“Masala Desi Cafe: Where Spice Meets SoulNestled discreetly off the bustling downtown strip of Burlingame lies a culinary gem waiting to be discovered: Masala Desi Cafe. This cozy nook exudes warmth and charm, inviting patrons to step in and savor the rich tapestry of flavors that await within.Despite its intimate setting, Masala Desi Cafe offers ample outdoor seating, allowing guests to bask in the sunshine while indulging in a culinary journey through India's diverse cuisines.The menu, a testament to the chef's artistry, boasts a tantalizing array of dishes that blend the bold spices of South India with the subtle nuances of the North. From the fragrant cauliflower Manchurian to the creamy palak paneer and the robust andra chicken curry, each bite is a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate.Accompanying these delectable delights is a selection of freshly baked roti, the perfect vessel for soaking up every last drop of sauce. And no meal at Masala Desi Cafe is complete without a steaming cup of chai, lovingly brewed to perfection and infused with aromatic spices.But what truly sets Masala Desi Cafe apart is its impeccable service. The staff, with their genuine warmth and efficiency, ensure that every guest feels like family from the moment they step through the door. Their attentive care and swift service only enhance the dining experience, leaving patrons eager to return time and time again.In a world where culinary experiences often blur together, Masala Desi Cafe stands out as a beacon of authenticity and flavor. With its irresistible blend of spice and soul, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking to tantalize their taste buds and nourish their spirit.Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5“
“Freddie is the best!!!! He deserves a promotion! Loved his personality and service, even though he was not our server.Overall, went here during happy hours. Tandoori wings were very juicy, great French gimlet for a drink (not sweet). Definitely recommend both. Paneer tikka and chicken Saagwala was great too!“
“Swekar was very helpful - thank you! - explaining dishes & making suggestions about which Nepalese dishes go together. The Buff momos, chilli badel (wild boar), aloo tikki (potato pancakes), & naan were all delicious!(The first time we ate here, we stayed with 'safe' choices. Delicious, but safe. The reviews encouraged us to try new dishes!)Hāmī phirtā hunēchauṁ! (We will be back!)“
“The food is consistent and incredible. The staff is all friendly and helpful. You can almost always be seated immediately. Very delicious lunch specials. I love meat usually but the vegetarian options are fantastic. This is my favorite Indian restaurant in RWC.“
“The food at Naan Point is on point! It was very authentic, flavorful and my best dining experience in the Bay Area so far! I came two days in a row and enjoyed the Saag Paneer, Baingan Bharta, and Chana Masala. The lunch special is a great value and the on the house chai is a special treat!“
“I have been to this place only a handful of times. Each time the food quality and service never ceases to amaze me. The food is spectacularly delicious. The service is quick. Don' t let that deter you in thinking the food quality must lack. On the contrary, they use fresh ingredients and the fact that they are so busy they food turn over is great. you know you are getting fresh cooked food. Hands down the best pakistani/indian restaurant in the bay area. I recommend the halwa puri thali on the weekends and the spinach gosht on the weekdays with garlic naan.“
“Very unassuming spot in Daly City. Service was a pleasure and felt very nice to stop by. We ordered the tea leaf salad and pumpkin curry with coconut rice all which were very tasty! It may not pack a punch with flavors but still enjoyed the subtlety of the dishes.“
“Ok this is the 4th time me and my wife we usually visit here every Friday on exactly 11:15 am . The place is always clean and tidy as always i have visited and the girl who is the server she is so sweet and nice . Her customer service is so nice and how sweetly she describes every single food . She is so cute . Ok talking about food we always order veggie momo steam tofu tika masala garlic nan and chowmein bowl with gobi manchurian so delicious mouth watering delicious food. I really recommend you guys to visit if you guys want good nepali and indian food in San Mateo downtown.??“
“So happy to have found this place -- by far the best Indian food I've had on the Peninsula, SF, or anywhere. Everything is incredibly flavorful & fresh. Best chana masala, bengan bartha, bhindi masala, and dal I've had anywhere.And low oil without having to ask!Great for in-person dining and takeout. The decor and ambiance are delightful and outdoor seating area (w option for hookah) is beautiful and comfortable-looking.“
“We have family who live down here. We come to visit about every 3 months. We always try to come to dinner when we're here. The food, service and ambiance are always consistent. We love the variety of Naan, and also the ability to pick the hotness of what I order. Highly recommend this jewel on the Coast. Best Indian food.“
“Title: "Rainbow After Rain: Saffron's Culinary Odyssey"Three Words: Exquisite, Enchanting, MemorableAt Saffron, amidst the gentle patter of rain in San Carlos, every dish is a masterpiece. The Traditional Lamb Curry and Old Deli Style Butter Chicken are not merely served; they are presented with an elegance that mirrors the artistry behind their creation. Each bite is a revelation of flavors, deeply rooted in Indian culinary tradition, yet elevated by a contemporary touch. The Basmati Rice, fluffy and aromatic, serves as the perfect canvas for these vibrant dishes. Crisp Papad and a bold Spicy Chili Chutney complement the entrees, adding layers of texture and heat that tantalize the palate.The ambiance, enriched by the subtle accent of a rainbow framing the early spring evening, envelops diners in a cocoon of warmth and sophistication. The meticulous attention to detail in the presentation of the food—each plate a tableau of color and creativity—echoes the restaurant's commitment to excellence.Service at Saffron is nothing short of impeccable. The staff, attired in outfits that pay homage to their rich cultural heritage, move with a grace and efficiency that enhances the dining experience. Their knowledge and passion for the cuisine shine through in every interaction, making guests feel valued and well-cared for.As the meal unfolds, the rainy backdrop and the promise of a rainbow add a poetic dimension to the evening, reminding us that food is not just sustenance; it is an experience, a journey that can transport us to distant lands and times. Saffron, with its exquisite blend of food, service, and ambiance, invites us on this journey, offering a taste of India that is as memorable as it is delicious. In this haven, where culinary excellence meets heartfelt hospitality, every visit is an occasion, every dish a celebration of the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.“
“Great food - every dish we ordered was high quality - the kids cheese dosa was perfect with what looked like Amul cheese. The owner kindly supplemented the chutney with ketchup / hersheys chocolate as an alternative when he learnt our kid had nut allergy. The Chicken Dum Biryani was flavorful and huge portion size. The rava dosa was probably the best we’ve had in the Bay Area. Highly recommend eating here, the owner was extremely kind and went out of his way to make our meal enjoyable.“
Himalayan/Nepalese • $$
“I bring my friends and family here to try my favorite dish the Mango Lamb Curry. Secret is my grandfather made this dish when I was a child and never would thing it was similar to a homemade Nepali dish. I have been coming here since it opened and kept it a secret. The family who runs this are the nicest and lively sharing the lovely home recipe. The asparagus soup is also delicious and many others. If you like mild Nepali dishes come here. The food is delicious and you will come back. Warning: it can get busy and reservation is highly suggested. Highly recommended and my favorite place to go when I am in town.“
“Great food, great taste and flavors, great prices! Service was great and the restaurant was clean, nice, and roomy. The spice level was perfect and the naan was fresh. Would definitely go back! There's a parking lot across the street that is convenient and I see many people picking up take out orders as well.“
“Excellent salad bowls clearly prepared by folks who care about providing healthy delicious meals. Came across this place when the owner posted on Nextdoor this weekend. Ordered through DoorDash and the food arrived in great condition. The bowls were very well prepared per our instructions and they even put cute little hearts on the boxes which my wife adored. The owner truly cares about providing the customers a great experience.The bowls were very tasty and portion size was very good. The chicken was perfect, and the sauces (makhani and chaat) were super tasty as well. The waffle egg in a heart shape was not only novel but very appetizing as well. This is a very novel concept and we are big fans. We will certainly order regularly!“
“The place is quiet and relaxing, the menu sets themood. They have a very wide variety to offer in pizza both classic Italian and the fusion Indian ones, the place is neat and clean , unfortunately I couldn’t enjoy the bar since we were early in the day. The garlic bread was really something to try. The one thing that stood out exceptionally well was the pizza were really really very well made and generously topped with veggies and paneer alike which really makes the experience worthwhile unlike many other places in the Bay Area. Last but not the least the host was really really nice.“
“Family owned and run and so delicious! The samosas are unlike the tough crusted ones elsewhere. The dough must be a family recipe because the crust on these is tender, yet crisp. Also, the mint dipping sauce has a nice spicy kick that rivals the tamarind sauce for memorable flavor and mint isn't even a favorite flavor of mine. Their chicken korma is also really good. I've stopped comparing kormas because they vary so widely, but theirs is warming and comforting like the best of them. I ordered everything with medium heat and for me, it was perfectly spiced, lingering on the tongue only a few minutes, but I will try it even spicier next time.Parking: Follow map that Curry & Kebab features on Google Maps. A little unclear if you can park in the covered parking area while the spa store is still open, but there are plenty of spots beyond. Note: this is a one way parking lot that exits onto Ivy St. You can circle the block to get back onto El Camino.“
“We’re regulars from the time the restaurant was named Rasa and the name change has, if anything, made it better. The food, service and ambiance are all amazing. It remains our go-to restaurant for all special occasions and taking friends visiting from outside the Bay Area!!“