Chaat Cafe - San Jose

I didn’t have much Indian food until I moved to Seattle, so my experience in San Jose was actually my first. After living there for 22 years, I can confidently say I never tried any Indian cuisine. I was pleasantly surprised by how flavorful it was! I’m not an expert on Indian food, so I can't comment on its authenticity, but I really enjoyed what I had. The dish I ordered had a nice kick of heat and was just as good as some of the places up in Seattle, so I’m assuming it's pretty close to the real deal. The restaurant had a casual decor, and the service was laid-back but friendly. We ended up dining here because the tofu house next door was closed for Thanksgiving, which made it tough to find an open spot for lunch that day.

Chaat Cafe is the best Indian fast (or semi-fast) food spot I've ever visited. You can order items individually or opt for a dinner meal. The atmosphere is clean and bright, and the staff is friendly. Plus, since it's a fast food place, no tipping is required! :D

Indian cuisine and I don’t usually get along. While I appreciate the flavors, my sensitive stomach tends to struggle with the spices typical of Indian food. That’s why I was thrilled to discover Chaat Cafe. It offers Indian dishes that feel somewhat lighter and more Americanized, which suits me perfectly. I really enjoy the paneer wraps—the paneer, with its tofu-like texture, is delightful—and the spicy cucumber salad or potato salad on the side adds a nice touch. Plus, I absolutely love naan, making the wraps an excellent choice for me. However, I find the lamb-stuffed naan a bit disappointing; the lamb is pressed into a thin layer, and I’m not a fan of the taste. Overall, Chaat Cafe is a fantastic spot for someone new to Indian food to explore options beyond the typical Tandoori chicken.