Masala Cafe Chettinad — Restaurant in Jersey City

Firstly I am not a big fan of reviewing, but after seeing some negative reviews for the wonderful restaurant, I felt compelled to share my genuine experience.

When I came to the US last year, I had few health issues and my family back home in India were really worried about how I could manage the food here as we know that my body would not adapt to the outside food.

I came here and I had been trying many food at many restaurants, though most of the food were good, my health continued to suffer. Then one day I found MASALA CAFE at the Indian Square to try some South Indian food there. The taste and quality has been pretty good. I started liking to have the food there and started to have food daily as it was more like home made South Indian (especially Tamil) food.

Over time to my surprise (and honestly I didn't expect this), I could also sense some health related improvements (instead of my earlier fear of it getting worse having outside food). So for the past few months, I stared to try different menu items daily and my health is really good now. I am extremely happy about it. Now since MASALA CAFE is here, I will not worry about my food and health until I have my family here.

Apart from serving tasty food there, they also provide TOP QUALITY and they provide food in plenty, which at times I take a portion of them to my room to have it later. I also need to highlight the way, they portrayed the Tamil Culture, our own Tirukkural and some funny dialogues from Tamil movies.

My experience and my review for them is also highlighted (in one Kural) in the list of Thirukkural, they have presented in their premise.

குறள் 945: மாறுபாடு இல்லாத உண்டி மறுத்துண்ணின் ஊறுபாடு இல்லை உயிர்க்கு.

சிவயோகி சிவக்குமார் விளக்கம்: மனதிற்கும் உடலுக்கும் மாறுபாடு இல்லாமல் விருப்பமான உணவாக இருப்பினும் அளவிற்கு அதிகமாகாமல் மறுத்து அளவுடன் உண்டால் எவ்வித தொல்லையும் இல்லை உயிர்க்கு.

The translation is,

English Couplet 945: With self-denial take the well-selected meal; So shall thy frame no sudden sickness feel.

Couplet Explanation: There will be no disaster to one's life if one eats food that is not disagreeable and with moderation.

I really use this opportunity to submit my Heart(Health)-Filled Gratitude the hotel management, all chefs, very friendly front office staffs, for providing the TASTY, TOP-QUALITY and HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME kind of experience for all the new comers to the New Jersey.

You people are making my early pages of NJ more memorable and positive....

We recently dined at Masala Cafe Chittinad, and it was an absolutely delightful South Indian culinary experience. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting, with subtle Chettinad-style décor and a cozy ambiance that set the tone for a memorable meal.

We ordered several dishes, and each one exceeded expectations: • Thalappakatti Biryani: This was easily one of the highlights of the meal. The rice was perfectly cooked—fluffy yet flavorful, with the signature aroma of seeraga samba rice and authentic spices. The meat was tender, juicy, and beautifully infused with masala. Every bite reminded us of traditional Dindigul-style biryani. • Masala Cafe Special Chicken Fry: Wow! This dish was packed with flavor. The chicken was crispy on the outside, succulent inside, and coated with a rich blend of spices. It had just the right amount of heat and a smoky, earthy flavor that left us craving more. • Pomfret Fish Fry: The fish was fresh, expertly marinated, and fried to perfection. It had a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender. The coastal-style masala rub gave it an authentic taste that seafood lovers will absolutely appreciate. • Aarukaal Soup (Lamb Leg Soup): A hearty and comforting starter, this soup was rich in flavor and cooked just right. It had a slightly peppery kick and deep, slow-cooked taste that felt both nourishing and nostalgic. • Other Dishes: We tried a few more items that were equally delicious (though I wish I could remember all the names!). Every dish was served hot, well-seasoned, and clearly prepared with a lot of care. The use of traditional ingredients and home-style preparation truly stood out.

The service was friendly and efficient, and the staff made great recommendations when we were unsure about a couple of dishes. Overall, Masala Cafe Chittinad delivered an authentic taste of South India with a focus on Chettinad flavors that were bold, satisfying, and truly memorable.

Highly recommend this place if you’re craving real South Indian flavors, especially their biryani and signature chicken fry. We’re already looking forward to...

We visited this restaurant last week around 11:45 PM with our toddler and ordered a few items. I have a known allergy to artificial food coloring, so I specifically asked the server whether any of the dishes we planned to order contained food coloring. He confidently assured us that they only use natural spices and no artificial colors.

However, once the food arrived, the same server casually added a disclaimer, stating that “every restaurant in the USA uses artificial food colors—and we do too.” This was said without any prior warning, apology, or acknowledgment of the potential health risk. Thankfully, I hadn’t yet eaten the food, which saved me from a serious allergic reaction.

We had ordered the Thalapakatti Egg Biryani, which turned out to be the most disappointing biryani we’ve ever had—completely lacking in flavor and authenticity.

Before leaving, we wanted to order buttermilk for our toddler. I double-checked with the server to make sure it didn’t contain any spices. He once again assured us that it was plain. Given our earlier experience, I asked if they had plain yogurt instead, but was told they only serve raita—and it comes with onions. Honestly, it's hard to believe an Indian restaurant in Jersey City doesn’t carry plain yogurt.

Despite the repeated reassurances, the buttermilk came spiced. When we pointed this out, the server offered a half-hearted “sorry” to my husband and walked straight into the kitchen—no real apology, no accountability.

We left feeling frustrated, misled, and completely dissatisfied after spending over $150 at a restaurant that demonstrated a shocking lack of transparency and customer care.

Choose this place only if you’re okay with being misinformed and overcharged. Otherwise,...