Desi Chaat House — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I used to get food from here often in college, and it was well-worth the price. The food was flavorful and within budget. I’ve had it a few times since then and it was still okay, but stopped because of covid. Yesterday was the first time since covid that I went and got food from here for my family.

Let me tell you, it was absolutely disappointing and a complete waste of money. Our items were either medium spicy or spicy, but they all lacked any flavor or spice. We didn’t even finish a good amount because it didn’t taste good and felt like a disservice to our taste buds.

A few of the more notable issues:

1. chutneys were runny like water. Especially the green chutney - so doluted it was transparent and you could literally just see water, devoid of green color, in some areas in the container
2. the pani for the pani puri was flavorless and all the masala was at the bottom. If you’ve had quality pani puri, or even some from here back in the day, you’d know it’s supposed to be mixed well
3. every item lacking flavor and spice. Was very bland
4. wraps were a soggy mess and crime to food
5. they don’t know how old their refrigerated products are. I asked how old the rasmalai is, and they said they don’t know, it cones from the factory and they replace every 15 days. Even homemade rasmalai we throw out if not eaten in 3 days, and they keep their’s for 15 DAYS! And even if it comes from a factory, you should be able to obtain the manufacturing date at the very least.

Overall, Desi Chaat House has lost its touch for me and my family. There was a time when we’d look forward to it and especially make trips into the city to get it, but we won’t be doing that anymore. It’s quite a shame to see such a lauded establishment go...

Very disappointing and unprofessional!!! I lived in University city for four years and used to go to this place sometimes. Today while visiting the university city after almost a year, I visited this place. I am surprised to see their current service. Its gotten worse.

I ordered for a Papri chaat and it looked really dry. I asked the lady who was serving if she can add extra tamarind sauce. She looked annoyed and said "I aleady put tamarind sauce". It looked really odd to me and wasn't expecting that answer. I mentioned the word 'extra', which means I know you already put tamarind sauce. Anyways, she gave me taramind sauce which was barely 1/3 of a small cup (I was surprised there as well!!!).

I didn't know the biggest surprise is yet to come! I found only about three items in the Papri Chaat. 1) papri, 2) couple of potato pieces and 3) couple of chickpea peices. I don't know how they call it Papri Chaat!! :o The last time I had Papri Chaat at the same place over a year ago, there were yogurt, mango peices, salads, onions, something like dry canberry, and few more items. It used to be really good. I don't know what happened now! I don't think I will ever recommend this place to anyone again.

An update: I had stomach upset on the night after having this papri chaat. I have seen similar issue in one of the...

Looking for something different? Desi Village owner Hassan just can't seem to quit. He's added yet another treasure to the toolbox. Desi Chaat House, a stone's throw away on 43rd on Balitmore, offers something completely unique to Philadelphia: authentic Indian street food, also known as chaat (pronounced like "chart"). Bits of bhel peppered with papris are placed in a pool of tangy yoghurt and sweet 'n' spicy tamarind chutney. Cold and salad-like, these are surprisingly satiating as a quick bite or dinner on the go.

For beginners, don't be fazed by their confounding conglomerate of choices. And don't let the sulfurous odor dissuade you: it's the natural brimstone-containing black salt pervasive in these parts. If you're planning a trip, we'll help you out with your order. The papri chaat, samosa chaat, and bhel puri are all safe bets, each with their own spin on this crispy, crunchy treat. Be sure not to miss out on their student deal (but which doesn't include authentic Indian sodas like Thumbs Up! and Limca). If you're itchy for a litchi, they've got that, too. Unlike Taglio and Già Pronto, this dynamic duo really packs a punch...to your tastebuds, not to your...