Masala Desi Cafe - Burlingame
Masala Desi Cafe, located at 321 Primrose Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010, offers a cozy yet vibrant dining experience. Known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, this cafe brings a delightful array of authentic Indian dishes to the Bay Area. Although the space is relatively small, making it ideal for intimate gatherings of 1-4 people, the food and service more than make up for it.
The aroma of freshly prepared curry and spices fills the air, setting the stage for a memorable meal. The menu is carefully crafted to cater to various dietary needs, with clear allergen listings, making it a great choice for those with sensitivities. Whether you're a fan of bold flavors or looking for a milder experience, Masala Desi Cafe ensures a personalized dining experience. For those who love spicy food, the dishes come with a range of spice levels, but be cautious-some may find even the medium spice a bit intense.
Signature dishes such as idli sambar and masala dosa are fan favorites. The idli, soft and fluffy, is perfectly complemented by the sambar, which strikes a perfect balance of heat and flavor. The masala dosa, a crisp, savory pancake filled with spiced potatoes, is a must-try. Though the dosa may lose its crispiness when ordered for takeout, reheating it at home brings it back to its delicious best, reminiscent of authentic Bangalore street food.
Despite its smaller size, the restaurant's cleanliness and attention to detail create a welcoming environment. The friendly service adds to the charm of the experience, making Masala Desi Cafe a hidden gem that many will return to time and time again. The combination of flavor-packed dishes, accommodating service, and the option to adjust spice levels ensures that everyone can enjoy the full spectrum of authentic Indian cuisine.
Masala Desi Cafe - Burlingame Reviews
Celiac and other allergy friendly - they list all allergens on the menu. I ordered idli sambar and masala dosa via Uber eats. There are some foods that are better fresh, and even though Uber eats does their best, the dosa pancake was not as crispy as it would have been in person. So I unfolded it and gave it a quick hit in the oven, while I heated the potato filling in the microwave. I put them back together and oh boy. Just like being back in Bangalore. The idli were amazing and would have floated away if they weren't in a to go container. And the sambar? Just the right amount of heat and great flavor. I cracked the lid, microwaved them, and 22 seconds later they were heated perfectly. Can't wait to get there in person YUM!!
Great service and delicious food. The space is small so maybe great for a group of only 1-4. Anything larger might be hard to squeeze into the tables. I think this is a hidden gem and will definitely return for more. I would just caution on the side of spice. If you're not into spicy food maybe ask for a lower level. i loved the spice level but my friend said medium was still a lot for them. So make sure to ask what is best.
We dropped by Masala Desi Cafe for the first time and were so impressed from the great service to the taste of the food and pricing. We also brought our dog and were able to enjoy great outdoor seating. We ordered: - Masala Fries: flavorful, crispy, and a perfect appetizer - Dal Makhani: filling and hearty - I always order this at every restaurant we go to, and this one didn't disappoint. - Andhra Chicken: For the spice lovers, it's quite a spicy but delicious curry, different than your typical butter chicken style. - Garlic naan and rice were fabulous accompaniments! They also gave us delicious mango lassi that was such a nice complement to the spice. We'll be back again soon!
Masala Desi Cafe is an absolute gem! We definitely over-ordered, but it was worth every bite. We tried the chicken tikka masala, masala dosa, garlic naan, butter chicken, and idli. Every single dish was incredibly delicious and bursting with flavor. The chicken tikka masala and butter chicken were perfectly cooked and the sauces were rich and creamy. The masala dosa was crispy and packed with flavor, and the idli was soft and light. The garlic naan was the perfect accompaniment to soak up all the amazing sauces. To top it all off, we got a free masala chai with our Yelp check-in, which was a delightful bonus! The outdoor seating was beautiful on a hot Burlingame day. The staff was super friendly and made us feel right at home. Their excellent service combined with the outstanding food made for a fantastic dining experience. We can't wait to come back and try more dishes. Highly recommend Masala Desi Cafe! ---
I have never been to this restaurant before. I will definitely come back. The aromas of curry and other spices once it tickles your nose you will want to keep coming back here. Clean, friendly atmosphere a little on the small side. Seating might be hard hostess was great. I will definitely come back.