Dosa Express

Visited this restaurant for the first time. The place looks nice and clean—very inviting atmosphere. The food? Absolutely amazing! I’d rate it 10/5 if I could. Especially loved the dosa—it was really delicious and full of flavor. However, the customer service was a letdown. All the employees looked upset or unapproachable, which made the experience a bit uncomfortable. No smiles, no warm welcome. Hopefully, they can improve their communication and service—it would make a huge difference. We ordered two items, and the total came to $34. While it’s a bit on the pricey side, the food quality makes it worth it. Would I come back? For the food—definitely. But I hope the staff’s attitude improves next time.

The food is average, but the person at the counter is not at all professional. He does not know how to treat customers. I’ve visited this place several times, and whenever there are elder staff members, the service is good — but this guy with glasses 👓 is consistently disrespectful. He speaks in an arrogant manner and does not know how to handle customers properly. I am writing this review after many visits, and he behaves the same way every time. If this continues, they are going to lose customers and business.

This is a regular restaurant with self service, serves yummy and fresh South Indian food with very pocket friendly prices. We love there going often. Weekends are very busy and it’s a little difficult to find parking but food is worth it.

Value for money.food is good but it comes with a lot of conditions. Food is priced low compared to all south indian restaurant in the area. This restaurant has a self service and you have to go to the counter for every refill for shambhar. Only visit this place if you are looking for authentic dosa.

This place has great food and some great drinks, but there’s one thing that is very bad the food we ordered was good but half of the things were not my order. There was things missing in my order and the service was terrible. the guy up front said my coffe was coming but never came so we were very upset.

Absolutely disappointed with the food quality at Dosa Express. The dosa was soggy, lacked flavor, and tasted like it was made hours ago. For a place that calls itself “Express,” there was nothing fresh or fast about the food. Total letdown. And the spects guy Was very rude I don’t know if he is the server or owner

We have been coming here for 20 years. Really. That long. And the food is the best there is in Iselin if you are a fan of South Indian food. Best Idlis. Reminds me of Bangalore National College. Sheila always smiles and is kind. Their pricing is best in the area. We should really support them since they need our help to keep pricing down. Awesome place. 5 stars (since I cannot give 6 stars).

This is a fast service Indian dosa place. You walk up to the counter where there are a bunch of menus and the usual list of items on the wall - a little hard to read at a distance. Get a menu and decide what you want. Order it at the counter and then wait for your number to be called. You can order to stay or takeaway. The dosa were excellent and the Mango Lassi were delicious.

Legendary spot in Little India. Hadn't been in years, but stopped by with the family while dropping someone off at the train station. Great prices, portions were just enough! Was pretty busy on a Sunday afternoon, so ordering took a while, but food came out quick enough. Wish I lived closer, I'd be here more often. To the owners: I would recommend that you guys fix your parking lot, needs to be fixed.

I'm a bit surprised seeing the reviews here because Dosa Express is generally known as the best place to get dosa in Edison (hence the five stars I'm giving it). I would highly recommend the rava dosa with mango lassi. The portion size is large enough to satisfy but not so much that you can't finish or have leftovers. It's a very simple, no frills restaurant. They use disposable plates and glasses. The food is reasonably priced and there is a lot of seating. I see a lot of complaints in these reviews regarding customer service. I personally haven't had any issues; however, I have never made special requests. In my experience, the wait time was always reasonable as well.

Best dosa in NJ! A little hole in the wall restaurant with amazing dosa options. Sambar is flavorful and delicious. All dosas are large and super filling. Great price as well. Interior needs a little work but overall a must try!

My friend and I got two dosas (a Mysore masala dosa and a masala dosa). The dosas were very well priced (only $7)! The place was definitely busy, but the service was still very quick.

I love the food . Always go there to eat . But I have a complaint. We have to pay toll and travel long to eat here . If the website is not updated we lose time and money . We saw it showed open on Monday here and we drive here , hungry and far . But it was closed . Please make sure your timing and days are updated here .

The dosa was great, ambiance is very low/no frills which adds to the charm. I will say I was very disappointed with the fact that when I asked for sambar without cilantro I was met with surprised and annoyance. I was told they do not have any sambar without sambar premixed. However I was here a month ago and there were able to get cilantro free sambar without difficulty. When I mentioned this I was again met with annoyance, stating that they never this before. Although I would've come back for the dosa, the way I politely asked about something pretty small in my opinion and the reaction will influence my decision, as there are many huh quality dosa eateries in this area.

Agree with most of the reviews here. It is definitely authentic, quick and cheap. However the food is quite "samey" without a huge amount of differentiation between the mains despite a slew of different options. I would recommend it as a solid Dosa restaurant but definitely research the dishes beforehand unless you're very familiar with the menu. Felt a bit queasy the next morning.

Great value and tasty dosa. The masala dosa was my favorite, great flavor with the sambar and coconut chutney. The onion chili dosa was just OK.

This place has its service and food are very very bad. I am here at this place right now and all the people here are complaining the sambhar is only water. At least 25 to 30 people here are complaining the same. These people don't care for business. Owner doesn't care for business.

Been here many times in the past, this is a great indian fast food spot. It's not much for ambiance or aesthetic but they serve piping hot, delicious food. There is usually enough parking and ample seating inside. They operate a lot on to-go orders but dine is great too! I wish they reduced their styrofoam and plastic usage for dine in customers - perhaps with the new plastic bags reform in the state the amount of disposables will be made more eco friendly as well. Of course as their namesake Dosas are incredible - cooked to crispy yet soft perfection. I like a classic Sada (plain) dosa or occasionally sada rava or masala dosa - all good choices. Their coconut chutney is equally yummy. Uttapams are decent as well. I would avoid the daal vada - very dry and not so tasty. Idli is a hit or a miss - sometimes nice warm and soft, and other times dry and stale. The sambar that comes with the dosas is phenomenal - always delicious. This a great spot for a quick cheap meal - love stopping by here!

No frills kinda place. Great value for dosa and idly. I get the Mysore chili onion masala dosa and it's always fresh. Also, try the mango rice. It's delish!

Such a simple Cafe atmosphere, keeping prices reasonable. Taste is fantastic , fresh and good south Indian food!waiting time very reasonable

Don't be fooled by the aesthetic. A lot of Yelpers are complaining about stuff other than the food. Yes, the chairs squeak and you get food served on paper plates. It honestly makes no difference to me because I'm here to eat Dosas, and as far as the Dosas are concerned they're SOOO GOOOD! I literally drive hours just to visit this place. The Dosas have had the same amazing flavor for the past decade. This place is consistent, and that's what I like.

Great place for Mysore masala dosa which is always tasty. Idly, rice and other dosas haven't been consistently great but it's definitely better than so many other places around. Five stars for the dosa and low prices and good parking space!

Great dosas, affordable prices and fast service. What more do you want? Do not expect decor or indulging service. Get in the line and order your food. Pick up your plastic silverware, napkins from a dispenser and styrofoam cup with cold water and sit tight with your "number" in hand while you relax consuming social media content. Dosa, idly, wada etc - all standard fare and classic simple taste. You can ask them to alter spice - no issues. Our favorites are paper butter or cheese masala dosa. Super crispy and all the goodness of potatoes and spices to fill your tummy. Onion rava is amazing too. Madras coffee - probably instant bru is quite extraordinary as well. Just avoid super rush hour as it can get crowded especially rush hour on weekends. Double thumbs up

So I've been to Dosa Express multiple times throughout my lifetime and the reason we keep coming back is because the dosa is just plain good (no pun intended). Not just the dosa -- the idali, vada, sambhar, etc. I have no idea how to spell these things but I do know how to eat them. I'm knocking off a star because the service is TERRIBLE. But people keep coming back because of the quality of the food. Dosa Express is a super casual restaurant with a decent amount of simple seating. You order at the counter, they call your number, you pick it up and you take it to wherever you are sitting. It's hard to find excellent sambhar -- but this place has it. The only thing is that it's hard to get enough sambhar since they are very stingy about it and give you the tiniest cups of it and don't let you get more unless they really like you. The chutney is also ON POINT. They also don't put yogurt in it so it's a great option for dairy-free customers. Prices are also very good and somewhat generous. They also give you fairly nice dabbas to take leftover food with you. When I came about a week ago everything was the same as it always has been. Somehow has a homey feeling -- maybe because it's super Indian. I don't know. Parking can be an issue because the lot is hella small but you can find parking on the street or behind the Dunkin' Donuts across the street from Dosa Express and walk a little. Anyway -- the food makes it all worth it. You'll have to suffer from bad service but as I said a million times -- it is worth it.

This will be my shorted review of all time but take this review seriously as I know this place for past 20 years and low rating of this place prompted me to set the record straight. Don't come here for "Ambiance" Don't come here for "World Class White Glove and white Table Cloth Service" Don't Come here with the expectations of "Having all food item on the menu available later in the day or during their busy time, for obvious reasons" DO COME HERE If you want to experience true and time tested taste of some serious DOSA!!!!! These FIVE stars are all for the food. Oh I forgot don't come here if you do not like Eating in foam plates with plastic knifes (Dosa need only hands). As always you have to try it to believe it. #happyeating

Wish there was a 3.5 star. It's not as bad as a 3 rating, but not as good as 4. Dosa is awesome . No doubts.. but chutney and sambar aren't authentic or good. For me, chutyney is key. U can't have dosa with a not so good chutney. Also , they should try making other chutneys like tomato, pudina etc etc. It's not so pricey which is a good thing. Vada was good but again, i wish they had tasty chutneys to go with vada. Overall a decent restaurant..

Ordered just now and it took 45 minutes to get the food, after asking for 20 min if it will be ready. Refused to answer, but quick to ask for payment. Will never go back, especially during covid.

Been going here a lot lately. The chili Mysore masala dosa is delish. Fast service, no frills affordable dosa.

Neighborhood spot for the win! I'll be honest, I came with a friend from India and had very little say in the ordering process, which was probably for the best. We shared the vada appetizer, seven layer dosa, and masala paneer dosa which were both bomb. No frills, very casual, good for a quick/authentic dosa fix. Definitely recommend! Plus, only $18 total for so much food!

If I lived nearby, I'd eat there every day. Fantastic food at really reasonable prices. The fact that everyone else was Indian said it all.

Cafeteria - like setting. But food is prepared quickly, and tastes good. Parking is very limited, so street parking may be required.

They get 2 stars due to price!! Ordered ORMD- very very oily. Reduce the oil in All dosas. Idli was made of Rava-Very brittle, mendu wada was retried, multiple price!! And on the top, the hospitality from the person on counter was, Super DRY and un-Welcoming! What happened to the training given in Food -Hospitality industry for over 100 plus years" Customer in GOD May try one more time just to see

Love the variety, so many options for different flavored dosas! Got the cheese maysore masala dosa and was very satisfied.

Best sambhar. Best chutney. Best dosa. This is self serve. Staff not the most friendly. But this restaurant food is GOOD.

I rates this restaurant on 5 key components: 1. Taste 2. Atmosphere 3. Service 4. Cleanliness 5. Presentation Taste was a solid 4. I genuinely enjoyed the butter mysure masala dosa (please excuse my spelling). The dosa felt somewhere homely and familiar. The outside was crisp and the inside was filled with magical filling. I was not only full but I was satisfied and happy with my choice. My only recommendation is to try the dosa without the sambar and chatney. I feel as though this will help solidify your dosa pallet and give you a more honest interpretation of the meal Atmosphere wasn't definitely sub par. The outside of the restaurant is as rundown as it's insides. For that reason I give it a 2. Service was average. That being said, I am giving it a 3 because of its low speed to quality ratio. In terms of cleanliness, I have to give it a 2.5. The bathroom was unsanitary as hell. Lastly, presentation was nothing special, and the food came on paper plates. For this, I am giving it a 3. Averaging all the scores together, we get a 2.9/5 Tl;Dr if you want to get something nice and quick to eat, eat here. If you want to have a good experience with your food, do not.

Today was my first time at Dosa Express! So, this place does not have any waiters, you pretty much order at the window, and pick up your order when they call you, and sit anywhere you like in the restaurant. There are plenty of tables and seats, so you don't have to worry about having to share tables with strangers or having to wait for a table. As we glanced through the menu, one of my friends and I decided on the paper dosa. My other friend warned me that the dosa would be very big and I wondered how big could it actually be?? Furthermore, dosas are hollow, so how much space can it take in your stomach anyway?? But I was wrong...the paper dosas were about 3ft long, twice the size of a regular dosa, and the 2 scoops of mashed potato filling inside the dosa might not seem like much, but it is dense. Dense, delicious and not spicy. All dosas also seem to come with a bowl of sambhar and side of coconut chutney to pair or spread on the dosa, and were very flavorful. I look forward to coming back and eating their other dosas.

I went to Dosa Express today as I needed some for quick hot food and the one of these few times, the parking lot was not that full. I was the only customer in the restaurant. The lady behind the counter seemed ok enough in taking the order but she messed up the order big time. The dosa was cold. It looked like she has somehow thrown it together in a hurry. The mysore masala chilli dosa is supposed to have chillies cooked right into the crust. At least, that's how I remember from long ago. But, today, the chillis were just sprinkled on the masala which was not even spread properly. On top of everything, the middle part of the dosa was completely soggy due to her putting it right now top of the chutney. This was very poor customer service. I will not be going there again ever.

I want to give no stars but yelp doesn't have an option for that. We have been trying this restaurant for over 4 years and would have visited over 15 times in this period. We were never impressed with the customer service but the last visit recently was the most horrific experience. We were eating our dinner and my son had not finished his food . He is 3.5 years old. It was almost closing time but we were waiting for him to finish. The janitor started sweeping the floor and came up to us and demanded we shift to a different table and was extremely rude . He had no decent to wait till we finish and the owners no where to be seen. Please stay away from this place . They need to learn to respect human beings and especially when a kid is around.

Food was so good! Brought my parents and grandparents for dinner and the dosas were amazing! They have unlimited sambar and chutney on the side! I ordered maysore masala dosa and it was actually spicy which I fully enjoyed. My dad ordered the seven layer dosa and that was an absolute hit. The service was great! I will definitely come again!

A no nonsense expat friendly place which can only be enjoyed if you walk in with lower expectations on service but not so on the taste. Order at the counter and wait for the number to be called kind of a place. Pure South Indian fare with some really authentic preparations. Our favorite is Onion Rava Masala Dosa. Their dosa fillings taste the best and so does the chutney and sambar. The serving size of sambar is small - but they can give you extra serving, if the counter staff is in a good mood (yes, it's that kind of a place). Note that this can get very busy on weekend and you will need patience as you wait for your number to be called. You have to visit this place at least once to experience not only the authentic taste but also get the feeling that you are actually in India!

This place is excellent for what it is - a no frills, cheap dive with excellent food and questionable hygiene. I'm a South Indian and the last time I had a dosa this good was in Madras (Chennai). We ordered butter masala dosa ($5.25), medu vada ($3.50 for 2), dal vada ($3.50), 2 coffees and a diet coke for a grand total of $17.66. Medu vada are savory donuts made of the same (or a similar) batter to the rice crepes (dosa) and dal vadas are these flattened crispy lentil fritters made of skinned, soaked chick peas (I think). The food was delicious and I'd give it a (6/5). Yes! That good! Sambar and chutney were impeccable. The coffee is South Indian filter coffee (heaven!). Plates are styrofoam and plastic ware is the cheapest of the cheap. My bf had to kill a tiny cockroach on the floor. This might have squigged me out more if I hadn't already accepted this place for what it is. The bf was the only white person in the restaurant and I was the only one in shorts. No, they have no idea what food allergies are. Don't go here if you have any. But I will be returning. Time and time again. The food is worth it and I don't really care about the other stuff.

Worst Customer service. The lady at the counter looks dead. She acts as though she is giving free food. The food is reasonable priced. That's the only reason they have customers. The place is not always clean.

Love their sambhar it's amazing! They close early on mondays currently. Service is decent and food packed well when we do take out as well. Always try to visit while in Edison, best dosa and sambhar I have had around here so far.

The Dosa is fantastic. The best I have tasted in a decade. The Dosa express woman - She made the chili masala dosa in 2 mins. Not too soft, not too crispy, not too big, not too small, not too much masala, not too little masala, not too spicy, not too bland. Just a great south Indian style dosa. The place is clean and well maintained. I want to make weekly visits now.

Yummy spot , the owner remembers us every time we come back . We usually get paper masala dosa

The dosas here are excellent, probably one of the top places in the area. Their sambar is also on point. With that said, you might be wondering, "Why the two stars?" Three reasons: The customer service is atrocious, the place has questionable cleanliness, and they only give you a tiny cup of sambar with your order. Other yelpers have commented on the woman behind the counter. If you come in and see a stout Indian woman with black eyeliner behind the counter, be warned. She will ignore you when you try to order, then act like she's doing you a favor when she does finally talk to you. This goes beyond just inattentive service, this is straight up asking me to spend my money somewhere else. Other counter help are friendlier, but nothing I would even call good. Its a really traditional South Indian veg place, so the cleanliness standards are a bit lower than you might be used to, and the décor is definitely no frills. Its standard restaurant depot lacquered tables and Styrofoam plates. Still, even then the dining room is mildly grimy. Last, but not least, the sambar. Easily one of the best in the area. However, its behind the counter and you only get a tiny cup. I'm talking maybe 3-4 ounces. This is clearly an insufficient amount. If you get lucky, you might get another one if you request it. Given the customer service issues, I wouldn't count on getting any more than your tiny ration. A dosa place should have sambar flowing like water, not under lock and key. If you can overlook these issues, then you can count on a really tasty experience. I myself still come occasionally if I'm feeling like skirting the food poisoning gods and if I see the mean lady isn't behind the counter.

Very disappointing place unless you are real thrift about your food. Don't expect any customer service or support. You can see their unhygienic kitchen right in front of you. I am not sure if owner pays the lady enough to behave properly with customers. I have visited few times just for the taste of food but i felt like beggar to her more then customer.

Please don't come here! The lady upfront, who I believe is the owner has NO etiquette and lacks common people manners. My 4 year old daughter has severe dairy and peanut allergy and we told the lady this. She looked at is as if we have 10 heads. When she served my daughters plain dosa, it was touching the chutney. Before we took possession of the dosa, we pointed it out and said for the safety of my daughter, please make us a new one. She REFUSED!! She said to buy something else. We tried arguing and told her if something happens, will she take responsibility? After being frustrated, I told her I would pay for another one. She said "there are too many people in line now and I cannot make it." The nerve of this lady. So I told her, "my 4 year old daughter is suppose to watch us eat while she starves??!!" I will never ever come back to this place and hope you guys will ban it. There are so many better places on Oak Tree Rd that serve good quality South Indian food. If I could give negative stars, I would give 100 negative stars. No ones child should be put into danger over a .50 dosa. Please stay away!!

Not the nicest of places in terms of a esthetics but the food is spot on. It's delicious, cheap, and as a vegetarian, a go - to. One thing though, if you want food from here, you should eat in instead of doing takeout. The dosage sizes are much smaller for takeout. Otherwise, I love the food here.

Good South Indian food. Cheap. This place is a dive but serves quick food. No frills but worth a quick stop in from time to time. Located away from the "main" area of restaurants and grocery stores its good for something simple. Chutney and sambal are good as well which is a key part to all South Indian food!

This restaurant has a stupid idea of not giving out Sambhars on the weekend. When asked , they say they don't have enough to give out. What?? Why can't you make more when you know the demand is more on weekends. You cannot say no to consumers who want to buy the product when you have it. This is ridiculous.

This place is filthy! And the attitude is horrible; when I mentioned that all the 4 dosas were burnt, there was no reaction. Never should anyone eat here! . I don't know why they should run this way, when don't care about the customer satisfaction. This has happened several times and we had felt that it was pure coincidental, but I guess they really don't care!! What is more surprising is that they have a satisfactory rating in their inspection!!

Good food and reasonable prices. Only constructive feedback is about there slow service and hope they can work on it.

This place has the worst customer service! I had called them 10 times to place a takeout order and the phone kept going to voice message and they were open. I had to drive and place my order. I asked the guy on the counter to why they didn't pick up the phone. He said we were busy. What kind of business does that. At the end they are losing their customers. So they won't pick up their phone when they are busy and you are unable to do take out. This is ridiculous. Now I have to wait there for my food to be ready. & The FOOD WAS HORRIBLE

Do not go to this place the food is mediocre and the service is horrible. Guess they are a husband n wife team with so much attitude. We asked for a high chair for our infant the man was rude and had no courtesy towards the ladies. The woman at the counter seems to be illiterate. She had a blank look always..... let's drop their pride

My experience at Dosa Express was very reminiscent of the Seinfeld Soup Nazi episode - except for the fact that the soups in Seinfeld were supposedly good. The lady who takes orders at Dosa Express was either in a bad mood, or didn't like the fact that I suggested that they change their name from Dosa Express to "Dosa Local" given the speed at which things were progressing. The quality of the food was awful. I've had BAD south Indian food in NJ, but I think this one tops them all. The food was very cold. Although on second thought I probably had it wrong. Rather than eating the cold vadas an rock hard idlis, maybe I was supposed to throw them at the waitstaff to get their attention.

Terrible. Yep, that's about it. Though it attracts many South Indians due to its unbelieveably low prices, expect the food to be of even worse quality. I gave this place a shot because it seemed to be relatively popular with South Indians and I was hankerin' for a dosa after a friend of mine made one for me. First off, the food sucks. This place takes bad South Indian food to a new level. I thought I had tasted some really bad stuff before, but this toads the wet sprocket. Cold, unappetizing, and surprisingly bland. The restaurant doesn't look very nice, even for a hole-in-the-wall place. Its pretty dirty. The place is more like a cafeteria than a restaurant. I think Dosa Express was used as a set for THX 1138. White, plastic deck chairs and white office tables make up the ambience, along with white walls, floors, and ceilings with (woudn't you know it) flourescent lights. Surprisingly, this place is loved by South Indians. However, I can't figure out if its because of what they see as appealing prices, or because they think its good food. Unfortunately, you can't pay me to eat here again. Another fine review by S.G. Whoop, whoop, whoop!!!!!

Customer service was terrible, forced to wait while the employees were arguing over a unrelated issue. Unclear and unfriendly service. Instead of allowing us to approach the counter directly from the second sitting area, they told us to exit the restaurant and enter through a second entrance. Will not be recommending to any family and friends.