At Vik’s Chaat, dive into a bustling, cafeteria-style haven where authentic Indian street food meets a well-stocked grocery market, perfect for foodies of all kinds.
"Vik’s is an occasion unto itself: A bustling, cafeteria-like gathering place for loud, boisterous extended families and groups of friends. Almost every customer gets an order of cholle bhature (“the big puffy thing,” as the restaurant’s online menu describes it), but all of the chaat is solid to very good — from pani puri to assorted kathi rolls. The adjoining market is a good place to stock up on Indian pantry staples like rice, chutney, and canned mango purée." - Dianne de Guzman
"Vik’s has been the place for Indian street food in the East Bay for more than 30 years and offers friendly service, a casual environment, and lots of snacky options via the chaat. With Indian cuisine’s naturally vegetarian-friendly nature parents can feel good about getting in the veg servings for the day. Kids’ eyes will widen at the puffy bhatura, and they may be persuaded by the promise of a sweet mango lassi to peruse the market with their parents to stock up on spices. Bonus for families: ample parking and seating indoors and out." - Justine Jones, Laura Smith Borrman
"A meal at this enormous West Berkeley warehouse feels a bit like eating in a food court. You order your Indian street food at the counter, pick up your metal tray (or, more likely, trays) from one of several pick-up stations, and then find a seat in the large cafeteria-style hall. This casual (and loud) place is a great option for just light snacks and big meals that should definitely include plump samosas, savory uttapam, the lamb biryani, and puris covered in yogurt and tamarind chutney. It also doubles as a market, so pick up rice, frozen paneer wraps, biscuits, or teas before heading out. " - Julia Chen 1, Lani Conway
"A meal at this enormous West Berkeley warehouse feels a bit like eating in a food court. You order your Indian street food at the counter, pick up your metal tray (or, more likely, trays) from one of several pick-up stations, then find a seat in the large cafeteria-style hall. This casual–and loud—place is a great option for just light snacks and big meals that should definitely include well-stuffed samosas, savory uttapam, the lamb biryani, and puris covered in yogurt and tamarind chutney. It also doubles as a market, so pick up rice, frozen paneer wraps, biscuits, or teas before heading out. photo credit: Brit Finnegan photo credit: Brit Finnegan photo credit: Brit Finnegan" - Lani Conway
"This bright orange and yellow building looks big enough to be a warehouse, which makes sense as the inside is not only a counter-service restaurant but also a market. Its namesake chaat may be the star here, but lunch specials are a fantastic bargain. For $15, you can get perfectly tender tandoori chicken with a mouthwatering smoky char, served alongside basmati rice, dal, raita and papadum. Family-friendly and casual, this Indo canteen seems to attract everyone with its excellent chaat, authentic flavors and breads—especially the fried and puffy bhature ideal for sopping up spicy chole. A glass case filled with colorful sweets reminds everyone to save room for dessert.The kitchen closes early at dinner, so unless you’re an early bird, go for lunch." - Michelin Inspector
