs). This has been my go for Indian food, love the flavors here. If you don't know what to eat, I highly recommend Punjab Café. I mainly order their curry or butter chicken. Each time they were all packed with flavor. The heat level matches the description, so if you are unsure, medium or mild is a safe bet. Butter chicken (4/5) The butter chicken sauce was very creamy and packed with flavor. The medium spicy had a nice kick to it. The sauce is 5 out of 5. The only down side is it had only 5-ish small piece of chicken. Porotta (4/5) The porotta had a nice texture, I love the chewiness, paired well with the butter chicken. We ended up using all four pieces for one order of the butter chicken. Tho, I think I still prefer their garlic naan more. read more

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This restaurant doesn't seem to care whether you've requested "mild" , so unfortunately with my health conditions when I sometimes require non-spicy food, we're unlikely to return here. Pakoras--good, good sauces, got ten in takeout order Samosas: you get two large, they're spicy, and tasty. The mint sauce is spicy as well Plain naan--good chewy fluffy texture, flavor lacking so garlic is better in our opinion Malai kofta (mild)--good. Second time we had this our mild request was not honored and they were medium-hot. Paneer tikka masala (mild)--good, though paneer harder texture than usual Garlic naan: the garlic butter smell was great, and taste was good Not as good: Navratam korma (medium) no mushroom--medium spicy helped this dish, as it wasn't as tasty as the others. Perhaps too much coconut in the sauce Mixed vegetables (mild) no mushrooms: although we asked for mild, it was spicy. I wasn't a fan of the seasonings under the spiciness, either. read more

The food and service were great. A bit pricy for an afternoon buffet but it was still good. Ambience was nice and quiet.

My go to North Indian food spot. This place has amazing lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken tikka, and saag just to name a few dishes. All served up with a smile in a super clean no frills mom and pop location. Honestly, I don't think it gets much better anywhere in the South Bay. read more

was craving indian food after i returned from irvine so decided to give this place a try. they had a bogo deal on butter chicken and lamb curry! i liked how you can adjust the spice. naan were pretty good too and of course i liked the one with mozz in between lol. read more

paneer naan and garlic naan were 10/10. the portions of food are good for what you pay! read more

Punjab Cafe - Vegetable Samosas Aloo Tikki 4 piece - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

I ordered Fish Curry from this restaurant. The experience was less than expected. The curry was thin. Watery in fact. Curry should hold its weight on a fork. This couldn't even stand in a spoon. The taste was bland. I had a quart of an order and maybe a few pieces of actual fish. The fish itself was so overcooked it might as well have been chicken. I will NEVER EVER go to this establishment AGAIN! read more

I used to dine here way before the pandemic and it was my GO-TO spot for Indian cuisine. It was all I could think about during quarantine because it's SUPER DELICIOUS! I've written a review for this restaurant previously but I don't know what happened to it so here I go again! I've been to other Indian buffets but I always come back here. Prices definitely have gone up but I still believe it's totally worth the price. At $18.99 per person (buffet price), you have a wide selection of curries as well as tandoori chicken, chaat papri bar and dessert!!! The buffet used to include samosas and chapati but since the pandemic, I haven't seen them bring samosas back to the buffet scene. HOWEVER, buffet now includes fresh naan. It's super fluffy, warm and so so good. My favorite butter chicken has to be from Punjab Cafe. It's super flavorful, creamy and the chicken is so tender. Punjab Cafe also makes the BEST tandoori chicken and chicken biryani. I could literally DEVOUR a plate of chicken biryani and butter chicken in an instant. Overall, Punjab Cafe will continue to be my favorite spot for Indian cuisine. The dishes here are just out of this world and I recommend this place to everyone. read more

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Can't beat the lunch buffet- great selection of options. Today they had chaat, paneer and chicken tikka, bhaigan bharta, pulau, goat curry, saag chicken and tandoori chicken and then kesari bath, and rice pudding. All the food tastes great and fresh naan available to enjoy. The service is friendly too! I'd definitely come back! read more

Punjab cafe offers traditional Indian cuisine, authentic flavors, and aromatic spices. Each dish has a perfect balance of heat, ideal for those who relish a kick but tread lightly if you're heat-sensitive. I wouldn't recommend anything past mild in that case! Ordering ahead online not only ensures timely indulgence but also unlocks exclusive deals, making the wait worthwhile. I would recommend adding a 30-40 min buffer. Ambiance is okay, nothing special. I've never actually sat down and dined here but tables seem fine. Portion sizes are great and generously satisfy appetites. I always have leftovers! While the menu offers a plethora of delights, and I've pretty much tried all of them, I steer clear of the shrimp dishes. read more

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I order chaap can u imagine a u r craving a chap and its sweet they it's like they just put sweet imli sauce with chilli i also order manchurian that also had same sweet sauce and mushroom paneer no flavour no spices nothing read more

Punjab Cafe - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

Very good food, very nice owner, i go weekly food is amazing and very good prices, best indian place in san jose

Had the buffet on Friday had butter chicken, curry lamb, tandoori chicken rice and naan. To drink had chi. Service was very friendly. Great little place very clean. I recommend this place . Food is good. I have been back. read more

Punjab Cafe - GOAT curry and butter chicken with rice. Garlic and regular naan. - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

Delicious, fantastic, and a fan favorite! They're fast and consistent with the food. I'd highly recommend the butter chicken, veg manchurian, chili chicken, and malai kofta! read more

I had been craving Indian food for a while and in my last trip to San Jose I was unable to find a location. But this time in what I have heard is the mecha of Indian food I would not be denied. I came for dinner to this place, and I very much enjoyed the festive music. One thing I love about dinning in Indian restaurants is the ambiance the music and decor make. The next thing I want to touch on is how great the service was. There was only one person manning the front between taking orders, handing out food to customers, and helping walk ins. This man's attention to each customer and making sure you are never without water or something was a 10 out of 10. For my meal I went with a few staples and something new to me. Vegetable samosa, I went experimental with the Naan and had it filled with ground chicken. Lastly I had the goat biryani for my main. The spices in the samosa where a bit different than I was used to. Even in how the veggies where prepared was a bit different for me, with the peas being very aldente. Even the chutneys were different for me being that their mint chutney was actually spicy. For the samosa overall is would give it a 3 out of 5. Not bad but was different than what I expected or was accustomed to. The Naan was not bad. I think now I know for sure I prefer just plain Naan or garlic Naan. Stuffing the Naan messes with the overall food experience for me. However that biriyani was something special. I one never had it prepared that way with light carmalized onions over the top, which added so much to the dish. Not to mention their spice level. They have no spice, some spice, medium, spicy and extra spicy. I went spicy and for the first time ever it got to me. I was not expecting that spice to kick up the way it did. It just kept creeping up slowly on me. The side of yogurt was my friend for sure. Also the portion was giant. I usually never get this size of food, more than enough to split for sure. This dish was easily a 5 out of 5. Next time I am out here I will be back for more. They also offer to go, which seems to be most of their orders. If I get that level of spice again I would probably do that at home instead. read more

Punjab Cafe - Goat biryani - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

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Everything was really good, especially the garlic, naan and malaikofta. The owner was really good and courteous

I came back to Punjab cafe after almost 10 years. Their buffet is great and they've renovated since then! Good price ($18) and good variety of veg and non veg food. The meat was also halal so my coworker was also able to enjoy their food. Nice selection of dessert items too (I love me some kheer with gulab jamun). My favorite food items were the chicken dishes, pakora, and kadhi chawal. The masala chai was a nice touch and helped digest my food! read more

Punjab Cafe - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

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The food is awesome! I just wish the pricing made more sense, then I'd eat here twice a week. But $7 for naan, $5-6 for white rice... it just makes the total cost too much. These are the cheapest things to make, why jack them up so much? It means that dinner for one person is $35, or $40 if you want chai. Get that to $25 and I bet business explodes. read more

A food delivery experience from these guys via UberEats, so a far cry from a meal inside, but I get the sense these guys care quite a bit about their food so I'm definitely going to make my way to them in person sometime. Our food came packed with loads of care, everything tasted fresh and very tasty (as much as they could for delivery anyway). Garlic Naan that smells absolutely garlicky when you open up the foil? Say no more! Curries were also wrapped thoroughly to prevent any nasty spillage. Most spots wouldn't even bother with that level of care. The curries themselves (butter chicken and lamb korma) were wonderfully fragrant without any dry spots in the meats. Definitely something I'll want to try in person. :D read more

Punjab Cafe - Garlic Naan - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

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Amazing experience at Punjab Cafe. Located semi-downtown Punjab Cafe has many pros. I'll start by saying parking is tricky (again it's downtown) so expect to park in residential area or make a few spins around the block for meter parking. The establishment itself is medium sized very easily fit a large group for dine-in. The menu is vast and from the dishes we ordered packed with flavor. My favorite part was the portions, it was perfect TL sized for a meal and even some left over for later. The service was amazing, very courteous, attentive and professional. Will definitely be back to continue to explore the menu. read more

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Had a tasty lunch! Was a bit confused by the "order here" kiosk when we first walked which had a limited menu in but we were told to grab a table and they had their full menu available I had the chicken vindaloo and garlic naan and was really happy with it read more

Punjab Cafe - Chicken vindaloo Garlic Naan Rice Coconut Paneer Entree - Indian Near Me - San Jose, California

We'd been going here for more than 6 years now and their food has always been consistently good! We had our friends and family tried their food and they are now hooked. My fiancée's favorite is the Tandoori chicken tikka. Their Butter chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Mushroom, Lamb Korma, Veggie Machurian, Bhel Puri with Salad and Garlic Naan were all very very good too. The owners were also very nice and kind. Oh! Don't forget to order their Chai! Their Chai tea is outstanding! The best I've tried. I work in Fremont, and there are tons of Indian restaurants around. I believe I have tried them all but Punjab Cafe is still the best for me. My fiancée and I love, love, love their food. read more

Found this cozy spot by chance- highly recommend! Yummy food, clean and calm ambiance, friendly staff, will definitely go again!

Found this spot when browsing where to go for dinner and it did not disappoint. We were seated right away and we ordered the classic butter chicken, chicken tikka masala and garlic naan which all tasted delicious! We even had leftovers that we took home. The interior was clean and simple, and the service was good. There was no parking lot but we were lucky to have found street parking in the front. Side note: It's located in DTSJ so make sure to not leave any valuable in the car and lock the doors. read more

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