Vik's Chaat
Vik's Chaat
mid afternoon finds north indians detouring to their favorite pushcart for this cooling snack of flat papdis, potatoes and garbanzo beans smothered with yogurt and chutneys.
i still remember making the trek to the pushcart at elko arcade in mumbai for these puris filled and topped with yogurt and tamarind chutney. make sure you finish the best part, the tangy mixture at the bottom of the plate, after the puris are gone.
my grandma would have us help her grind lentils which were then made into dumplings and soaked in hot water to make them soft to their core. they are dipped in yogurt and served with mint and tamarind chutneys.
at 3pm sharp everyday the bhel puri wala would pass our neighborhood ringing the bell on his pushcart. he would serve this zesty mixture of rice puffs, potatoes, onions and chutneys covered with sev in a recycled newspaper. ask for it sweet, medium or spicy.
the bhel puri walas other specialty: flat papdis with potatoes, onions, and chutneys topped with sev and, when in season, raw mango.
you will find vendors with pushcarts and even bicycles selling this fiery, mint water filled in puffed puris. make a hole in the puri, stuff it with potatoes and garbanzo beans, add a little tamarind chutney and fill up the puri with the spiced water. the whole puri goes in your mouth.
pushcarts with large taavas have these potato patties lined up in a circle ready to be served with cholle and chutneys. the crisp skin hides the soft interior.
i looked forward to my parents having guests over because it meant samosas would be served. our samosas are served with a side of cholle and chutneys.
the big puffy thing. break off a piece of bread with your hands, dab the pickle and scoop the cholle into your mouth.
there isnt a better snack served on a rainy day with a cup of tea.
the dosa pushcart would set up everyday at 4pm around the corner from amitabh bachans bungalow in mumbai. the dosa wala would always put the first dosa made at the foot of ganeshji's altar. he would roll out these savory crepes with filling, on a taava, and serve them with sambar and chutney. please choose from plain, masala (potato) or vegetable filling.
the dosa wala was simultaneously working a smaller taava flipping crispy, savory pancakes topped with tomatoes and onions.
the dosa pushcart also had an idli steamer which, every hour or so, would turn out these light and fluffy rice cakes with sambar and chutney.
this hearty paneer roll is a favorite for vegetarians.
this traditional north indian breakfast invokes memories of mom in the kitchen rolling parathas on tavaas and serving them hot with yogurt and achaar. please choose from an aloo (potato) or gobi (cauliflower) stuffing.
linking road in mumbai had a row of stalls all serving bhaji with pav. you would see the bhaji on a taava with a ring of amul butter around it. the bhaji is intended to be scooped up with the pav.
the dhokla seller would come to your flat in mumbai on his bicycle selling this gujurati favorite out of a large steel drum. you give him an approximate quantity and he would weigh it on his balance weight scale and give it to you wrapped in a newspaper.
it is mesmerizing watching the workers at bade miya, in the shadows of the taj hotel in mumbai, flip the paratha and add egg to it. it is rolled together with spicy chicken.
bade miyas popular late night snack is this roti made on a taava and stuffed with minced lamb.
on friday, the holy day for muslims, the streets leading up to the mosque are lined with vendors selling biryani in huge clay pots. the layers of rice and bone-in meat cook together all day long. the choice between lamb and chicken is a tough one.
as you approached the end of linking road in mumbai, the aroma of fried fish would draw you to this wood shack. you tell the owner the quantity and he would drop it into hot oil with his free hand. he would serve it to you in a newspaper with a side of onions and chutney.
a lamb filled version of the popular samosa.
this hyderabadi specialty of ground lamb and lentils is served over rice. it is renowned for its smooth texture and delicate composition.
kailash parbath in mumbai was my post-exams destination for this saffron flavored ice cream topped with vermicelli and basil seeds and a hint of rose.
Tandoori chicken with chapati and rice
Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji
Pani Puri, plain looking, yet unexpected explosion of flavors once add tamarind chutney and pani water
Pav Bhaji
Dahi Batata Puri
Mix Veg Pakoras
Dahi Batata Puri
Dahi Batata Puri
Dahi Batata Puri
Pav Bhaji
Pani Puri
Dahi Batata Puri
Dahi Papdi Chaat
Still the best Chole Batura
food
food
food
outside
Dahi Batata Puri
food
Priya K.
Feb 16, 2025
This is a great place to satisfy your Indian street food cravings. Self service, order ahead and pick up your food once done. It's busy but very efficient. Loved their dosa and chole bhature. The size of bhatura is HUGE! Pani puri is not that great, they advertise as very spicy but it's not spicy for an Indian palate lol. Puri was not crispy. They have a grocery store too. Their Indian sweet selection looked pretty good, I will try that next time
Read More
James H.
Jan 27, 2025
I've always wanted to try Vic's Chaat and last night was the night. I came by with a group of 7 for early dinner at 4 pm and it wasn't too busy.They have a market on one side to check out and restaurant is on the other side. They have specials only on weekend so nice to try some of them.I got the vegetarian thali and it came with lentils, rice, roti, yogurt and a tofu in curry. I liked the tofu, could have used a little more kick but it was good. My friends all liked their butter chicken, tandoori chicken and chicken biryani.Prices are reasonable $17-20.Order at the counter and wait for your name to be called. Plenty of seating and small parking lot.
Read More
Richa S.
Jan 5, 2025
Visited Vik's chat again to give it a try after we had bad first experience and now we are convinced not to ever come back. Don't get misled from the reviews and the crowd that you see in the restaurant. Most of the customers are non-Indians and there is no restaurant in the vicinity.Overpriced and very ordinary food. They serve watery jackfruit in the thali which is priced for ~$20, so you can imagine what you are getting into. Portion is very less for the price. Wish I could give them negative stars .
Read More
Kanika K.
Feb 9, 2025
Your first time at Vik's and you are famished/coming with a group? Just get the chole bhature! Can't go wrong with that choice! Second time and onwards? Explore other things on the menu! This time I got the chicken Kathi roll and pani puri and let me tell you that their pani puri is spicy af
Read More
Serina A.
Dec 7, 2024
This is the BEST spot for Indian in the area. The prices are way worth it for the plates you get. I would recommend anything from here. I ordered the CHICKEN CURRY and LAMB CURRY and both were absolutely delicious. The sides and bread that come with the plates are perfect as well. I got a side of RAITA yogurt which I always need with Indian dishes. The desserts were also delicious. Great quality!!!!!!
Read More
Priyanka S.
Mar 4, 2025
It has a reputation for a reason. North Indian food is amazing here. Id stay away from their south Indian dishes. But it's a classic and I'll keep coming back
Read More
Suraj P.
Jan 10, 2025
I've been coming to Vik's since I was a kid and I still can't get enough of the Cholle Bhature, by far one of the best dishes on the menu. You always get your food super fast, often times before you even have time to find a seat and even if they are busy. Tried the cheese dosa for the first time and I just assumed it was paneer, but it was regular cheese and was pleasantly surprised by how tasty it was. Can't wait to see what new dish we try next time we go!
Read More
Tony U.
Sep 22, 2024
After a round of Disc golf came here with some friends and really enjoyed the experience. I love Indian food but am no expert other than to say everything was very fresh and flavorful. The chais are excellent as are the mango lassis.I had a chicken tandoori lunch plate that came with rice, a sort of fig jam, daal, and a yogurt that was excellent.I also had "the puffy thing" or Cholle Bhature with chopped shallots, chickpeas and other interesting sour pickled spicy things.Really enjoyed everything I ate.
Read More
Joyce D.
Dec 22, 2024
I came here with one of my friends to catch up. She recommended this place as she said she was craving their food. Vik's Chaat is a food hall and grocery store. After grabbing the essential groceries she needed for the week, it was time to eat! The service is fairly quick and the ambiance is very lively! Seating can get limited especially during peak eating hours but when it is just 2 ppl, it is fairly easy to find a table with seats. We ordered the Dahi Batata Puri, Cholle Bhature, Koliwada Fish and a few sweets. The food is good and I enjoyed the options we ordered! Each dish was very flavorful and the spices-- yum! I really enjoyed the koliwada fish, it has the right amount of spice and saltiness to it. I am thankful she invited me to try Vik's as I heard so many great things about the food and the place!
Read More
Kristen C.
Feb 5, 2025
Never knew Vik's Chaat existed even tho I've been in the East Bay for most of my life! It's a cafeteria style restaurant where you order, pick up your food, and bus your own plates. They also have a small market selling lots of Indian snacks and staples. I really enjoyed the Dahi Batata Puri and the chicken curry is decent.
Read More
