Chaat Cafe

Doesn't Recommend

cpreble

Joined 9 years ago

Not so much. I had good expectations of this place based on the reviews most people had written. I was thoroughly disappointed in my meal at this place. The chicken tikka masala was terrible. I'd recommend going elsewhere.

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josechan

Joined 8 years ago

Delicious Lunch spot. I stumbled upon Chaat Cafe a few weeks ago, and have become a loyal customer. The chicken tikka masala is the best I have ever had, tender morsels of chicken in a cramy, spicy/tangy sauce for $6.99 with rice.

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sunny312

Joined 8 years ago

Great Food!. I have eaten at this restaurant atleast 3 times and the food is absolutely FABULOUS!!! I have tried many indian restaurants in SF and this has to be one of the best. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for GOOD food. I agree with the other reviews....service is slow but, keep in mind that this is a true "fast food" restaurant. Like any fast food restaurant, once you leave the counter...you are on your own!

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spadams

Joined 8 years ago

Chicken Tikki Masala. I just ate a chicken tikki masala with a pesto naan and it was delicious! The masala sauce was the best I've had yet, creamy and well spiced but not outrageously hot, and the naan bread was hot and fresh with a chewy center perfect for slopping up the sauce. The pesto compliments the indian food surprisingly well. I will definetly return to try the BBQ salmon which looked good. The place was packed.

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jasper531

Joined 8 years ago

The best lunch spot in SOMA. I've been coming here for lunch for about a year and word has definetly gotten out about how good it is. It is a madhouse during lunch these days, but the service has improved greatly in the last year so the smiling, hustling staff makes the wait and crowdedness a non-issue. The food is wonderful, tasty and relativly cheap. We consider it california style indian food because they use mostly boneless and well trimmed meat and use very little oil, and the oil they do use is non-hydrogenated soybean oil (I saw the boxes in the kitchen). Delicious, fesh and consistent food make chaat a regular lunch spot for me.

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kathkath

Joined 8 years ago

A Gem!. Crowded at lunch time but the lightning fast cooks still crank the food outa good pace. It's Less crowded and much quieter in the evening making it a great dinner spot, plus they have table service in the evening. The food is consistently great, the spices are plentiful, but not overwhelming. Manages to keep an authentic flavor despite the original modern menu. Try it out, it's not to be missed.

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artjenter

Joined 8 years ago

Fabulous!. Super friendly staff serving fabulous indian (kinda fusiony) food. Chicken Tikka Masala is to die for. Samosa chaat is awesome, stuffed naans are great. Some of the cold dishes are a little wierd for my taste. They don't have a sign or anything but ther is free parking next door in the evenings.

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al halal

Joined 9 years ago

Great!. Great food, nice clean restaurant with fast and friendly service. Wraps are a terrific, cheap lunch.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

SoMa outpost of this local north Indian mini-chain serves up no-frills chaat that's perfect for a to-go snack.. The Scene
Everything is oversized at this popular Indian eatery, from the monstrous revolving door to the mile-long open kitchen. Service vacillates between charming and perfunctory--fitting for a joint where diners take a numbered placard and choose their own tables. Service can be lacking, but again, a do-it-yourself atmosphere pervades.

The Food
Wraps stuffed with lamb kebab and tandoori chicken might be this beloved mini-chain's claim to fame, but those in-the-know run straight for the snacky bits called chaat. Chickpeas and potatoes form the backbone of these savories--spoon them into the some-assembly-required pani puri; they're doctored with yogurt and cayenne in the papri chaat. Charred naan (try the cauliflower or onion renditions) is ideal for mopping up tangy, rich chicken tikka masala, thick dal and baigan bhartha, a smoky-hot eggplant puree. Kheer, spiced rice pudding, goes well with a hot cup of masala chai to finish off the meal.

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ayelet5

Joined 9 years ago

Yummmm but Service SUCKS. I've gone back a few times, so unfortunately I know it's not coincidental..

The service at this place is awfully slow, even when few people are seated. The kitchen seemed to have plenty of cooks playing chefs, so what's the deal?

But, the food is wonderful and you can't get a better bang for the buck. So, I will be back.. and keep hoping that the service picks up.