Sam & Curry: Indian-Mexican Fusion in San Jose, CA

Sam & Curry Introduce

For California residents looking to experience a dynamic and delicious twist on classic Indian flavors, look no further than Sam & Curry in San Jose. This local gem has built a reputation for offering an exciting Indian-Mexican fusion concept, often likened to the "Chipotle style" of Indian food, providing a fully customizable and fast-casual dining experience. It successfully blends the rich, aromatic curries and spices of North India with the familiar, convenient formats of burritos, tacos, rice bowls, and salads, making it a highly accessible option for a quick bite, a wholesome lunch, or a satisfying dinner. The concept of building your own meal, selecting from fresh ingredients, a variety of proteins, and an array of chutneys, allows every customer to tailor their dining experience precisely to their taste and dietary preferences, including excellent vegetarian, vegan, and healthy options.

Sam & Curry proudly operates as a Halal restaurant, ensuring that the meat offerings, such as the popular Chicken Tikka and Lamb Curry, meet high ethical and preparation standards. This commitment to quality and diverse offerings is part of what makes it a standout choice for the local community in the Bay Area. The atmosphere is casual and vibrant, and the service is known for its speed and professionalism, catering perfectly to busy professionals, families, and solo diners looking for quality food without a long wait.

One of the major draws is the menu's versatility. Customers are not confined to traditional Indian plating; instead, they choose their base—be it a Rice Bowl, Salad Bowl, Burrito (wrapped in a large tortilla), or Tacos (served in Indian poori), and then layer it with their choice of protein or vegetable filling. Signature fillings include Chicken Tikka, Lamb Curry, Chicken Curry, Paneer Tikka (marinated grilled Indian cheese), Saag (stewed spinach), and Lentil Curry. This unique assembly-line model ensures fresh, fast preparation and full control over the final dish. Even traditional Indian street food, like Chaat (Samosa Chaat and Vegetable Rice Chaat), is on the menu, further cementing its commitment to a broad, flavorful Indian culinary experience.

The prices are considered highly competitive for the region, offering significant value. For example, most Rice Bowls, Salad Bowls, and Burritos are consistently priced in the $11.95 to $12.95 range, with taco sets and combination meals also available. Customers frequently praise the generous portion sizes, often finding the customizable bowls large enough for two meals. The availability of diverse drink options, from standard bottled sodas and water to unique Indian Sodas, Jarrito's, and the refreshing Mango Lassi, also enhances the overall dining experience.

Location and Accessibility

Sam & Curry is conveniently located in the San Jose region, making it easily accessible for a wide array of Bay Area residents and visitors. Its physical address is 1751 N First St #40, San Jose, CA 95112, USA.

The location is particularly ideal due to its close proximity to the San Jose International Airport (SJC), often noted as being just a short five-minute drive away. This makes it an excellent "grab and go" option for travelers needing a quick, quality meal before or after a flight. It is situated in a retail concourse or plaza, which provides dedicated infrastructure for easy access.

Accessibility is a key focus, with the establishment offering a range of features to accommodate all patrons. The amenities include:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot (Free parking lot available)
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

This focus on universal accessibility ensures a comfortable and hassle-free visit for everyone in the California community.

Services Offered

Sam & Curry is structured to meet modern dining needs, offering flexibility in how customers can enjoy their food. Key services include:

Dine-in: A casual setting is available for those wishing to eat on-site, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Takeout: Efficient service for ordering and picking up meals to enjoy at home or on the go.
Delivery: Partnered with various services for maximum convenience, including no-contact delivery options.
Catering: Comprehensive catering trays are available for larger gatherings, corporate events, or parties. Options include half- and full-trays of main curries (like Lamb Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Channa Curry) and sides (Vegetable Rice, Cilantro Rice, Raita).
Party Meals: Pre-set small, medium, and large party meal options offer convenient bundles for group dining.
Online Ordering: Easy and quick ordering through online platforms is highly promoted for maximum convenience.

Features / Highlights

The Sam & Curry experience is defined by several standout features that resonate strongly with the California dining crowd:

Indian-Mexican Fusion Concept: The restaurant's core appeal is the innovative and delicious blending of Indian curries with burrito and taco formats. This "Chipotle-style" assembly line is a significant highlight, allowing full customization.
Halal Offerings: The commitment to serving Halal meat appeals to a broad and diverse customer base looking for ethically prepared options.
Dietary Inclusivity: The menu structure is inherently friendly to various diets, offering abundant vegetarian options (Paneer Tikka, Saag, Lentil Curry), clear vegan options (like Chickpea Curry and customizable bowls), and generally healthy options.
Fast Service & Quick Bite: Recognized for its efficient and fast service, the restaurant is an ideal option for a quick bite during a busy workday lunch or a speedy dinner.
Extensive Customizable Menu: Beyond the main bowls and burritos, the menu includes traditional Indian sides and street food, such as Samosas, Naan, Poppadom, and Samosa Chaat.
Family-Friendly and Casual Atmosphere: The setting is welcoming to families, casual, and features vibrant, artistic decor that contributes to a pleasant dining environment.

Contact Information

To plan a visit, place a takeout order, or inquire about catering in the San Jose area:

Address: 1751 N First St #40, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Phone: (669) 242-7956

What is Worth Choosing

Sam & Curry is worth choosing for several compelling reasons, particularly for California residents seeking variety, speed, and quality.

Firstly, the unique fusion concept is a breath of fresh air in the quick-service category. Instead of a traditional Indian buffet or a long wait at a full-service restaurant, Sam & Curry delivers intensely flavored, authentic North Indian curries in a format that is familiar and convenient. The ability to craft a Chicken Tikka Rice Bowl, a Lamb Curry Burrito, or a fully customized Paneer Tikka Salad Bowl is a major convenience that keeps customers coming back. The ingredients are frequently cited as tasting fresh, and the flavors are described as rich and well-balanced.

Secondly, the restaurant's emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility is a significant draw. Offering Halal meats, clearly defined vegetarian choices, and the potential for a satisfying vegan meal (using options like the Lentil Curry or Channa Curry) ensures that virtually every patron, regardless of dietary need or preference, can find a flavorful meal. This commitment, combined with excellent physical accessibility for those with mobility concerns and free on-site parking, makes the dining experience stress-free.

Finally, the combination of value, portion size, and speed makes it an excellent choice for regular dining. It's a fantastic solution for a quick yet substantial lunch near the San Jose Airport area, or a hassle-free dinner pickup on the way home. Sam & Curry offers the kind of fast-casual dining that the modern California lifestyle demands: quick, efficient, friendly, and bursting with flavor. If you are in the San Jose area and craving Indian food with a practical, modern twist, Sam & Curry offers a genuinely worthwhile and highly recommended experience.

Sam & Curry Menu

Rice Bowl
Chicken Tikka $11.95
Create your perfect meal with our chicken tikka rice bowl—juicy chicken tikka over rice, with your choice of fresh toppings and chutneys. Customize and enjoy at sam & curry!
Lamb Curry $12.95
Elevate your meal with our lamb curry rice bowl—tender lamb curry over rice, customizable with your choice of toppings and chutneys. Create your perfect bowl at Sam & Curry!
Chicken Curry $12.95
Dig into our chicken curry rice bowl—flavorful chicken curry served over rice, complemented by a selection of zesty chutneys. A deliciously customizable experience at Sam & Curry!
Paneer Tikka $12.95
Enjoy our paneer tikka rice bowl—tender paneer tikka on vegetable rice, with your choice of fresh toppings and chutneys. A customizable delight at Sam & Curry!
Saag $11.95
Indulge in our saag rice bowl—rich, creamy saag served over vegetable rice, with a selection of tasty toppings. Customize your bowl for a flavorful experience at Sam & Curry!
Lentil Curry $11.95
Delight in our lentil curry rice bowl—hearty lentil curry on vegetable rice, customized with your choice of fresh toppings. a nourishing, flavorful meal at Sam & Curry!

Salad Bowl
Chicken Tikka $11.95
Freshen up with our chicken tikka salad bowl—juicy chicken tikka on a bed of romaine crisp lettuce, customizable with fresh toppings and zesty chutneys. A flavorful, light option at Sam & Curry!
Lamb Curry $12.95
Discover our lamb curry salad bowl—savory lamb curry on crisp romaine lettuce, enhanced with your choice of fresh toppings and vibrant chutneys. a delicious, customizable option at Sam & Curry!
Chicken Curry $12.95
Indulge in our chicken curry salad bowl—succulent chicken curry served over crisp romaine lettuce, with customizable toppings and tangy chutneys. A fresh, flavorful meal at Sam & Curry!
Paneer Tikka $12.95
Enjoy our paneer tikka salad bowl—paneer tikka on crisp romaine lettuce, with fresh toppings and a splash of tangy chutneys. a perfect mix of flavor and freshness at Sam & Curry!
Saag $11.95
Try our saag salad bowl—rich, creamy saag on a bed of romaine lettuce, topped with fresh veggies and vibrant chutneys. a deliciously fresh option at Sam & Curry!
Lentil Curry $11.95
Enjoy our lentil curry salad bowl—hearty lentil curry on fresh romaine lettuce, with customizable toppings and zesty chutneys. A flavorful and refreshing choice at Sam & Curry!

Burrito
Chicken Tikka $11.95
Wrap your taste buds in flavor with our chicken tikka burrito—juicy chicken tikka, your choice of rice, beans, veggies, toppings, chutneys, and corn, all in a fresh tortilla. savor it your way at Sam & Curry!
Lamb Curry $12.95
Try our lamb curry burrito—succulent lamb curry, wrapped with rice, beans, veggies, and your choice of toppings and chutneys, all in a warm tortilla. bold flavors await at Sam & Curry!
Chicken Curry $12.95
Spice up your meal with our chicken curry burrito—tender chicken curry, rice, beans, veggies, and your choice of chutneys, all in a fresh tortilla. Satisfy your cravings at Sam & Curry!
Paneer Tikka $12.95
Enjoy our paneer tikka burrito—flavorful paneer tikka, your choice of rice, beans, veggies, and chutneys, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. a delicious fusion experience at Sam & Curry!
Saag $11.95
Indulge in our saag burrito—rich, creamy saag with your choice of rice, beans, or potato curry, topped with fresh veggies and chutneys. a unique fusion twist at Sam & Curry!
Lentil Curry $11.95
Savor our lentil curry burrito—nutritious lentil curry with your choice of rice, beans, veggies, and tangy chutneys, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. A wholesome, flavorful option at Sam & Curry!

Tacos
Chicken Tikka $12.95
Introducing our puri tacos—three crispy puris loaded with your choice of delicious curries, fresh toppings, and tangy chutneys. A fusion of bold flavors in every bite. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime cravings hit. Taste the twist at Sam & Curry!
Lamb Curry $13.95
Try our Lamb Curry Tacos at Sam & Curry! Tender lamb curry served in crispy puris, topped with your choice of fresh toppings and chutneys. A flavor explosion in every bite!
Chicken Curry $13.95
Enjoy our chicken curry tacos in crispy puris—juicy chicken curry, fresh toppings, and tangy chutneys in every bite. A fusion delight at Sam & Curry!
Paneer Tikka $13.95
Experience the burst of flavor with our paneer tikka tacos! Savory, grilled paneer tikka nestled in crispy puris, and topped with fresh ingredients and zesty chutneys. A vegetarian delight you won’t want to miss!
Saag $12.95
Delight in our saag tacos, featuring creamy, spiced saag served in crisp puris. Topped with your favorite fresh ingredients and vibrant chutneys, it’s a fusion twist on a classic favorite!
Lentil Curry $12.95
Savor our lentil curry tacos, with hearty, spiced lentil curry tucked into crispy puris. Customize with fresh toppings and tangy chutneys for a unique and satisfying flavor experience!
No Protein $10.95
No Protein | Tacos with chana and potato curry (garbanzo beans) and your choice of toppings in poori.
Combination $13.95
Tacos with your choice of protein and toppings in poori.
Taco $4.69
Taco with your choice of protein and toppings in poori.
Taco (No Protein) $3.69
Taco with chana and potato curry (garbanzo beans) and your choice of toppings in poori.

Chaat
Samosa Chaat $7.95
Chopped samosas (pastry turnovers stuffed with potatoes, peas, cumin & spices) with yogurt and chutneys.
Vegetable Rice Chaat $8.95
Indulge in our vegetable rice chaat! a vibrant mix of fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and tangy chutneys, all tossed together for a refreshing and flavorful chaat experience.

Extras
Roti Tortilla $0.95
Poppadom $1.50
Enjoy our poppadom—a nearly 100-year-old tradition, handmade in Amritsar, India. crispy and authentic, bringing heritage to your table at 3& Curry!
Samosas $4.95
Enjoy our crispy, golden Samosas, packed with spiced potatoes and peas. Perfectly seasoned and served with your choice of chutneys for an irresistible snack!
Naan $1.99

Drinks
Tractor Drinks $2.95
Bottled Soda $2.95
Jarrito's $2.95
Maaza
Indian Soda $2.95
Canned Soda $1.95
Bottled Water $2.50

Create Your Own Meal
Value Meal $13.95
15 Person Minimum For Buffet Style Catering. Create your own bowl with 1 protein, 1 curry, 1 rice, and 3 toppings of your choice—all served separately for you to build your perfect meal. For gatherings, we recommend ordering 20% extra of entrée items. Please note, we are not liable if certain items run out.
Favorite Meal $16.95
15 Person Minimum For Buffet Style Catering. Customize your own bowl with 1 protein, 2 curries, 1 type of rice, and 4 toppings—all served separately for you to create your perfect meal. We recommend ordering 20% extra of entrée items. Please note, we are not liable if certain items run out.
Most Options Meal $19.95
15 Person Minimum For Buffet Style Catering. Build your own bowl with 2 types of rice, 2 curries, 2 proteins, and 5 toppings—all served separately for you to mix and match. Create your perfect meal at Sam & Curry! For gatherings, we recommend ordering 20% extra of entrée items. Please note, we are not liable if certain items run out.

Catering Tray
Lamb Curry $149.99
Experience the depth of flavor in our Lamb Curry—succulent lamb, slow-cooked in a rich blend of spices. A taste that’s both comforting and unforgettable. Try it today at Sam & Curry!
Chicken Tikka Masala $139.99
Sink your teeth into our Chicken Tikka—juicy, marinated chicken grilled to smoky perfection, infused with bold spices. A taste adventure awaits at Sam & Curry!
Chicken Curry $139.99
Spice up your day with our Chicken Curry—tender chicken simmered in a flavorful, creamy sauce, bursting with spices. Discover your new favorite at Sam & Curry!
Paneer Tikka Masala $139.99
Delight in our Paneer Tikka—soft, marinated paneer cooked to perfection with spices, peppers, and onions. A vegetarian favorite you can't resist! Visit us at Sam & Curry!
Channa Curry $129.99
Warm up with our Channa Curry, where tender chickpeas meet a deliciously spiced tomato gravy. A comforting classic, perfect with rice or naan. Try it today at Sam & Curry!
Saag $129.99
Indulge in our Saag—creamy, slow-cooked spinach, perfectly seasoned with aromatic spices. A wholesome delight, ready to savor at Sam & Curry!
Lentils $129.99
Warm your soul with our Tadka Daal—lentils cooked to perfection and finished with a fragrant tempering of spices. A comforting classic, waiting for you at Sam & Curry!
Vegetable Rice $59.99
Craving something vibrant and wholesome? Our Vegetable Rice is packed with fresh veggies and aromatic spices—an explosion of color and flavor in every bite. Savor it now at Sam & Curry!
Cilantro Rice $54.99
Introducing our Cilantro Rice—light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh flavors. Perfectly seasoned with herbs and a hint of citrus, it’s the ultimate sidekick for any dish. Taste the freshness at Sam & Curry today!"
Kachumbar Salad with Onions $54.99
Refresh with our Kachumbar salad—crisp onions, Persian cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, tossed in a light dressing. A perfect, zesty side at Sam & Curry!
Kachumbar Salad with Carrots $54.99
Refresh with our Kachumbar Salad—crisp onions, Persian cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, tossed in a light dressing. A perfect, zesty side at Sam & Curry!
Jalapenos & Onions $54.99
Add some spice with our Jalapeños and Onions Salsa—fresh, tangy, and packed with flavor. Perfect as a topping for your meal, only at Sam & Curry!
Raita $44.99
Sweeten the moment with our Raita with Honey—creamy yogurt mixed with a touch of honey. A unique, refreshing treat at Sam & Curry!

Party Meals
Small Party $11.95
15 person minimum for this Party Meal. You get to pick your choice of 1 Protein, 1 Curry, 1 Rice and 1 Salad.
Medium Party $14.95
15 person minimum for this Party Meal. You get to pick your choice of 2 Protein, 1 Curry, 1 Rice, 1 Salad and 1 Raita.
Large Party $17.95
15 person minimum for this Party Meal. You get to pick your choice of 3 Protein, 1 Curry, 1 Rice, 1 Salad and 1 Raita.

List
Tractor Fountain Drinks $2.95
Try our carbonated drinks mixed with our non-carbonated flavors mixed to create a drink of your own making!
Indian Soda $2.95
Maaza $2.95
Canned Soda $1.95
Bottled Water $2.50
Jarrito's $2.95
Bottled Soda $2.95
Mango Lassi $3.99

Sam & Curry Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Halal food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Family-friendly

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Sam & Curry Photos

Sam & Curry Location

Sam & Curry

California Santa Clara County San Jose North San Jose North First Street

1751 N First St #40, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Sam & Curry Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 426 user reviews.

chipotlebowlburritolamb curryideamexicanfusionconceptproteindesi

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Chipotle style indian food. Good veg options available., worth the $, definitely recommend a try., Close to San Jose Airport (5 mins max), Could be a good grab and go option given the service is also quick and packed well., Limited dine in space, great for pick ups / door delivery
September 13 · Barath T
Had been wanting to try this place for a while and glad I enjoyed it too. Very similar to make your bowl/salad kind of model. Ingredients tasted very fresh, loved the flavor of dressing, chicken and paneer was well cooked. Service was good too.
January 25 · Nishad Kumar
I never was a big fan of Indian food, I’m Mexican food all the way, Never eating outside of My culture but to My surprise?Im in love with this food . “amazing”I’m glad I made this choice. I wasn’t disappointed. It was worth the drive.The service was great Daniela and the cook did an excellent job. Keep up the good work.
September 19 · monique orosco lucatero
This is chipotle for Indian food. Actually first time could get a high protein low carb tasty Indian food. I got a salad bowl with chicken curry.
August 29 · Thomson Varghese
Absolutely delicious! Casual and quick dining. I love Indian food and love making bowls with my likings, so this was perfect!! Choose your protein (and veggie options) for a salad, tacos, rice bowl, or wrap. So much flavor and great blends. Drink options were also fun!
June 28 · Ali Hanks