Charminar Express

Charminar Express is finally in the Bay Area, and I couldn't be happier! Having already tried their food in San Diego and Irvine, I knew I was in for a treat. They have the best mutton biryani in the area--hands down. The flavors are spot on, and every bite takes you straight to Hyderabad. Their chicken 65 is another standout, perfectly seasoned and just like back home.The red chicken and dum ka chicken are equally authentic and full of flavor. We've also tried their catering for multiple events, and it's always a hit. The food quality is consistently amazing, and you're bound to get compliments from everyone. Highly recommend Charminar Express for anyone craving true Hyderabadi flavors!

Food - 2.5 star ( Mutton biryani - 4 star, chicken curry, paneer tikka, lahsuni chicken - 2.5 star, chilli garlic naan - 1 star) Service - 4 star Ambience - 3 star ( cold gust of winds hit you all the time when entrance opens)

We are already fans of their San Diego outlet and were very happy that they opened their branch in Bay Area.Amazing mutton biryani. The meat was cooked perfectly and the biryani rice was very flavourful. We ordered chilli chicken, Hyderabad dum goat biryani , chilli garlic naan and dum ka chicken. The Dum ka chicken was also very well made and the quantity was really good for the price. Chilli chicken was mouthwatering delicious. And all the meat is Zabiha Halal too. We were really happy with the food and will be definitely back again.

I'm thrilled to have discovered this gem in Sunnyvale, which serves some of the best Hyderabadi Indian cuisine I've had in the Bay Area! Our first visit tonight on the New Year's eve exceeded our expectations.The Chicken Biryani was exceptionally flavorful, with aromatic basmati rice cooked to perfection. The three pieces of chicken were marinated in rich, spicy Hyderabad-style flavors that complemented the rice beautifully. Best we've had in the Bay Area!The Chilli Chicken was another standout dish-, slightly sweet and tangy, with just the right balance of flavors.We also ordered the Chicken malai Kebab, which was deliciously creamy, although it could have benefited from a pinch of salt. Nonetheless, it was one of the best kebabs I've had in the area.Last but not least, the Mutton Haleem was rich, slow-cooked, and infused with an amazing smoky flavor from the charred onions. It was love at first bite! Try it with their biryanis.Overall, our experience at Express in Sunnyvale was fantastic. The food is authentic, flavorful, and expertly prepared. It's express so you order and pay at the kiosk and then the cutlery comes to your table along with water and food. They recently opened up and we wish them good luck! We'll be back! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025!

Halal meat is served here as the owner's are known Muslims. Excellent Chicken 65 as well as Haleem and Dum Goat Biriyani, which is one of their specialties. Nicely decorated interior with fast and friendly service. Highly recommended!

Authentic Hyderabadi food! We ordered goat and chicken biryani, Haleem and chicken 65. Biryani was the highlight. Rice was fluffy, well cooked and flavorful with meat perfectly cooked. It was flavorful without overpowering flavors. One of the best biryanis in Bay Area. Haleem and chicken65 was good so was Irani chai. Brought back memories of Hyderabad with Irani chai. A very authentic Hyderabadi restaurant. Hope they maintain the quality.

Great Food . Loved the chicken biryani, lesuni kebab and mutton biryani . Irani chai was fantastic too . One of the best restaurants in the Bay Area .

1) Just putting charminar pic or charminar name dose not make it a hyderabad restaurant .2) Chef has to be from hyderabad to make it a hyderbadi Restaurant3) All chefs looks like from out of hyderabad or out of state dont want to name them to make it any controversy 4) I heard the rest/owner had same business in san diago and moved here - in a remote US city people will crave to eat anything thing indian 5) in Bay Area Even the best of restaurant have to be perfect 8-9 of 10 time else they are gone in a Year 6) Service is nothing to nil cahier is either busy on Phones or Distracted7) Abidance is Casual not good for groups Food i ordered dine 1) Chicken Biryan - 3/52) Dum Ka chicken - 1/5 it is tandoori chicken in butter chicken gravy and that too tasteless 3) Chicken 65 - 1/5 no way near to the hyderabad style 4( Garlic Naan - 1/5 Just the thinnest naan i ate in bay area .

Charminar Express: A Flavorful Journey to HyderabadIf you're craving authentic Hyderabadi flavors, Charminar Express is the place to be! We recently dined here, and every bite transported us straight to the bustling streets of Hyderabad.We started with the Lehsooni Kebab, and it was nothing short of perfection. Tender, juicy, and infused with just the right amount of garlic, each bite was packed with smoky goodness. Next came the star of the meal--Hyderabadi Dum Biryani. The aromatic basmati rice, slow-cooked with perfectly spiced and tender meat, was a symphony of flavors. The saffron-kissed layers and the deep, rich flavors made it one of the best biryanis we've ever had!To end on a classic note, we sipped on Irani Chai--smooth, creamy, and mildly sweet with that signature kick of spice. It was the perfect way to round off a fantastic meal.From the authentic flavors to the warm hospitality, Charminar Express truly delivers a top-notch dining experience. If you love Hyderabadi cuisine, this spot is an absolute must-visit! 5/5 stars!

Ordered the family feast for dinner.The Paneer 65 was hard and almost inedible with no taste and very stale.Chicken Tikka masala and Chicken dum biryani was below average taste with Mango lassi having tons of food color in it.Won't recommend this place, very disappointed.