MASALA Desi Cafe, Burlingame

321 Primrose Rd, Burlingame - 94010
82 reviews
Indian Coffee & Tea
(650) 343-4444

Quality of food was above what I expected. The flavors of the somasa chat, chicken tikka/curry burrito were on point, I like that it's wrapped in naan and not roti/tortilla. Just the right amount of spice... The plain dosa will not disapoint. The Mango lassi is made to order! It was fresh and not the store bought stuff that sells in gallon jugs. Our server Dominic was not one for conversation and don't think he smiled once. But that's not what I was there for. I will return to sample rest of the menu! Good food with authentic Indian flavors, ok ambience, and decent service. If you're all about food and don't care for the rest... This is your casual spot for a quick Indian lunch...

Excellent South Indian Food & Great service!! Definitely the best Dosa, Sambar we’ve eaten in a long, long time!! I could’ve easily eaten 2 of them. And oh the Madras Coffee - authentic flavor took me straight back to my younger days. The Samosas were good, but the South Indian cuisine here is what will bring us back. The only piece of feedback I have for this place is the use of plastic cups for water & to-go containers for the coffee even though we were dining in - be kind to the environment, let’s all do our part. Otherwise five stars - without a doubt!

Went with a large group (12) where we reserved a day ahead. Our waiter was patient and took care of us so efficiently. I had the palak curry (chana), and it was so flavorful, though not spicy. Each bite I took, it didn't stop surprising me how such a "simple" dish could be so good. I also recommend their masala chai. So happy I'm a quick walk away!

Great service, food, and atmosphere. We ordered the butter chicken curry, masala chai, rice and naan. All great! We’ll be back.

Traveling SFO first time today I have ordered veg biryani & they just fried all mix vegetables which you can get it from Costco looks they used the same mix vegetables and added to rice. Worst taste, zero authentic taste. Very strange to see water-chestnut & other raw vegetables in the biryani, looks like chef had no idea how to cook authentic “Indian Biryani”. I will not recommend this place, waste of money $$.

I tried the chicken and veggie curry puffs and the paneer tikka masala. The food is not very authentic taste but good for people who want to avoid very spicy food. The service was good but I didn't like the taste as much. If you're looking for authentic indian taste, this might not be the place

Decent spot for South Indian food in Burlingame. Flavors are not overly spicy, fits perfect for those who cant handle spicy hot, which most south indian cuisine can be.My friend & I enjoyed outdoor dinning, service was good. Dosas are good, loved the fact that their tandoori chicken didnt have red food coloring. Biryani & butter chicken was flavorful.

OK, here it is....the food and overall service is good here B U T what is this about placing tiny picnic style serving spoons and forks for the dishes? ...and foam and plastic bowls and plates for dessert? This is not done. Please have proper serving utensils. The chilli idlli was nice and interesting...would have liked to have some coconut chutney with it. The chili Paneer was welldone and tasty. It was slightly on the hard side but overall OK. The uttapam was well balanced and cooked to perfection. This is a very casual spot but it certainly needs to upgrade itself a notch so that eating in is a pleasant experience.

Really good experience!Most flavors aren't that spicy like other Indian places I'd say it's was just right the hot in the plates.The system to order online is the best!

I'm very excited for a new restaurant that I wish that the staff was better about their masks.