Shri Balaji Bhavan
Indian restaurant · Briar Meadow
5655 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77036
Highlights
Spicy South Indian vegetarian fare, crispy dosas, flavorful chaats
Spicy South Indian vegetarian fare, crispy dosas, flavorful chaats
"A popular counter service vegetarian place dominated by 2 big screens streaming mesmerizing Indian music videos. It's all good. We tried a Thali, the Pav Bhaji, a paper thin crispy Dosa (accompanied by the best Sambar I've tried), and our favorite, the Dahi Puri. One of their delicious signatures, it's a hard shell filled with chickpeas then drizzled with yogurt and tamarind and meant to be eaten in one bite." - ph Design Shop
"Whether you grab a seat at this counter-service spot or get your meal to go, you’re eating the best South Indian food in Houston. Shri Balaji Bhavan specializes in chaats, and every single one we’ve ordered is somehow better than the last. Like the samosa chaat, a large fried dumpling smothered in so many different spicy and tangy sauces you can barely see it. Try the pav bhaji, a simple tray of spicy vegetable mash with buttered, soft buns to dredge until the tray looks wiped clean. While Shri Balaji Bhavan may resemble most spots up and down this strip of Hillcroft, the expertly spiced food sets it apart." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"When you sit at this counter-service spot, take comfort in knowing that you’re eating the best South Indian food in Houston—and everything is vegetarian. Shri Balaji Bhavan specializes in chaats. Like samosa chaat, a large fried dumpling smothered in so many different sauces you can barely see it. Or papdi chaat with crunchy hollow wafers puffed up little ping pong balls that you can stuff with tangy chutney. And for those seeking spice along with their vegetables, Shri Balaji Bhavan won’t disappoint because most meals here require you to drink at least seven mango lassis to feel human again." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas
"This all-vegetarian counter service restaurant — its only branch outside of India — specializes in South Indian cuisine. Savor expertly fermented, crispy dosas that combine the dough’s light tartness with rich, heady-with-cumin fillings. Don’t be deceived by the no-frills interior and wallet-friendly prices. Shri Balaji Bhavan’s dishes brim with complex flavors, such as the richly spiced chole bhature, which mixes silky chickpeas in an earthy sauce with fried sourdough." - Brianna Griff
"With an affordable assortment of chaat, dosas, and entrees, Shri Balaji’s got options. Go for the $11 Madras Thali meal, an assembly of seasonal vegetables, basmati rice, a tangy, tomato-tamarind and lentil soup, sambar, fresh yogurt, lentil chips, and your choice of three chapatis cooked on the griddle or three puris, plus the dessert of the day. Feeling extra hungry? Add an appetizer of three potato-stuffed samosas for $5." - Brianna Griff
