The Gurkha Kitchen — Restaurant in Hayward

Dang, this place did not disappoint. I went yesterday because I was seriously craving some good Tikka Masala and Indian cuisine. In my opinion one of the best foods downtown Hayward has to offer. It felt like getting a home-cooked meal from your grandma—the kind of food that’s made with love and comfort, where every bite reminds you there’s nothing quite like grandma’s cooking (it’s that good). They offer a buffet hour (which I’ll definitely be coming back for), but I went during their regular restaurant hours. Still, everything was amazing. From the start, very hospitable and kind staff and waitresses, not to mention they served complimentary chai—warm, flavorful, and the perfect cozy touch after a big meal. It really was the cherry on top. The menu is super diverse, and the portions? Well they were huge. As a foodie with a serious appetite, I really appreciate places that give you generous portions without breaking the bank if you know what I mean. Okay, so I ordered five different things (yes, five): To begin I had two samosas (they were super good) and the mint chutney and tamarind sauces was chef’s kiss and the portion of the samosas were pretty big and great appetizers tbh. Now about the entrees: ) Lamb Biryani – First time I tried this one. It was a very generous portion they served, easily feeding 2–3 people. The lamb was incredibly tender (Like Mexican birria-level tenderness) and packed with flavor. It paired perfectly with the yogurt sauce they provided. 2.) Pahadi Chicken Tikka Masala – This was exactly what I was craving. The sauce was rich and flavorful, and the chicken was soft and juicy. Don’t let the portion size fool you. The portion is decently sized but I thought I could finish it but it’s super filling. You could honestly serve 3–4 people with this dish. 3.)Saag Paneer – This was my first time trying a veggie dish, and let me tell you: if you think veggies can’t be delicious, try this. It was amazing. 4.) Garlic Nam - was perfect. Every dish stands out on its own, but when you mix them together—wow. The flavors complement each other in the best way imaginable. I highly recommend trying everything on the menu and experimenting with different combinations—you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Every bite was flavorful, comforting, and totally satisfying. This is definitely a place I’ll be coming back to again...

I've been to this restaurant's buffet many times, and overall, it's a great spot. The food consistently tastes great, and the service is excellent, with all the staff appearing attentive. The entire place, including the restrooms, is noticeably clean. At $16.99 (up from an initial $15), it's still a fantastic deal given the good variety of food options. Don't miss the Nepali hot-milk tea, available daily by the front desk (it's a bit hidden!). The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

A key difference to note is the weekday vs. weekend buffet. If you're craving Momo and Pani Puri, you'll need to visit on the weekends. On weekdays, these popular items aren't included. Also, expect some daily variations in the menu, particularly with the curries. On weekends, the Momo and Pani Puri station is located outside. I've visited three of their four branches (Hayward, San Ramon, and Sunnyvale), with San Jose being the only one I haven't tried. My personal favorites are the Hayward and San Ramon locations.

Great location: Street parking is first come first served based but their a free public parking space a block away in Hayward.

While generally positive, there are a few areas where they could improve: Pani Puri consistency: I've noticed the taste of the pani puri can be inconsistent. Plain yogurt availability: Plain yogurt isn't always offered on the buffet, though staff will bring it if you ask. It would be great to have it readily available, especially with the sweet desserts. Staff tips: This is a significant point for me. I've spoken to staff at all three locations, and unfortunately, they don't receive tips directly from customers. When customers add a tip for their service, I strongly believe that money should go to the...

I happened upon this lovely restaurant one day while meandering through Hayward when a man dressed in colorful array invited me in to pray over its soft opening.

His ceremony was so beautiful and I wish this restaurant well.

The Chai tea is spicy, warm, delicious and served, most importantly, with love and hospitality.

This afternoon, I ordered moma which was terrific and priced fairly. The sauce was spicy with back notes that surprised my palate pleasantly. I drank some cool water. I didn't have to request it, and service was patient, attentive and sweet.

My lunch partner ordered the garlic Naan and a red cheesy chatpate sauce. I admit to slurping what she couldn't finish with a spoon.

You should give this place a try. It looks like, in the summer, one can enjoy people watching while sampling some authentic Nepali food from The Ghurka Kitchen's fenced in outside sidewalk extension to it...