Punjab Cafe

- 322-324 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Located in the bustling heart of San Jose, California, Punjab Cafe stands out as a premier destination for lovers of authentic North Indian and South Asian cuisine. This restaurant is dedicated to capturing the rich, vibrant, and complex flavors of the Punjab region, known for its hearty dishes, creamy curries, and signature tandoori cooking. Whether you are a local college student, a busy professional, or a family looking for a delicious meal, Punjab Cafe offers a casual and cozy atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome. The extensive menu is a testament to the diversity of Indian food, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, including robust non-vegetarian, vegetarian, and vegan selections.

The culinary focus here is on classic comfort food, expertly prepared with traditional techniques and spices. The menu boasts a fantastic selection of classic appetizers, such as the famous Vegetable Samosa and various Pakoras, alongside unique starters like Bhel Puri and Veggie Manchurian. The main courses are where Punjab Cafe truly shines. They feature popular favorites like the globally-loved Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala, which a customer review notes as being potentially less creamy than expected, indicating an authentic, less-Americanized paste-like consistency is used—a preference for many Indian food aficionados. For red meat lovers, the menu offers a dedicated section for Lamb Entrées, including Rogan Josh, Lamb Saag, and a highly-praised Goat Curry With Bone. One customer review specifically highlighted the Lamb Karahi as being "especially full of flavor," recommending it highly.

The restaurant also takes great pride in its Tandoori Special offerings, with options like Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Chicken Tikka, and Lamb Seekh Kabob, all cooked to perfection in a clay oven. The essential accompaniment to any Indian meal—bread—is well-covered with a variety of Naan options (Plain, Garlic, Aloo, Paneer) and Tandoori Roti. For those who enjoy rice, the Biryani section offers Vegetable, Chicken, Lamb, and Goat versions, all served with cooling Raita. Finally, a meal here is not complete without a classic Indian beverage; the Mango Lassi is a customer favorite, described as "delicious," and they also offer a great selection of teas, including Chai Indian Milk Tea.

Punjab Cafe's commitment to accommodating diverse diets is evident in its comprehensive Vegetarian Entrées, which include classics like Palak Paneer, Chana Masala, and the vegetable and nut-rich Navratan Korma. Many of these dishes can easily be adapted for vegan options, and the menu explicitly highlights its vegetarian and vegan-friendly nature, ensuring every guest finds a satisfying meal. The wide array of choices, from rich, spicy curries to lighter, healthy options, makes Punjab Cafe a truly inclusive dining experience in San Jose.

Punjab Cafe is conveniently situated in a high-traffic, easily reachable area of downtown San Jose, making it a highly accessible choice for everyone in the California region.

Address: 322-324 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

The downtown location ensures proximity to local businesses, entertainment venues, and universities, attracting a diverse crowd of college students, locals, and business groups. Accessibility is a key feature of the location:

• Free parking lot and free street parking are available, which is a significant advantage in a busy downtown setting. Paid street parking is also an option nearby.
• The restaurant is designed for all patrons, featuring a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, Wheelchair Accessible Restroom, and Wheelchair Accessible Seating.
• Amenities also include a Gender-Neutral Restroom, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to an inclusive environment.

Punjab Cafe provides a robust suite of services designed for maximum customer convenience and flexibility, addressing the dynamic needs of the San Jose community:

• Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy, casual atmosphere with full table service.
• Takeout: Efficient service for patrons who wish to enjoy their food at home or on the go.
• Delivery: Offering home or office delivery, including a No-Contact Delivery option for safety and convenience.
• Curbside Pickup: A seamless service allowing customers to have their orders brought directly to their car.
• Catering: Providing comprehensive catering services for groups, parties, and special events.
• All You Can Eat: An available offering that is popular for those wishing to sample a wide variety of the menu's best dishes.
• Reservations Accepted: Guests can call ahead to plan their visit, which is especially useful for groups and during peak dining hours.

What truly sets Punjab Cafe apart are the unique features that enhance the dining experience beyond just the food:

• Live Music: The restaurant occasionally features live music, adding an enjoyable, cultural, and lively element to the dining atmosphere.
• Halal Options: The menu explicitly states that Halal food is an offering, making it a reliable choice for customers who require Halal dietary standards.
• Extensive Vegetarian and Vegan Choices: A massive selection of vegetarian and many easily adapted vegan entrées, appetizers, and sides, going far beyond typical offerings.
• Great Tea Selection: Highlighting their beverages, they offer a 'Great tea selection,' including the authentic Chai Indian Milk Tea.
• Comfort and Authenticity: Recognized as a source for both comforting and quick bites, serving authentic South Asian flavors in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
• Popularity for Groups: The casual atmosphere, generous seating, and ability to accept reservations make it a popular spot for groups and family dining.

For all inquiries, including placing orders for pickup or delivery, confirming a reservation, or general information, please use the following contact details:

Address: 322-324 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
Phone: (408) 295-5470
Mobile Phone: +1 408-295-5470

For residents of California, particularly those in the San Jose area, Punjab Cafe is a highly recommended destination for several compelling reasons. The restaurant's greatest strength is its commitment to authentic North Indian flavors, offering a culinary experience that is both rich in tradition and wide in variety. It goes beyond the typical Indian restaurant experience by providing features like Live Music and an expansive menu that specifically caters to Halal, Vegan, and Vegetarian diners, ensuring inclusivity.

It is worth choosing Punjab Cafe for its exemplary main courses, such as the flavor-rich Lamb Karahi, the satisfying Goat Curry With Bone, and the variety of Tandoori dishes that utilize a clay oven for smoky perfection. The availability of a full All You Can Eat option allows patrons to explore the depth of the menu without commitment to a single dish, offering outstanding value. Furthermore, its location in downtown San Jose with readily available parking and complete accessibility features makes the entire experience seamless and stress-free. For a truly authentic, flavor-packed, and convenient Indian dining experience that is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick lunch, a solo dinner, or a large group gathering—Punjab Cafe should be at the top of your list.

Punjab Cafe

322-324 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA