Desi Chef – Authentic North Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Bengaluru

Desi Chef - Stick to North Indian Dishes, Please

We recently visited Desi Chef and ordered Puri Bhaji, Masala Dosa, Vada, and Cutting Chai. Unfortunately, the experience was quite disappointing overall.

Food:

The Vada was a complete disaster. It was so chewy and hard that we left it after just one bite. When we complained to the waiter, he blamed it on being "too hot," but the reality was that it was cold and stale.

The Masala Dosa was below average, with a sour taste that made it unappetizing.

The highlight of the meal was the Puri Sabzi, which was delicious and comforting. The Cutting Chai was excellent, so much so that we ordered it again. It feels like the restaurant excels at North Indian dishes, so they should focus on that instead of trying their hand at South Indian cuisine.

Hygiene & Service: The hygiene levels were appalling, with flies swarming around the juice counter. Watching someone prepare juice in such conditions was extremely unpleasant.

The service was no better. The waiter who attended to us looked half-asleep and unclean, giving the impression that he wasn’t ready to serve. On top of that, the staff was unresponsive and unhelpful when asked about the dishes.

Verdict: I would consider revisiting Desi Chef for their North Indian dishes and the outstanding Cutting Chai, but I’d steer clear of their South Indian menu. They need to work on improving their hygiene, staff preparedness, and overall service quality to provide a better dining experience.

We noticed that along with CGST and SGST, a service charge is also being added to the bill. On asking the waiter, we were informed that it’s taken by the owner, even though it wasn’t charged before. We strongly believe service charges should not be imposed, especially when the service provided is poor. Customers should have the choice to tip based on the quality of service, rather than being forced to pay an additional amount. We hope this feedback is taken into...

Desi Chef on Thanisandra Road is a hidden gem that’s known for its inviting atmosphere and delicious, authentic Indian flavors. It’s a perfect spot for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy a hearty Indian meal in a relaxed yet lively setting.

Atmosphere

The ambiance at Desi Chef is one of its biggest highlights. The restaurant has a warm, modern decor with subtle traditional Indian elements, creating a balanced and cozy feel. The lighting is soft and inviting, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. The seating is well-spaced and comfortable, with a layout that provides a bit of privacy, even in a busy restaurant.

Adding to the atmosphere is light Indian instrumental music playing in the background, which enhances the dining experience without overpowering it. The space is clean, organized, and welcoming, which is a refreshing change from many casual dining spots. It’s clear that they’ve put effort into making Desi Chef a place you’d want to...

Honest Review Loading: Came here mainly for Chole Bhature after reading reviews. Here’s my experience:

Food:

Chole Bhature: 4.2/5 – really enjoyed it.

Lassi: 3/5 – average, could be better.

Paneer Kathi Roll: 4.5/5 – very tasty, highlight of the visit.

Ambience & Service:

AC wasn’t cooling properly, despite the place being almost empty.

The owner didn’t greet or smile, which gave an unwelcoming vibe.

The waiter kept walking up and down, repeatedly asking how the food was. Instead of feeling attentive, it felt intrusive and uncomfortable. They definitely need to work on basic service etiquette and respecting customers’ privacy.

Billing Issue:

Initially, they refused payment via Swiggy/Zomato (which offered 10% discount). After some argument, they finally agreed to give 10% discount directly.

Final bill was ₹316 for 3 items.

Overall: Food is genuinely good (especially the Paneer Roll and Chole Bhature), but the service and hospitality need serious...