Jayam's Tiffins and Thali — Restaurant in Bellevue

Update One Year Later: 2025 summer, revisited. No major changes in menu items, service faster, piping hot dishes. Newly tried Elaneer Payasam (tender coconut kheer), a delicious rich dessert addition. However, the sambar & rasam quality keeps varying, too much garlic in rasam. The vathakuzambu seemed a bit stale and garlicky. For the quantity of rice, yogurt quantity is too little, suggest getting a lassi if you like thaiyr saadam. Nice big papad but very little boring vinegary lemon pickle always why not give mango or other types when in season? Suggest reducing rice quantity in thali and add a roti or something. The mini meal comes with 2 rice varieties, thaiyr saadam was well seasoned and nice. The jackfruit biryani was like regular biriyani with a little bit of sauteed raw jackfruit pieces. Regarding items, would be refreshing if they added items like parupu vadai, mor kuzambu, avaiyl, adai, kanchipuram iddly, kind of options and rotate out the menu. The thali has become a predictable & boring option that I won’t be choosing next time but then, unless they add new items, not very tempted to go anytime soon as there are several new vegetarian place to explore in the area.

2024: This No frills place is All vegetarian. Offers Usual Tamil Nadu cuisine. Tried the thali. Came with 2 vegetable entrees, sambar, rasam, vathal kuzambu, sweet, yogurt, pickle, papad, white rice. Not too spicy. The kuthu parata was so so, butter masala dosa came with coconut chutney and peanut chutney and sambar. Service was pretty slow as were busy fulfilling takeouts rather than attending to people in the restaurant. However the hostess was kind enough to get us extra cup of yogurt. The filter coffee was delicious. The menu options are limited and prices comparable to area restaurants. Suggest you get your own flatware or be prepared to eat with your hand as the plastic spoons...

Paradise Found: Jayam's Tiffins & Thali in Bellevue Takes South Indian Cuisine to New Heights

South Indian food lovers, rejoice! Forget your quest for "the best" because you've found it at Jayam's Tiffins & Thali in Bellevue. My recent visit was an explosion of flavor and authenticity that left me craving more.

First things first, the tiffins: melt-in-your-mouth idli, crispy and flavorful dosa, comforting pongal, and perfectly fluffy vada. Each bite was a revelation, showcasing the perfect balance of spices and textures. Hands down, the best I've had at any restaurant in the area.

But the journey didn't end there. Their veg briyani was a fragrant masterpiece, packed with aromatic rice, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a depth of flavor that had me savoring every mouthful. And for those seeking a full South Indian experience, their meals are a must-try. Imagine an array of delectable curries, rice, and accompaniments, each bursting with unique flavors that come together in perfect harmony.

Beyond the food, the service was warm and welcoming. The owner's passion for South Indian cuisine shines through, and you can't help but feel at ease in their cozy and friendly atmosphere.

Don't miss out! Jayam's Tiffins & Thali is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic South Indian flavors. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or curious newcomer, your taste buds will thank you. And remember, they cater to party orders and delivery, so you can share this deliciousness with friends and family too.

Pro tip: Don't leave without trying their filter coffee – it's the perfect finishing touch to a truly memorable meal.

5 out of 5 stars! I can't wait to go back and explore more...

STAY AWAY!! We have been coming to Jayam tiffins about once every 2 months since they opened and I have noticed a marked drop in their food quality and service during each visit. Our recent visit with my parents was absolutely the "last straw that broke the camel's back" - for me.. Not only was the food incredibly badly made, it took almost 1 hour for them to serve simple dosas and fried rice. I understand that rava dosas take a little longer to prepare, but definitely not 1 hour. In addition, it was so badly made (dryness, not fresh batter) that it was barely edible. Gobi 65 fried rice - the gobi was fried to a point of "chips level" crispiness, dripping with oil, rice was over cooked, but veggies were under cooked - overall a disaster of a dish.

The most critical comment I have is about the behavior of one of the staff calling out names when the orders are ready. At one point we had waited for 45 minutes+ and I had walked up to the counter with my mom to find out about our order and I heard this person saying to the cook inside: "Dei sikram kudu da dosaiya, perusu vera vandurukku". For those who aren't fluent in Tamil, this is an outright insult and one of the most derogatory terms that can be used against elderly people. It roughly translates to "Hey give the dosa fast, this 'old one' has also come to ask".

I know I will be staying away from Jayam tiffins forever now.

You have been warned - don't go here especially with kids or parents, there are much better South Indian pure veg restaurants within 2-3 miles...