2390 Fourth St. (near Channing)
Berkeley
Tel. (510) 644-4432
Those used to the depressing warehouse interior of Vik's will feel as if they've walked into the Taj Mahal when they come to this new location. Diners still line up to place orders, but now there are cooking stations that wrap the back corner of the bright warehouse space where cooks prepare the dosa, tandoori and other specialties. The Chopra family, which has run the restaurant and market since 1989, has kept prices rock bottom and flavors sky high. It's as good or better as you'll find at pricier places; the trade-off is paper plates and trying to cut into the fragrant chicken biryani with a compostable spork.
Specialties: Pakori chaat (lentil dumplings); samosa cholle (with potatoes and peas); chicken biryani; chicken kathi kebab; puffed rice salad.
Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday until 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
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