San Francisco is a melting pot of diverse cultures, offering a plethora of culinary experiences to food enthusiasts. When it comes to Indian cuisine, the city boasts a vibrant scene with a wide array of restaurants serving up authentic flavors from the subcontinent.
List of 15 Best Indian Foods
Here are 15 must-try Indian dishes in San Francisco along with their short descriptions and addresses:
Butter Chicken at Amber India
Indulge in the rich and creamy butter chicken at Amber India, located at 25 Yerba Buena Ln. This iconic dish features tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce with a hint of butter.
Masala Dosa at Dosa
Head over to Dosa on Fillmore Street to savor their crispy and flavorful masala dosa. This South Indian specialty consists of a thin, crispy crepe filled with spiced potatoes and served with coconut chutney and sambar.
Chicken Biryani at Aslam’s Rasoi
Aslam’s Rasoi on Valencia Street is renowned for its aromatic and flavorful chicken biryani. This fragrant rice dish is layered with marinated chicken, spices, and herbs, creating a symphony of flavors.
Saag Paneer at Udupi Palace
Vegetarians will love the saag paneer at Udupi Palace on Valencia Street. This dish features cubes of paneer cheese simmered in a creamy spinach sauce, perfect for dipping with warm naan.
Pani Puri at Chaat Corner
Craving a burst of flavors? Head to Chaat Corner on Polk Street for their delightful pani puri. These crispy hollow shells are filled with spiced potatoes, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind water.
Chicken Tikka Masala at Little Delhi
Little Delhi on 6th Street is known for its flavorful chicken tikka masala. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in yogurt and spices, then simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce.
Aloo Gobi at Udupi Palace
Another vegetarian delight at Udupi Palace is the aloo gobi. This comforting dish features potatoes and cauliflower cooked with aromatic spices, perfect for pairing with fluffy basmati rice.
Rogan Josh at August 1 Five
Indulge in the aromatic rogan josh at August 1 Five on Van Ness Avenue. This Kashmiri specialty features tender lamb simmered in a flavorful sauce infused with Kashmiri chilies and aromatic spices.
Chole Bhature at Tandoor
Treat yourself to the indulgent chole bhature at Tandoor on O’Farrell Street. This dish consists of spicy chickpea curry served with fluffy fried bread, a popular street food in India.
Vada Pav at Curry Up Now
Curry Up Now on Valencia Street offers a delicious vada pav, a popular street food from Mumbai. This dish features a spiced potato patty sandwiched in a soft bun and served with chutneys.
Malai Kofta at Udupi Palace
Udupi Palace’s malai kofta is a must-try for vegetarians. These creamy dumplings made of paneer and vegetables are simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy, perfect for scooping up with naan.
Pav Bhaji at Chaat Corner
Chaat Corner’s pav bhaji is a flavorful and hearty dish that originated in Mumbai. This buttery vegetable curry is served with soft buttered buns, creating a satisfying meal.
Fish Curry at Dosa
Seafood lovers will enjoy the fish curry at Dosa on Fillmore Street. This dish features tender fish simmered in a fragrant coconut-based curry, best enjoyed with steamed rice.
Gulab Jamun at Little Delhi
Conclude your meal with the decadent gulab jamun at Little Delhi on 6th Street. These deep-fried milk dumplings soaked in sugar syrup are a sweet and indulgent treat.
Mango Lassi at Amber India
Quench your thirst with a refreshing mango lassi at Amber India on Yerba Buena Ln. This creamy yogurt-based drink blended with ripe mangoes is the perfect way to cool off after a spicy meal.
San Francisco’s culinary landscape is enriched by these establishments offering the best Indian food in the city. From traditional favorites to modern interpretations, these dishes showcase the diverse and vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of spicy curries, flavorful biryanis, or indulgent desserts, San Francisco has something to satisfy every craving for authentic Indian flavors.
