Chennai Dosa Hut Vegetarian Restaurant & Indian Food — Restaurant in San Diego

Food: 5/5 Service and Setting: 3/5 Value: 3/5

Seeing many of the negative reviews especially from those I assume to be Indian, I was sort of afraid to try Chennai Tiffins as food is becoming more and more expensive. I want to be the first to say that the viral 3.5 rating phenomenon for Chinese food does seem to apply for Indian food as well. Chennai Tiffins is in a plaza with easy parking surrounded by other delicious South Asian eateries. One strange moment I had was as I took a picture of the entrance, the hostess aggressively asked/accused me of taking a picture of her. Strange, but I guess be careful taking photos and try to not capture the staff. After clearing up the ordeal, she was very kind and even shared with me that they have an all you can eat buffet on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The overall dining area was clean and the food is bomb!

Lunch Thali: 5/5 What I love about Indian food is how vast their cuisine is. I have tried Southern Indian food before, but not like this. The curries are all very rich and flavorful without being overindulgent. Coconut and peanuts take the place of dairy in the more typical types of Indian fare offered around here. The Dosa and the Vada were deliciously crispy. My favorite dish in the Thali was the Chana Masala. Chana Masala is normally in a rich tomato gravy, but here, it is deeply savory with boiled peanuts, a true treat. I am not sure how to explain the food as I am not familiar with it all, but the flavor profile is a bit more nutty and a different vibe than others, especially Northern Indian foods. The yogurt rice, this sort of sour soup, and sambar were all incredibly delicious. I am a huge fan of Indian buffets as I get to try a bit of everything, but this Thali has changed my mind and this will be one of my go to places. I am a big eater and I was stuffed after this meal! Highly recommend and please come help out a small business that has been serving the community for a while!

Sweet Lassi: 4/5 Thick and sweet, I prefer my Lassi to be a little more tart, but this is a great way to end your meal. Nothing special, but nothing bad!

Buffet: 5/5 I have returned to eat the weekend brunch buffet and it was honestly very good. All you can eat idli, vada, puri, dosa, pongal, sambar, halwa, dal, and chutneys. The food is good, but the vada and idli do taste not as good as their freshly made versions. The buffet itself was clean and there is this charming grandpa who comes around every few minutes with fresh poori and/or dosa asking, “would you like Dosa roll?” I honestly like the thali better for the freshness and variety, but I will definitely come back if I have a huge South Indian craving!

Falooda: 4.5/5 A very interesting drink/dessert, the falooda was filled with I think chia seeds, noodles, and delicious rose flavored milk. The ice cream on top felt a bit much and made many of the toppings freeze, but it something you should try...

I was given a recommendation to visit this establishment by a friend of a friend who also loves South Indian cuisine. So I was very excited to dine in! I enjoy learning about and experiencing other cultures so was very excited when my friends, my daughter, and I decided to give it a try for dinner yesterday. I can’t even begin to explain the disbelief and shock in terms of our experience - and not in a pleasant way. After waiting for 15 mins at our table, my daughter finally stood up and asked if we needed to order at the counter or if someone would stop by. Shortly thereafter, the waitress came to take our order and placed the empty glasses with force on the table. We then waited for the water jug that never came so got up again to ask about water. We got our own water in the end. After repeating our order several times, when our food arrived, several additional items we didn’t request were provided. We advised that we hadn’t ordered them and the staff looked puzzled. The entire remainder of our meal was met with whispers, eye rolling, and staring. The meal itself was very underwhelming so paying $150+ with tip wasn’t worth it in my humble opinion. I began to wonder if I was imagining the whole experience so I studied the other tables. They clearly were met with a completely more hospitable and welcoming experience. I want to give the staff the benefit of the doubt but what sealed the deal was when we asked for to-go boxes and were given items that didn’t fit and wouldn’t close. The staff got annoyed and told me that I didn’t know how to do it. When they saw it didn’t work, they then brought new materials. All in all, as a very tolerant and open-minded person, I was stunned to be received in such a discriminatory way and it really hurt my daughter - who I’m trying to teach principles of openness and curiosity. This is definitely not a place I’ll ever return to and I hope that the staff thinks about how they treat others who aren’t like them next time. Kindness...

Title: A Taste of South India in Every Bite - 5 Stars!

Rating: 5/5

I am absolutely delighted to share my exceptional dining experience at Chennai Tiffin! This hidden gem has won my heart with its incredible selection of South Indian delights. Each dish is a masterclass in flavor, texture, and presentation.

The dosas are a must-try, and the Mysore dosa is a standout! Crispy, flavorful, and served with a side of delectable chutneys. Speaking of which, the complimentary selection of chutneys is a game-changer. The red tomato chutney and sambas are served fresh every day, adding an extra layer of excitement to every meal.

The pav bhaji is another highlight, with its rich, buttery flavor and perfect blend of spices. And, yes, the pizza dosa is a genius creation! Who knew South Indian cuisine could blend so seamlessly with Italian flavors?

The service is warm, friendly, and attentive, making every visit feel like a special occasion. Chennai Tiffin has become my go-to spot for authentic South Indian cuisine, and I can't wait to explore more of their menu!

If you're a fan of South Indian food or just looking to try something new, Chennai Tiffin is a must-visit destination. Don't miss out on their incredible dosas, pav bhaji, and pizza dosa, paired with their signature chutneys. Your taste buds...