Udupi Palace — Restaurant in San Francisco

Walking into Udupi in San Francisco is like stepping into a culinary portal that transports you straight to the heart of Karnataka. My recent visit was a true revelation, a testament to the fact that authentic, soul-satisfying South Indian vegetarian food thrives right here in the Bay Area. We went on a quest for the perfect "tiffin" experience, and Udupi not only met our expectations but completely surpassed them. Our journey began with the classics, and oh, what classics they were! The Idli was a cloud of perfection—steamed to a pillowy softness that dissolved on the tongue. Paired with their vibrant, flavourful sambar and a variety of chutneys, each bite was a symphony of tangy, spicy, and savoury notes. The Vada was a revelation of its own. Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy within, it was everything a good vada should be, with a delicate hint of spices that made it utterly addictive. But the real showstoppers of the meal were the dosas. The Masala Dosa was a work of art—a paper-thin, golden-brown crepe with a crisp, lace-like texture, generously filled with a perfectly seasoned potato masala. It was pure comfort food elevated to an art form. The Masoor Masala Dosa, however, was a pleasant and innovative surprise. The addition of lentils gave it a richer, earthier flavour and a satisfying texture that made it stand out from the crowd. The individual portions we tried were equally impressive. The Upma was a testament to the chef's skill—light, fluffy, and packed with flavour from mustard seeds, curry leaves, and vegetables. It was a humble dish done with true grace. The Pongal was another star; a creamy, comforting rice and lentil porridge, beautifully seasoned with black pepper and cashews. It was a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for a cozy afternoon. The Onion Poha was a delightful discovery. Unlike the flatter versions you often find, Udupi’s was perfectly moist and tender, with the gentle sweetness of onions and a medley of spices that made each spoonful a pleasure. It was a simple dish, but executed with such finesse. And finally, to end our incredible feast, we had the Kesari Bhath. This wasn't just a dessert; it was a grand finale. The vibrant orange hue, the fragrant aroma of saffron and cardamom, and the rich, buttery texture studded with nuts—it was pure bliss. It was the perfect sweet conclusion to an overwhelmingly amazing meal. Beyond the incredible food, the service was prompt and friendly, and the ambiance was bustling yet comfortable. Udupi San Francisco isn't just a restaurant; it's a destination for anyone seeking a true taste of South India. Whether you're a seasoned fan of the cuisine or a curious first-timer, this is the place to be. We left feeling not just full, but truly nourished, with a promise to return soon to explore more of their menu. This is, without a doubt, a five-star...

A Royal Retreat in the Heart of Mission:

I had the distinct pleasure of dining at the regal Udupi Palace, a sanctuary where time stands still and every dish tells a story.

Accompanying me was Stephanie, the Duchess of Dosa, whose loyalty to this establishment is the stuff of legend.

She’s brought over 50 dear friends to this Indian gem - personally I think it's high time the owner considers bestowing upon her the honor of a complimentary meal or two!

We started with the House Curry Dosa, a majestic creation that commands your attention. This isn't just a dosa; it's a scroll of ancient culinary wisdom rolled out on your plate. Stuffed with makhani curry, spring vegetables, and topped with spiced paneer, each bite was like uncovering a secret spice route of yore.

It's the kind of dish that could start a flavor revolution. My taste buds aren’t used to it. As a “medium spice guy”, I was interested to learn how spicy the dishes were but found it mild.

Then there's the Spinach Paneer Dosa, a verdant treasure map that leads straight to the heart of Udupi's kitchen.

Smothered in spinach chutney and stuffed with paneer, it's as if Mother Nature herself cooked you a personal meal. This dosa doesn't just fill your stomach; it nourishes the soul.

Now, let's not forget the palace itself. In the bustling heart The Mission, Udupi Palace stands as a timeless fortress. The outside world fades away as you cross the threshold, replaced by an oasis of calm and sensory delight. Here, the city's busy citizens find solace and pure enjoyment, a testament to the palace's dual mastery of tradition and tranquility.

As for Stephanie, the restaurant's unofficial ambassador, her passion for Udupi Palace is a beacon for all food lovers. Her stories, as enticing as the aromas wafting from the kitchen, draw friends from all over.

In conclusion, Udupi Palace isn't just serving meals; it's serving experiences. This isn't merely a restaurant; it's a culinary kingdom where each dish is a crown jewel. So, here's to Stephanie, the heart of this palace, and to the dishes that make Udupi a royal affair...

Pandemic Update:

We weren't sure how it would be to do take out from Udupi Palace on Valencia at 21st, something we've never done.

I can now definitively report that it was excellent!

The incredible house curry dosa, mixed veg uthappam, comforting somosa chaat, savory sambar, hearty coconut chutney, thick tamarind sauce, refreshing cilantro sauce ... all were delicious with deep flavors that blended very well together.

Dinner was great yesterday and leftovers for lunch were perfect.

Prices are very reasonable, portion sizes are good, and they can use the business. It's a win-win!

A small chain with a few other locations, Udupi Palace is still a welcome addition to Valencia Street, right near another south Indian restaurant called Dosa and also not far from amazing Cha-Ya Vegan Japanese.

South Indian food is less common in the US, which is a shame. Specializing in dosa, a stuffed crepe-like dish, they also have uthapam, a pancake-style variation of dosa, in addition to more traditional Indian curries, such as chana masala and mixed vegetable curry. They also have two tomato-based soups. For a visual as well as a gastronomic treat, try the paper masala dosa! Served with a delectable sambar and a three different chutneys, including a lovely coconut chutney, this is a feast for the eyes, mouth, and stomach. It goes really well with their mango juice, too. With an all-veg menu, large portions, reasonable prices, great service, nice ambiance, and a good mix of people in a hip neighborhood, Udupi Palace is an instant classic and a...