Best Chana Masala in Cambridge, Massachusetts
1
India Pavilion
Address: 17 Central Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
India Pavilion in Cambridge, Massachusetts offers a diverse menu of traditional Indian cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere with colorful decor and plenty of seating. The restaurant serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with popular dishes including freshly made naan bread, curries, and a daily lunch buffet that features multiple entrée choices. While the food quality can be inconsistent at times, the restaurant maintains reasonable prices and accommodating service for both dine-in and takeout customers.
Price Range: $$
Known For
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Reviews mention both affordable and expensive prices, indicating varied opinions.
Reviews are mixed; some praise the staff's friendliness and attentiveness, while others criticize their rudeness and lack of attentiveness.
Reviews mention parking near the restaurant, but there's no clear consensus on its availability or convenience. Some reviews suggest limited or difficult parking.
Several reviews explicitly state that takeout is available, and others mention ordering takeout.
Several reviews mention vegetarian options, including specific vegetarian dishes.
2
Desi Dhaba
Address: 401 Massachusetts Ave Suite 1, Cambridge, MA 02139
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Desi Dhaba offers a diverse menu of Indian cuisine ranging from classic curries to freshly baked naan bread in a casual dining setting. The restaurant features both à la carte dining and a popular lunch buffet that rotates different dishes daily, allowing guests to sample various authentic Indian flavors. The establishment prides itself on accommodating different spice preferences and dietary restrictions while maintaining reasonable prices for the Cambridge area.
Price Range: $$
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Many reviews mention that the food is reasonably priced or cheap.
While some reviews mention negative service experiences, many others praise the staff for being friendly, attentive, and helpful.
One review mentions parking as a concern for private parties, implying parking might be available nearby but not necessarily on-site.
Multiple reviews refer to ordering takeout from the restaurant.
At least one review states that the restaurant offers many vegan choices.
3
Nirvana The Taste of India
Address: 1680 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Nirvana The Taste of India in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers a diverse menu of authentic Indian cuisine with options ranging from traditional curry dishes to vegetarian and vegan specialties. The restaurant consistently delivers flavorful dishes including their popular tikka masala, butter chicken, and various dosa preparations, all served in a welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. The establishment prides itself on accommodating different dietary preferences while maintaining moderate prices, though parking can be challenging with only street spots available in the area.
Price Range: $$
Known For
Not Noted
Reviews are mixed on the affordability. Some mention reasonable prices, while others find the cost too high, especially considering the portion sizes.
The reviews are mixed on staff friendliness and attentiveness. Some praise the staff for being kind, welcoming, and attentive, while others criticize the staff's behavior as rude or inattentive.
One review mentions that parking is difficult due to limited street parking only.
Many reviews mention ordering food for takeout, indicating that it is available.
Several reviews highlight the availability of vegan options, and some rave about the quality of those options.
4
Tanjore Bar and Restaurant
Address: 878 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Tanjore Bar and Restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers a unique blend of authentic Indian cuisine in a casual bar setting, serving up everything from traditional curries to bar snacks alongside a selection of draft beers and cocktails. The establishment is known for its signature dishes like Chicken 65, biryani, and various curry options, all served in a laid-back atmosphere that attracts both dining and drinking crowds. The venue doubles as a neighborhood bar with sports on TV and a restaurant delivering flavorful Indian dishes, making it a versatile spot for both casual drinks and full meals at reasonable prices.
Price Range: $$
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews emphasize the affordable prices and good value.
Many reviews describe the staff as friendly and attentive, although some negative experiences are also noted.
Parking availability is not discussed in the reviews.
Several reviews mention ordering takeout.
One review mentions a vegan dish that they enjoyed.
5
Punjabi Dhaba
Address: 225 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Punjabi Dhaba offers a casual dining experience with generous portions of Indian cuisine served in a no-frills setting. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating options, with a newly added plaza outside providing additional dining space, though the interior remains notably compact. Operating as a cash-only establishment, this spot delivers authentic dhaba-style dishes with customizable spice levels, though opinions on food quality and consistency tend to vary among patrons.
Price Range: $
Known For
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Many reviews cite affordable prices as a positive aspect.
While some reviews praise the friendliness of the staff, others mention rudeness or lack of attentiveness.
Reviews mention parking nearby, but not at the restaurant itself.
The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that takeout is available.
Some reviews mention vegan options, such as Aloo Gobi, but there is no definitive statement about the extent of vegan options.
6
Jo's Authentic Indian
Address: 1900 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Jo's Authentic Indian in Cambridge, Massachusetts serves up traditional North Indian cuisine in a welcoming family-operated setting with customizable spice levels to suit different palates. The extensive menu features everything from their popular samosas and freshly-baked naan to hearty curries and vegetarian specialties, all prepared with attention to flavor and authenticity. The friendly staff and reasonable prices make this Porter Square establishment a reliable neighborhood spot for both dine-in and takeout orders.
Price Range: $$
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews describe the prices as reasonable or affordable.
Many reviews commend the staff for their friendliness, attentiveness, and welcoming nature, while a couple of reviews mention less-than-stellar service experiences.
Parking availability is not mentioned in the reviews.
Many reviews mention takeout.
Several reviews mention vegetarian options, and one review specifically notes a wide variety of vegetarian dishes.
7
Chutneys
Address: 36 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Chutneys in Cambridge, Massachusetts offers a diverse mix of Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine in a casual food court setting inside The Garage. The menu features everything from street food favorites like samosa chaat and vada pav to classic curry dishes, with the spicy chili garlic noodles and paneer dishes being particular standouts among regulars. The casual eatery serves generous portions at reasonable prices, though the ambiance is quite basic with limited seating in an open food court layout.
Price Range: $
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews describe the prices as affordable, reasonable, or good value.
Reviews are mixed regarding staff friendliness. Some praise the staff's attentiveness, while others mention rude or inattentive service.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability at the restaurant.
Multiple reviews explicitly mention takeout or ordering food to go.
Reviews mention vegetarian options, including several paneer and vegetable dishes. However, there is no clear confirmation of fully vegan options.
8
Surya Veg N Dosa Company
Address: 114 Magazine St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Surya Veg N Dosa Company in Cambridge, Massachusetts offers an authentic taste of South Indian cuisine in a casual takeout setting that has become a neighborhood staple. The extensive menu features everything from crispy dosas and fluffy idlis to rich curries and biryanis, with particularly strong vegetarian and vegan options that keep locals coming back. While the no-frills establishment lacks seating, the generous portions, reasonable prices, and friendly staff make it a reliable spot for satisfying Indian food cravings near MIT.
Price Range: $
Known For
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Reviews are mixed on pricing, with some describing the prices as reasonable or good value for the amount of food, while others found them to be expensive.
Many reviews mention the friendly and attentive nature of the staff.
One review mentions a lack of parking, indicating that parking is likely not available or is very limited.
The vast majority of reviews explicitly mention ordering food to go or for delivery, indicating that takeout is available.
Several reviews explicitly state that the restaurant offers vegan dishes, and some specifically mention vegan options.
9
Royal Punjab
Address: 251 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141
Royal Punjab in Cambridge, Massachusetts serves up a mix of traditional Indian dishes with their chicken tikka masala and garlic naan being popular menu items among regular patrons. The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options, with a varied selection of vegetarian and meat-based curries prepared with authentic Indian spices and cooking techniques. The casual eatery draws both locals and visitors looking for familiar Indian comfort food in a no-frills setting, though experiences can vary depending on the day and dishes ordered.
Price Range: $
Known For
Not Noted
Reviews are mixed regarding the affordability of the restaurant's prices; some find them reasonable, while others find them too expensive.
Reviews about staff are mixed, with some mentioning friendly and attentive service while others describe unprofessional or inattentive experiences.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability.
Many reviews mention ordering food for takeout, suggesting that takeout is available.
Reviews mention vegetarian options like the vegetarian thali, saag paneer, and palak paneer.