Idly Express San Ramon in San Ramon

My recent dining experience at Idli Express in San Ramon left me with mixed impressions, particularly due to noticeable disparities in food quality between the two locations - Mylapore and Idli Express despite their common ownership. Upon entering the establishment and reviewing the menu, it became apparent that both restaurants share the same proprietorship.I had high expectations, yet unfortunately, several dishes fell short of anticipated standards:1. Masala Vada (Ambode): Traditionally known as Ambode in Karnataka and Masala Vada in other Southern states of India, the version served here was disappointing. The addition of saunf imparted an unusual flavor, and the vada itself seemed stale, possibly due to hot weather conditions. The overall taste was bland, and the dal within tasted sour, suggesting a lack of freshness. This dish did not meet expectations.2. Thatte Idli: While the idli itself was soft and fluffy, the accompanying Coconut chutney lacked freshness, detracting from the overall experience.3. Bisibelebath: resembled more of a sambhar rice than authentic Bisibelebath, as the distinctive flavors were notably absent.4. Pongal: The Pongal was average in taste and presentation.5. Benne Masala Dosae: A highlight at the Pleasanton location, the version at San Ramon did not meet expectations. While the dosa had a good taste profile with generous ghee, it lacked the desired crispiness on the outside, which is a defining characteristic of this dish.6. Coffee: The coffee was above average in quality.I would recommend the owner concentrate on harmonizing the culinary standards between the Pleasanton and San Ramon branches to ensure consistency and meet customer expectations. Addressing these discrepancies promptly will be essential in retaining customer loyalty and satisfaction.Your consideration of these points will greatly benefit the overall dining experience and potentially enhance repeat patronage.

So excited to have a branch of Idly Express in San Ramon!This one has a dine-in option with table service. Both indoors and outdoors. Its a distinguishing feature Id say. Well done!We tried Mini Idlys with sambhar and chutneys on the side. Very soft and spongy. Absolutely loved it !Benne Masala Dosa was very crispy, almost like a paper dosa. I would have preferred it to be slightly thicker and spongy on the inside like they make it in other Mylapore outlets. Loved the taste though.Tomato Onion Chilli Uttapam had a fantastic texture and was fully loaded. Loved it the most.Edit: Our 2nd visit in April was even better as they have added some items to the menu that were not available during the initial opening weeks. Its almost like Mylapore now, and I loved the experience of having dosas and podi thatte idli here which wasnt available earlier.Check out the detailed Instagram reels on my food page @veggie_centralThatte Idlys were somewhat like the regular Idlys, just more flattened out. I was expecting gun powder and oil on top of it like they serve in other outlets, but was surprised to not get it here.Overall, a good breakfast place. Definitely recommended. Coming back again for other options.Check out the full reel on my Instagram food page @veggie_central

My recent dining experience at Idly Express in San Ramon was nothing short of delightful. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality by the incredibly polite staff.I had the pleasure of indulging in their onion-Chilli uttapam, and it was hands down the best I’ve ever tasted. Each bite was bursting with authentic flavors and cooked to perfection. The texture was just right, and the accompanying chutneys elevated the dish to a whole new level.What truly sets Idly Express apart, besides their delectable cuisine, is the exceptional service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that I felt welcomed and attended to with care.Whether you’re a fan of South Indian cuisine or simply appreciate excellent food and service, I highly recommend paying a visit to Idly Express San Ramon.

This is just like any other South Indian restaurant. Same old below average chutney and sambhar. Nothing special.I hoped the chutney was as good as Madhurai idli Kadai from Sunnyvale. But unfortunately it’s not.Expected sambhar to be good. I would say it’s below average. Idli is fluffy and above average. But what’s the use without good chutney and sambhar ?Onion chilli utappam was ok. Puliyotharai is bad.Vegetable biryani was surprisingly good. Feels like pulav from Bangalore.One good combo if anyone is interested would be to get idli from here and Sambhar from Arusuvai virindhu in Dublin. Honestly the best meals Sambhar in the east bay is from Arusuvai virindhu if you are craving for authentic South Indian Sambhar.

What I liked most here is the hospitality of the staff. There was warmth and care. We ordered Veg Biriyani and Benne Masale Dose. Benne Dose was really really high in butter (and good in taste!). Veg biriyani was nothing like but Pulao and a bit spicy. So if you are person who eats less spicy makes sure to mention the spice level. We sat outdoor patio with our dog. Prices are great too! Want to try Bisi Bele Bath next time.

Saturday morning breakfast was a walk down memory lane in Coimbatore/Chennai. Busy place with dine-in and pickups. QR code to get on waiting list but best to announce at the order counter that takes the order and assign a table. Food was served quick. Separate counter for coffee with token. We got the onion masala dosa, idli vada combo and coffee. The onion masala had raw onions inside vs mixed in the batter. Good value, gast service. Ambience could be better and organized. Looks chaotic..

Review update:Sorry my intention is not to hurt any business. If you feel that way I am sorry. My English might not be sophisticated but I post my review of a restaurant only after 30+ times having food at any location and providing the same inputs to the restaurant much earlier before posting it online. In todays restaurant business mode of operation, only when a review is posted online it is considered as a concern and given any importance.A customer has rights to know what is in the food that is being provided. I dont know what this strand is hence posted this review along with the photo. If a restaurant owner says it is ingredient: XXX or YYY, there ends the matter and I am going to delete the review. Instead taking on the customer in an online platform serves no purpose either to the customer or to the restaurant. This strand is not only present in your biriyani but also in Poori Masala, Pav Bhaji and your Samosa Aloo stuffing.If I feel the review has been addressed genuinely by restaurant I remove the review always. Thank you.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I took a small portion to microwave. The biriyani was full of strands like the ones attached in the pic. I did not have the food. Food inspection before giving it to customer needs improvement at this chain of restaurants.Any prospective customer - Please pay close attention to your food before having it.

The Benne dosa is just exceptional! Finally I found Banglore style thick dosas :) The Idlis are so fluffy and the Sambar is on point. Super recommend.

Food was excellent and one of the best authentic South Indian food I had recently.Service - Cashier was VERY Rude and was lying that the POS machine is not working/ does not accept credit cards. She was asking for cash payments. When I saw the POS system work based on the order taken, I asked about it and she was very rude again. Another colleague came, and accepted my credit card with no hesitation or technical issues. Management needs to train this lady customer service and how to be polite with customers.Second, the server came with the food, dropped the sambar on our table. It was a mess.Atmosphere is just average.

Loved the food, super authentic. Great service and really quick. Definitely going back