Nandri Indian Cafe — Restaurant in National City

Ordered chicken biryani..its was not fresh..worst biryani which I tasted...I would not come back again...however, the service was great...I mentioned about the biryani to the server..he acknowledged my concern and promised to look into it.. Though I will never come back you again..I must tell you that the server (I am sorry I did not ask his name) is a gem..keep him..give him a raise... Suggestion: please make the biryani the way it is supposed to be done and keep it fresh..

Updated Note :-

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I do acknowledge that you did not charge me for the biryani, and I appreciate that gesture. My review was not about the price I paid, but about the quality of the dish itself, which unfortunately did not meet expectations.

I understand that you take pride in the recipe and the effort that goes into preparing it, which is why I felt it was important to share my honest experience as a guest. Reviews, whether positive or negative, are meant to give feedback to both the business and future customers.

I did mention in my review that the service was excellent and highlighted the server’s professionalism, which I truly meant. My feedback was intended to be constructive—so that perhaps future guests can have a better experience than I did.

While I appreciate your offer to try the biryani again, I will stand by my original experience. I wish you continued success and hope my feedback is received in the spirit it...

After four years in San Diego, I finally stumbled upon this South Bay treasure—and it felt like discovering a secret I should’ve known all along. From the first bite, I was transported straight to South India: flavors layered with care, spices blooming with warmth, every dish carrying the soul of healthy home cooking.

What surprised me most is that it wasn’t the heavy, Americanized Indian food that usually leaves your stomach weighed down. Instead, it was vibrant, balanced, and nourishing—comforting yet light enough to keep you wanting more.

The goat biryani was fragrant and rich, each grain of rice infused with depth. The chicken curries lingered on the palate, comforting yet refined. And the iced chai? A revelation—brewed from scratch with real organic spices, delicate and alive, worlds away from the syrup-laden versions we’ve been conditioned to accept.

Speaking with the owner made it all the more special. These recipes are her mother’s, rooted in Tamil Nadu and Andhra, lovingly carried across generations. This family-owned restaurant is more than a place to eat—it’s a story, a labor of love, and a reminder that food tastes best when it’s made with heart. Support your local family owned...

UPDATE I appreciate the owner’s prompt and thoughtful response to my feedback. They have refunded the full amount and provided a detailed explanation about the preparation choices and efforts to accommodate diverse tastes. While my experience didn’t quite meet my expectations, I recognize their commitment to customer satisfaction and willingness to listen to concerns. Thank you for addressing my feedback so considerately.

Original Review I was drawn to this restaurant because of its nice Tamil name, but that turned out to be the only “South Indian” thing about it. Everything else was a huge disappointment. We spent about $48 on just four items, and every single dish tasted overly sweet. I never imagined biryani could taste sweet, but somehow they managed to ruin it. The korma had unpeeled potatoes, the rice was undercooked, and the gravy portion was tiny compared to the amount of rice served. Every dish felt subpar and poorly made. The only edible item was the parathas, and that’s likely because it was a store-bought one, not made fresh at the restaurant. South Indians (or anyone expecting authentic Indian food) should make sure you specify the spice level without fail when you...