Masala Desi Cafe

Masala Desi Cafe: Where Spice Meets Soul

Nestled discreetly off the bustling downtown strip of Burlingame lies a culinary gem waiting to be discovered: Masala Desi Cafe. This cozy nook exudes warmth and charm, inviting patrons to step in and savor the rich tapestry of flavors that await within.

Despite its intimate setting, Masala Desi Cafe offers ample outdoor seating, allowing guests to bask in the sunshine while indulging in a culinary journey through India's diverse cuisines.

The menu, a testament to the chef's artistry, boasts a tantalizing array of dishes that blend the bold spices of South India with the subtle nuances of the North. From the fragrant cauliflower Manchurian to the creamy palak paneer and the robust andra chicken curry, each bite is a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate.

Accompanying these delectable delights is a selection of freshly baked roti, the perfect vessel for soaking up every last drop of sauce. And no meal at Masala Desi Cafe is complete without a steaming cup of chai, lovingly brewed to perfection and infused with aromatic spices.

But what truly sets Masala Desi Cafe apart is its impeccable service. The staff, with their genuine warmth and efficiency, ensure that every guest feels like family from the moment they step through the door. Their attentive care and swift service only enhance the dining experience, leaving patrons eager to return time and time again.

In a world where culinary experiences often blur together, Masala Desi Cafe stands out as a beacon of authenticity and flavor. With its irresistible blend of spice and soul, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking to tantalize their taste buds and nourish their spirit.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Pretty good restaurant for a start. Really tiny inside but there's outdoor seating too. I tried the masala Dosa, chicken masakali and lunch combo with Andhra chicken curry. All were good. Nothing was spicy so ask of you want it more spicy.

For desserts we tried gulab jamun cheese cake and falooda. Gulab jamun cheese cake was good but falooda was served without the noodles in it. We were told the chef forgot to add it😂

Attentive service and delicious chai and Masala Dosa. The shop is petite but the covered heated patio is very nice. A regular lunch spot when we are in Burlingame.

After enjoying a few takeouts from this place we decided to give dining in here a try. The dining room is small and simply decorated but very clean and comfortable.. Our server Sriniketh was outstanding, service was very friendly and quick, and he gave us some great recommendations. The food was excellent as usual - especially the curries which are robust with the perfect amount of spice. The garlic naan is very good which checks an important box. My favorite curries are the Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Madras, and Butter Chicken. Good selection of refreshments as well. We'll certainly be back for more.

Food: 5/5
I just got a lunch thali with chole, malai kofta, tandoori roti, rice and salad. And everything was just perfect. My toddler was mesmerized with the malai kofta!

Service: 5/5
The service was amazing. Very friendly and prompt servers. Also chatted a bit with the owner who was also welcoming.

Ambiance: 3/5
Quite a casual setting. You need to cross the kitchen for the restroom that, looks like, is common for staff also. Not a deal breaker but just takes some points of ambiance.

Definitely highly recommend for the food or even a coffee chat with their friendly servers.

This was our second visit for Dinner within 2 months. Both Rahul and Jason served well and made us feel at home. Foods taste is good and just right. Not too spicy but flavorful. We enjoyed eating korma, veg biryani, Lamb curry, Idlies, white rice and South Indian coffee. It is just a short drive from SFO Airport and it is easier to reach from Broadway exit.Both times we found street parking within a block by just driving around the restaurant once.

Went for lunch today, service was superb and we got so much food… dosa was massive and delicious with coconut curry and two tomato based curries. Got the lunch combo as well and the masala curry was out of this world, sweet and spicy. Highly recommend.

Tasty Indian food. We went there for evening snacks and tried Veg Puff, Aloo Tikki Chaat, Paneer Sliders and Masala Chai. The Veg puff just melts in your mouth and the stuffing os very tasty. Aloo Tikki Chaat was my favorite and has a twist of blueberries in it. The Sliders look like Vada Pav except the Vada is replaced by Paneer Tikka. The Paneer is soft and cooked well. The Masala Chai nicely complements the snacks and brought back memories of evenings in India.

Food was amazing, service was excellent. Definitely want to visit this wonderful place again!!

Sumptuous food with generous portions and amazing service. Tucked away in a very quaint location, this place feels like a hidden gem. The sambar was outstanding and the curry combo was great value for money.

The best part about the combo was that everything was felt fresh off the stove (be it the naan, the curry or the rice)

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.

I chose this place to celebrate my special day with my wife and our family friends. The restaurant is but small but had outdoor seating available, we sat inside. Rahul and Nama was awesome with our table, very attentive. We had 5 kids and they took care of them with great attention, us adults had a great time too. Dosa and Idli brought back our home country memories, The sambar and chutney weren't the best but it was offset with service excellence by Rahul and Nama. I did loved Shrimp Varuval, Everyone else loved everything. Thank you for great service and memories.

Pretty good Indian food. Their chai was fantastic. Fast service.

Excellent food. Everything was great! We had the chicken 65 and chicken biryani. Food is halal too!

I was thoroughly impressed by the outstanding quality of the food. Each dish was amazingly good. I highly recommend Restaurant to all food enthusiasts looking for a memorable gastronomic journey!"

Small space with an outdoor deck and delicious authentic dishes.

Nice little cafe with an indoor and outdoor dining options. We took Paneer biryani and shrimp biryani here. They both were delicious and spicy just as we like. Their daily special was gulab jamun cheesecake. It was yummy! Overall the experience was pleasant and the staff was friendly. Highly recommend.

I went to Masala Desi Cafe for dinner this week . I was warmly greeted by server Rahul VR and seated , Rahul was very pleasant , courteous suggested few items and the menu quality , quantity , spices were perfect . I recommend this place and would have a meal on my next visit to Burlingame, CA Well done management and the star was Rahul !

Just had the best ever Indian Cheesecake.. you can’t miss this.. The Chicken Tikka Tacos was really tasty.. will definitely come back… great service and friendly staff

Great food in a very walkable downtown. We had tea and idly and both were really good. Good cozy ambience