Best Cheap Indian Restaurants in San Jose | Cheap Indian Food

30 restaurants in Best Cheap Indian Restaurants in San Jose | Cheap Indian Food

• Pav Bhaji And More — Indian · rated 4/5: The air at Pav Bhaji And More is thick with the intoxicating scent of spiced butter and sizzling vegetables, drawing diners into a vibrant space that celebrates the soul of Indian street food. Golden, butter-toasted buns wait to be dipped into rich, crimson mashes, while the rhythmic clinking of spatulas on the tawa yields fragrant heaps of spiced pulao and zesty, handheld snacks. A steaming cup of aromatic Amruttulya tea provides the perfect, creamy finish to this high-energy culinary journey through the bustling flavors of the roadside stall.
• Saapaaduu — Indian · rated 3/5: Saapaaduu transports diners to the vibrant heart of South India, where the sizzle of golden-fried bajjis and the fragrant aroma of tempering curry leaves create an atmosphere of soulful warmth. The kitchen masters the delicate balance of texture and heat, serving everything from the melt-in-your-mouth softness of steamed Pidi Kozhukkattai to the bold, spice-laden punch of Mutton Kola Urundai. It is a culinary destination that celebrates the spirit of regional street food, inviting guests to linger over plates of aromatic kurma and crispy, herb-dusted cauliflower in a space that feels both nostalgic and inviting.
• The Gurkha Kitchen — Indian: The Gurkha Kitchen transports diners to the vibrant streets of Kathmandu, where the air is thick with the enticing aroma of toasted spices and sizzling meats. Crispy pani poori and zesty samosa chat offer a playful explosion of textures and tang, while the traditional Thakali Thali provides a soulful, balanced journey through the heart of Himalayan comfort food. It is a lively gathering spot where bold, smoky flavors like chicken choila and spiced sekuwa celebrate a rich culinary heritage in every bite.
• Egglicious India — Indian: Egglicious India transforms the humble egg into a vibrant celebration of street-side flavors, where the air is thick with the pungent aroma of garlic tempering and the sizzle of spicy woks. Diners dive into a world of bold textures and heat, from the satisfying crunch of golden egg lollipops to the comforting, herb-flecked warmth of zesty Manchow soups. This lively destination brings together traditional Indian spices and spirited Indo-Chinese flair, creating an addictive dining experience that reinvents comfort food with every fiery bite.
• Bikaner Sweets — Indian: Step into a vibrant sanctuary of Indian confectionery where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of simmering ghee, crushed cardamom, and saffron-infused syrups. Glistening pyramids of silver-leafed mithai and golden, syrup-soaked jalebis crowd the counters, offering a kaleidoscope of textures that range from melt-in-your-mouth fudges to the satisfying, spicy crunch of traditional hand-crafted savories.
• Anjappar Chettinad Indian Restaurant — Indian: The air hums with the vibrant energy of a bustling Southern Indian kitchen, thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted black pepper, star anise, and freshly tempered curry leaves. Diners are treated to the bold, fiery soul of Chettinad heritage, where rich, complex gravies and succulent meats are meticulously crafted to deliver a symphony of heat and spice that lingers long after the final bite.
• Lados — Indian: Lados pulses with the vibrant energy of a South Asian street market, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin and the rhythmic sizzle of spiced patties on the grill. Diners dive into legendary bun kababs nestled in buttery, toasted brioche and succulent grilled meats that burst with bold, authentic heat and fragrant herbs. It is a lively destination where traditional flavors are reimagined with a modern edge, offering a soulful and fiery escape in every hand-crafted bite.
• Anjappar Chettinadu Indian Restaurant — Indian: Step into a vibrant culinary enclave where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of hand-ground black pepper, toasted star anise, and tempering curry leaves. The kitchen honors the fiery heritage of Tamil Nadu, serving up deeply spiced gravies and golden, lacy dosas that capture the bold, complex soul of Chettinad tradition. It is a sensory journey through South India’s legendary spice coast, where every bite offers a masterclass in the art of balanced heat and aromatic depth.
• Fitoor — Indian: Stepping into Fitoor feels like entering a vibrant celebration of modern Indian artistry, where bold jewel tones and shimmering accents set the stage for a passionate culinary journey. The air hums with the fragrance of toasted spices and charcoal-grilled delicacies as traditional heritage flavors are reimagined through a contemporary lens to create an electrifying dining experience.
• Dusita Thai Cuisine — Thai: Dusita Thai Cuisine offers a serene escape where the bright, aromatic scents of fresh basil and kaffir lime drift through a space defined by warm hospitality and golden accents. The culinary experience centers on a masterful harmony of textures and heat, anchored by a signature Panang curry that features a luscious, peanut-laced coconut gravy simmered to fragrant perfection. It is a destination where traditional soul meets modern elegance, turning every meal into a vivid exploration of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage.
• Parktown Pizza Company — Italian: Parktown Pizza Company reimagines the casual taproom experience by infusing classic comfort foods with the bold, aromatic spices of the Indian subcontinent. The air hums with the scent of toasted cumin and sizzling tandoori meats, as golden samosas and fries smothered in rich butter chicken sauce offer a vibrant, cross-cultural feast for the senses. It is a lively neighborhood hub where traditional flavors meet modern cravings, inviting guests to gather over creative small plates that bridge the gap between familiar favorites and exotic zest.
• Jasmine Fine Thai Cuisine — Thai: Soft golden lighting and the fragrant aroma of crushed lemongrass set the stage for an elevated dining experience that honors the vibrant traditions of Thailand. The kitchen transforms fresh, aromatic herbs and hand-ground spices into a symphony of flavors, where the velvety heat of red curry meets the bright, citrusy crunch of a perfectly balanced salad. It is a place where culinary artistry and warm hospitality converge, turning every meal into a graceful celebration of Southeast Asian soul.
• Urban Momo — Indian: Steaming bamboo baskets release fragrant clouds of ginger and garlic into a vibrant, modern space where the soul of Himalayan street food meets the pulse of the city. Each hand-pleated momo offers a burst of savory warmth, perfectly paired with zesty, house-made chutneys that dance on the palate alongside bowls of aromatic, spice-laden broth. It is a lively urban escape where traditional craftsmanship and bold, mountain-born flavors converge for a dining experience that is both comforting and exhilarating.
• Ganesha Indian Cuisine Sweets and — Indian: The air is thick with the intoxicating perfume of toasted cumin and cardamom, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the colorful artistry of traditional Indian sweets lines the counters. The signature Curry Box offers a curated journey through regional flavors, presenting a harmonious balance of spice-kissed gravies and fragrant basmati rice that captures the soulful essence of authentic home-style cooking.
• Malabar Coast — Indian: Stepping into Malabar Coast feels like a journey to India’s sun-drenched southwestern shores, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted spices and fresh curry leaves. Vibrant seafood curries enriched with creamy coconut milk and tangy tamarind take center stage, served alongside lacy appams that capture the soul of coastal Kerala. The warm, inviting space hums with the energy of a tropical escape, offering a sensory celebration of traditional flavors reimagined with modern elegance.
• Tandoori Pizza — Indian: The air hums with the intoxicating aroma of toasted cumin and ginger, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the bold spices of the East meet the comforting warmth of a classic pizzeria. Golden, bubbling crusts serve as a canvas for rich shahi paneer and succulent tandoori chicken, creating a harmonious fusion where every slice delivers a symphony of heat, creaminess, and aromatic flair.
• Pacific Catch — Seafood: Stepping into this vibrant coastal sanctuary feels like a journey across the Pacific, where the air carries the fragrant heat of red curry and the briny sweetness of freshly steamed clams. The kitchen masterfully bridges continents, serving up everything from the bright, citrus-kissed crunch of Vietnamese salads to the smoky, tender depth of slow-cooked sticky ribs in a space that hums with the relaxed energy of a seaside getaway.
• Sam & Curry — Indian: Sam & Curry pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern spice market, reimagining the bold, aromatic soul of Indian cuisine through playful and inventive street-food forms. Guests can dive into hearty burritos and zesty tacos overflowing with fragrant fillings, or craft steaming rice bowls that serve as a colorful mosaic of traditional spices and fresh, contemporary textures. This lively destination brings a spirited twist to classic flavors, offering a fast-paced culinary adventure that is as comforting as it is unexpected.
• Sam & Curry — Indian: Vibrant colors and the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin fill this modern eatery, where traditional Indian flavors are reimagined through a playful, customizable lens. Guests craft their own culinary journeys, layering fragrant basmati rice and tender, spice-rubbed proteins with bright chutneys and cooling raita for a meal that is as bold as it is personal. It is a spirited destination that bridges the gap between ancient spice traditions and the fast-paced energy of contemporary life.
• Kabab & Curry's — Indian: The air at Kabab & Curry’s is thick with the enticing perfume of toasted spices and sizzling meats, drawing guests into a vibrant space where street-side soul meets the refined elegance of royal Mughlai cuisine. Crispy samosas and tangy chaats provide a playful burst of texture, while melt-in-the-mouth Lucknowi Galawat kababs and delicate, hand-folded potlis invite diners to linger over a rich, aromatic tapestry of authentic and inventive flavors.
• Kettle'e Cafe — Indian: Kettle'e Cafe invites diners into a vibrant, eclectic space where the aromatic sizzle of a wok meets the comforting char of a perfectly grilled burger. The air is thick with the scent of toasted buns and zesty spices, as the kitchen turns out everything from creamy avocado-topped sandwiches to the nostalgic, street-style heat of a classic Bun Kabab. It is a flavorful crossroads where casual cafe culture blends seamlessly with bold Indo-Chinese flair, offering a warm and spirited escape for every craving.
• Sagar Sweets — Indian: Sagar Sweets hums with the vibrant energy of a traditional Indian snack house, where the irresistible aroma of spiced samosas and sizzling pakoras draws you into a world of bold, street-food flavors. Guests can indulge in the satisfying crunch of colorful chaats drizzled with tangy chutneys or find comfort in velvety bowls of slow-simmered daal makhani and hearty chana masala. This lively destination offers a true sensory celebration, where every bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, spice, and soulful comfort.
• Punjab Cafe — Indian: Punjab Cafe invites diners into a vibrant space where the air is thick with the warm, enticing fragrance of toasted spices and sizzling tandoori specialties. Golden-fried pakoras and crisp aloo tikki offer a satisfying crunch before giving way to tender, spice-infused centers, while the tang of fresh bhel puri provides a bright contrast to the smoky char of succulent chicken tikka. This neighborhood gem bridges tradition and modern flair, serving up a tapestry of bold Punjabi flavors that turn every shared platter into a festive celebration of North Indian soul food.
• Best Desi Pizza — Indian: The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin and bubbling mozzarella, drawing diners into a vibrant space where East meets West on a golden, blistered crust. Bold tandoori spices and aromatic chutneys dance atop traditional pies, transforming the familiar comfort of a pizzeria into a spirited celebration of South Asian flavors. Each bite offers a harmonious collision of textures, from the crunch of the oven-fired dough to the succulent, spice-marinated toppings that define this unique fusion destination.
• Everest Cuisine — Indian: This vibrant sanctuary transports diners to the foothills of the Himalayas, where the scent of toasted cumin and ginger wafts from a bustling kitchen dedicated to the art of mountain soul food. Delicate, hand-pleated dumplings and rich, slow-simmered stews offer a tapestry of textures and warmth, creating a communal dining experience that feels both adventurous and deeply comforting.
• Tarah Thai Kitchen — Thai: The air at Tarah Thai Kitchen is thick with the intoxicating perfume of lemongrass and galangal, drawing guests into a space where steaming pots of Tom Yum and creamy Tom Kha take center stage. Crispy golden curry puffs and zesty wings offer a playful prelude to the rich, nutty warmth of Roti Panang curry, creating a dining experience that celebrates the vibrant harmony of Thai spices. Every bite balances the crunch of house-made rolls with the tender comfort of satay, offering a soulful journey through the bold and bright flavors of Southeast Asia.
• Burma Roots — Burmese: Burma Roots invites diners into a world of vibrant aromatics and bold textures, where the signature crunch of fermented tea leaf salad meets the buttery, golden layers of traditional palata dipped in savory curry. The kitchen masterfully balances heat and heart, serving up everything from crackling pork belly to delicate, silken Shan tofu in a warm atmosphere that celebrates the rich, soulful heritage of Burmese cooking.
• Peppertales — Indian: Peppertales captures the vibrant spirit of Indian soul food, where the air is thick with the smoky perfume of tandoori spices and the irresistible crunch of golden-fried pakoras. Guests dive into a tapestry of textures, from the velvety indulgence of creamy Afghani chicken to the fragrant, spice-laden depths of a perfectly layered Murg Prada Biryani. This is a culinary sanctuary where traditional heat and cooling herbal notes harmonize, creating a dining experience that feels both deeply nostalgic and excitingly fresh.
• Bawarchi — Indian: The air at Bawarchi is thick with the intoxicating perfume of saffron and toasted spices, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the soul of traditional Indian cooking takes center stage. Inside, the rhythmic clatter of the kitchen accompanies the arrival of steaming copper handis, revealing layers of fragrant, long-grain basmati rice and succulent meats slow-cooked to tender perfection.
• World Wraps — American: This vibrant eatery serves as a passport for the palate, where the crunch of golden fries meets a kaleidoscope of international flavors in a lively, modern setting. Guests can dive into bowls of hand-cut fries piled high with aromatic tikka spices or smoky bravas sauce, or opt for the refreshing crunch of globally-inspired salads tossed in nutty dressings and bright vinaigrettes. Whether scooping up creamy house-made guacamole with warm tortilla chips or exploring the bold textures of a Chinese chopped salad, every bite offers a spirited celebration of diverse tastes and textures.