EDITING MY REVIEW We went back to Chaat Bhavan Mountain View after an initial misstep. The food was our major complaint last time as it did not seem consistent to the other locations. The owner went above and beyond after reading my review to urge me to give them another shot. I am glad I did.
It has been a few months that Mountain View has now been open and it was refreshing to see the crowds fill up every table. We had a minimal wait time after which we were seated and treated to some excellent food, good portion sizes, great taste and awesome specials of the month.
I don't need to say much more than, this location is one of our favorites now. Proximity is great, parking is easy, numerous tables for the size of the location, good service and yes, AWESOME food. We will be back, hopefully, again and again.
Getting a step or two wrong is not unusual, going out of the way to get it right is, that's what this location and its proud owner have demonstrated. That leaves a 'good taste', literally and figuratively.
------------ Older Review ------ We went to Chaat Bhavan Mountain View with a great deal of anticipation. We are fans of this brand and have visited both Sunnyvale and Fremont regularly. Mountain View is much closer to our place than the other two we frequent, so we were keenly looking forward to this newly opened branch, at the same location as Chaat Paradise, which we had fond memories of and experiences at.
Parking was a breeze, by far MUCH easier than Sunnyvale, which tests your abilities or Fremont, which tests your patience. For a Friday evening, we were shocked to see the restaurant was not packed, we found a lot of empty tables and got seated promptly. We did not consider that a red flag given we are just coming out of the holidays.
The menu was reminiscent of and exactly the same as other locations, including the monthly specials which are a good touch. Service was courteous, order taken promptly, drinks offered, water filled. All good.
Now, the food arrived "shockingly" early as well. Now the alarm bells started going up. We ordered a la carte, not thali. Malai Paneer, Paneer Bhurji, Kulchas, Garlic Naans and Tawai Pulao. It arrived within 10 minutes! How could this possibly be?
Anyways, food tasted different. Malai Paneer is a stalwart in our order, the color of the gravy was orangish compared to yellowish end of the spectrum. The paneer seemed cut inconsistently, indicating some error due to speed, the temperature was sub par and spice levels really low. Paneer bhurji was bland as well. The appetizer was delivered out of order and the tawai pulao was super bland. The naans, kulcha were good. Overall, considering the lack of high traffic, I think the chefs could have taken their time to get this right instead of rushing it.
Overall the service was excellent, decor was awesome, but the food let us down in our maiden visit to Mountain View. I wish this were not the first impression. Have to see if our taste buds will let us come back to this location or if we will flip back to Sunnyvale. I hope the brand itself is not under pressure due to inflation and...
Read moreChaat Bhavan in Mountain View is an absolute gem for anyone who loves authentic Indian cuisine. From the moment you step in, the inviting aroma of freshly prepared spices sets the tone for a fantastic dining experience. The menu is impressively diverse, offering everything from traditional chaats and dosas to rich curries, biryanis, and flavorful Indian bread. Whether you’re new to Indian food or a seasoned fan, there’s something for every palate.
We started with the samosa chaat and pani puri, and both were outstanding – perfectly balanced flavors with just the right amount of spice and tang. The dosas are massive and crispy, served with a variety of chutneys and sambar that were absolutely delicious. For our mains, we ordered the paneer tikka masala and garlic naan, which were bursting with fresh, bold flavors. Each dish was cooked to perfection, and the portions were very generous.
The service here is just as amazing as the food. The staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring that all our needs were met. Even though the restaurant was busy during dinner hours, our food arrived quickly, and the staff took the time to explain dishes and recommend items based on our preferences.
The ambiance is warm, clean, and vibrant, making it a great spot for everything from casual meals to special gatherings with friends and family. It’s clear that the team at Chaat Bhavan takes pride in creating not just excellent food, but also a welcoming and enjoyable experience for their guests.
Another highlight is the affordability – the prices are very reasonable given the quality and quantity of the food. We left feeling completely satisfied and excited to come back to try more from their extensive menu.
If you’re in the Mountain View area and craving authentic Indian food, Chaat Bhavan is a must-visit. It’s easily one of the best Indian restaurants in the Bay Area, and I highly recommend it to anyone. This place deserves all the praise, and we can’t wait for...
Read moreDuring our recent family outing, we decided to try something new and landed at Chaat Bhavan. I must admit, being a meat lover, I was skeptical about a complete vegetarian meal fulfilling my dinner expectations. However, Chaat Bhavan not only met but exceeded those expectations splendidly!
Even with a large party of 14, the service was impeccable. The staff was attentive and managed our diverse needs without any hitches. Given the size of our group, we chose a variety of dishes, and each was a hit.
Here’s a quick rundown of what we ordered:
Roti, Poori, and Paratha: Freshly made, piping hot, and perfect to pair with the curries. Malai Pannur: Undoubtedly a stand-out dish, creamy and packed with flavors. Samosa: Crispy on the outside with a perfectly spiced filling. Saag: Rich and flavorful, it paired beautifully with the breads. Sprouts Bhel: A refreshing and zesty dish, it was a perfect palate cleanser. Hakka Noodles: We got both spicy and non-spicy versions to cater to everyone, especially the kids, and both were spectacular.
It's rare to find a place that makes you forget the absence of meat from a meal, but Chaat Bhavan did just that. The spices were so well balanced and every dish had a distinct flavor profile that was thoroughly enjoyed by all of us.
The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and welcoming, perfect for family gatherings. It's not just a meal but an experience that caters to all the senses.
We left the restaurant with satisfied bellies and smiles on our faces. Chaat Bhavan has made loyal customers of us with just one visit. We are already looking forward to our next meal here. If you're ever in the mood for some vegetarian fare and want to be pleasantly surprised, give Chaat Bhavan a try—highly...
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