The Ketli Chai Santa Clara: Your Bay Area Hub for Authentic Indian Street Food, Chai, and Late-Night Comfort

The Ketli Chai Introduce

Welcome to The Ketli Chai, a vibrant destination in Santa Clara, California, that brings the authentic, comforting flavors of Indian street food and the cherished tradition of chai to the heart of the Bay Area. For those in California craving the nostalgic taste of spiced snacks, flavorful Maggi noodles, and perfectly brewed tea, this local gem offers a professional and friendly atmosphere with a menu that is both unique and deeply satisfying. It stands out in the Silicon Valley's diverse culinary landscape as a go-to spot for an informal, yet truly authentic, Indian street food experience.

The concept of The Ketli Chai centers around the simple, yet profound, pleasures of everyday Indian comfort food. Unlike traditional, full-service Indian restaurants focusing on elaborate curries and bread baskets, this establishment focuses on savory street snacks, sandwiches, and, most importantly, a variety of chai (Indian spiced tea) and coffee. This specialization creates a unique offering for California residents—a place where you can quickly grab a flavorful bite or settle in for a casual meal. The reviews from local customers often highlight the authentic taste, with many noting a reminiscent flavor of street food enjoyed in major Indian cities like Chandigarh.

Location and Accessibility

The Ketli Chai is ideally situated at 2367 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA. This highly accessible location on El Camino Real makes it a convenient stop for locals, students, and professionals across Santa Clara and the wider Silicon Valley area. The location is easily reachable by car and features valuable amenities for California diners: a free parking lot and free street parking are available, which significantly eases the dining experience in this busy region.

Accessibility is a priority, as the venue offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. Its central position makes it a popular gathering spot for college students and local groups, offering a trendy and casual atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy good company and great food.

Services Offered

The Ketli Chai provides a range of flexible service options to suit the busy Californian lifestyle, whether you wish to relax on-site or grab your food on the go.

Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the casual, trendy atmosphere with comfortable seating options for both lunch and dinner.
Outdoor Seating: A delightful feature for enjoying the beautiful California weather while sipping on chai and snacking.
Takeout: Conveniently pick up your order to enjoy at home or work.
Curbside Pickup: An extra layer of convenience, allowing you to quickly collect your order without leaving your vehicle.
Delivery: Offering delivery service to bring their popular comfort food straight to your door.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets The Ketli Chai apart for the Bay Area community is its specialized menu focusing on unique, comforting, and high-quality food and drink. The restaurant is an Indian Vegetarian establishment, with many items being eggless and offering Vegan options, catering perfectly to the diverse dietary needs and preferences common across California.

Specialty Chai and Coffee: The core offering, including the signature The Ketli Chai, Masala Chai, Ginger Elachi Chai, and the luxurious Kesar Chai. They also offer refreshing cold coffees and traditional South Asian refreshers like Mango Lassi and a variety of Mojitos.
Gourmet Maggi Noodles: A nostalgic and immensely popular street food item, offered in over a dozen innovative variations such as The Ketli Maggi, Tandoori Maggi (with Amul Cheese), and Paneer Masala Maggi. These are noted as top-selling items and late-night favorites.
Savory Indian Sandwiches: Grilled sandwiches that are a step above the ordinary, featuring classic flavors like Paneer Masala Sandwich, Aloo Masala Sandwich, and the specialty Double Layer Sandwich. They are known for being rich in authentic flavors and satisfyingly prepared.
Late-Night Food: One of the major drawcards in the Santa Clara area is the availability of late-night dining options, making it a perfect spot for those seeking comfort food well after standard dinner hours. Many patrons praise the lively vibe and the quality of the food even late at night.
Comfort Food and Quick Bites: The entire menu is designed around fulfilling comfort food and quick bites, ideal for lunch, dinner, or a substantial snack. Offerings include the iconic Bun Maska (a soft, buttered bun served with creamy malai or butter), various Sev Buns, and hot Parathas.
Amenities: The space offers modern conveniences such as a Gender-neutral restroom and Wi-Fi, enhancing the casual and welcoming atmosphere for all guests.

Contact Information

For California locals looking to contact the restaurant, place an order, or check for current operating hours, please use the following information.

Address: 2367 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA
Phone: (669) 243-9921

What is worth choosing

Choosing The Ketli Chai means opting for an authentic, convenient, and flavorful departure from the ordinary Bay Area dining scene. It is more than just an Indian restaurant; it is a specialized chai cafe and street food hub. For California residents, particularly those who have traveled or lived in India, the restaurant offers an invaluable sense of nostalgia—a fact repeatedly mentioned in customer testimonials that compare the food favorably to authentic street stalls.

The commitment to high-quality, vegetarian-friendly, and often vegan-adaptable items makes it a reliable choice for diverse groups. Whether you are a college student looking for an affordable, filling, and spicy late-night meal, a local professional in need of a quick and flavorful lunch, or simply a food enthusiast eager to explore the world of Indian snacks, The Ketli Chai is worth your visit. The pairing of savory snacks like the Tandoori Paneer Sandwich with a warm, spiced Ginger Elachi Chai is an experience that epitomizes Indian comfort. The casual and friendly atmosphere ensures that every visit is a pleasant break from the daily hustle of Silicon Valley life, making it a true neighborhood favorite in Santa Clara.

The Ketli Chai Food & drink

Sandwiches
Paneer Masala Sandwich $12.00
Grilled sandwich filled with spiced paneer, bell peppers, corn, and onions, offering a blend of savory and mildly sweet flavors.
Aloo Masala Sandwich $9.00
Bread filled with a spiced mixture of mashed potatoes. Comes with cheese, herbs, and a tangy chutney.
The Ketli Sandwich $13.00
Grilled sandwich filled with spiced vegetables, paneer, aloo masala, cheese and chutney, cut into triangles.
Veggie Cheese Sandwich $11.00
Grilled sandwich loaded with cheese, veggies, red and green chutneys. Grilled for perfection.
Tandoori Paneer Sandwich $12.00
Filled with spicy paneer masala, onions, cheese and our special tandoori sauce.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich $6.00
Grilled sandwich with melted cheese which is filled with our special sauce.
Tandoori Veggie Sandwich $11.00
Melted cheese, loaded with veggies and our special tandoori sauce.
Creamy Cheese Veggie Sandwich $11.00
Filled with veggies, cream sauce and cheese. Grilled for perfection.
Spicy Aloo Sandwich $10.00
Bread filled with a spiced mixture of Spicy mashed potatoes. Comes with cheese, herbs, and a tangy chutney.
Double Layer Sandwich $14.00

Snacks
Bun Maska (Malai) $7.00
Soft, buttered bun with a hint of sweetness, cut into two pieces for sharing.
Chaska Maska (Butter) $7.00
Soft and sweet bun, filled with salted butter, cut into two pieces for sharing.
Nutella Bun Maska $7.50
Soft bun filled with a rich Nutella spread, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and buttery texture.
Jam Bun Maska $8.00
Soft bun filled with a sweet jam center, lightly buttered for a rich, creamy texture.
Hara Sev Bun $7.00
warmed bun filled with a spicy blend of green chutney and sev, drawing inspiration from the traditional savory preparation.
Tandoori Sev Bun $7.00
Warmed bun filled with a spicy blend of tandoori sauce and sev, drawing inspiration from the traditional savory preparation.
Aloo Sev Bun $8.00
Aloo bun maska features a buttered bun stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes, typically served as a savory snack.
Tawa Butter Bread $4.00
Milk bread toasted on a griddle, generously slathered with butter.
Malai Butter Bread $6.00
PBJ (Peanut Butter & Jam Sandwich) $7.00
Sweet Butter Bun $7.00

Chai
12 Cup Chai Flask $45.00
Flask will keep your drink hot for 60-75 mins and holds 12-15 cups of chai.
The Ketli Chai $5.00
Chai Tea in Small or Large sizes.
Masala Chai $4.00
Masala chai infused with aromatic spices. Available in small or large sizes.
Ginger Elachi Chai $4.00
Kesar Chai $5.00
Saffron-infused tea. Available in small or large sizes.
Dirty Chai (Contains Coffee) $5.00
A blend of Indian spiced tea and coffee, typically includes milk and sugar.
Gur Wali Chai (Jaggery) $4.50
Kesar Badam Milk $6.00

Coffee
The Ketli Coffee (COLD) $6.50
The Ketli Coffee is a traditional Indian beverage, prepared by boiling roasted coffee beans with milk, often sweetened to taste.
Chocolate Coffee (COLD) $7.00
Brewed coffee blended with chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream, creating a creamy and refreshing cold beverage.
Hot Milk Coffee $5.00
A traditional Indian beverage prepared by brewing fine coffee with hot milk, typically sweetened with sugar.
Cold Milk Coffee $5.00
Chilled brewed coffee mixed with milk, offering a refreshing and smooth taste.
Hot Dalgona Coffee $6.00
Whipped to perfection, hot dalgona coffee combines a frothy top layer with milk, typically sweetened to enhance the rich coffee base.
Cold Dalgona Coffee $6.00
Whipped coffee served over milk, typically includes a sweetener to balance the robust flavor of the coffee.

Maggi
The Ketli Maggi $12.50
Savory noodles mixed with sweet corn, bell peppers, and a hint of spice, topped with melted cheese and black pepper.
Tandoori Maggi (Comes With Amul Cheese) $13.00
Maggi noodles infused with tandoori masala, complemented by Amul cheese.
Masala Maggi $9.50
Seasoned noodles with a blend of aromatic spices, garnished with a sprinkle of black pepper and red chili flakes.
Spicy Masala Maggi $11.00
Maggi noodles tossed with a blend of spices and typically includes mixed vegetables.
Veggie Maggi $11.00
Mixed vegetables and spices combined with Maggi noodles, creating a flavorful and colorful dish.
Spicy Veggie Maggi $12.00
Indian noodles cooked with mixed vegetables and Indian spices, offering a flavorful and spicy twist.
Lemon Corn Maggi $12.00
Tangy noodles infused with lemon, mixed with sweet corn, and garnished with a sprinkle of spices.
Single Masala Maggi $6.00
Paneer Masala Maggi $12.50
Jain Masala Maggi (No Onion And No Garlic Masala) $10.50
Hot N Sweet Maggi $11.00
Creamy Maggi $11.00

Refresher
Kesar Badaam Thandai $8.00
A chilled milk beverage typically infused with saffron, almonds, and a blend of spices.
Mango Lassi $5.00
Traditional Indian drink with mango and yogurt.
Mango Shake $8.00
Ripe mango pieces blended with milk and a hint of sugar, creating a smooth and refreshing shake.
Rooh Afza Milk $5.00
A traditional Indian beverage combining milk with sweet rose syrup for a refreshing taste.
Masala Limca $5.00
Limca soda infused with a blend of aromatic Indian spices, offering a refreshing and tangy experience.
Masala Thums Up $5.00
A fizzy Indian cola infused with traditional spices, offering a unique and spicy twist to the classic beverage.
Mint Mojito $6.00
Muddled fresh mint and lime, sweetened with syrup, and topped with soda water for a refreshing taste.
Mango Mojito $6.00
Mango puree mixed with lime juice, mint leaves, and soda water, creating a refreshing and tangy beverage.
Guava Mojito $6.00
Muddled fresh mint, guava juice, a hint of lime, and soda water, creating a refreshing beverage.
Lychee Mojito $6.00
Lychee mojito combines the sweet taste of lychee with mint leaves, lime, and soda water for a refreshing drink.
Rose Lychee $6.50
A refreshing beverage combining the delicate flavors of rose and the sweet essence of lychee.
Honeydew Milk $7.00

Kids' Menu
Nutella Sandwich Kids Meal $8.00
Nutella spread between slices, served with chips and frooti.
Bread Butter Jam Kids Meal $8.00
Comes with Frootie and Chips
Maggi Kids Meal $8.00
Comes with Frootie and Chips

Paratha
2 Aloo Paratha $6.00
4 Aloo Paratha $10.00
2 Paneer Paratha $7.00
4 Paneer Paratha $12.00

Extras
Chocolate Milk Cold $5.00
A refreshing drink made with chilled milk and cocoa powder, providing a delightful blend of chocolatey goodness.
Chocolate Milk Hot $5.00
A warm beverage made with milk and chocolate, typically featuring a smooth and rich blend.
Limca Can $3.00
Indian Extras: Limca or Thums Up can, refreshing soda options.
Thumbs Up Can $3.00
A popular Indian carbonated cola drink, known for its bold and spicy flavor, served in a convenient can.
Frooti $2.50
A popular mango-flavored beverage, often associated with a refreshing and fruity taste.
Bottled Soda $4.00
A carbonated beverage, typically available in varieties such as Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, and Fanta.
Water $1.00
Clear, refreshing bottled water.
Parle-G $1.00
Flat-baked sweet biscuits, typically includes milk and wheat, originating from a well-recognized brand.
Chips $2.00
Crispy fried potato slices, lightly seasoned with traditional Indian spices.

The Ketli Chai Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Groups
Locals

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

The Ketli Chai Photos

The Ketli Chai Location

The Ketli Chai

California Santa Clara County Santa Clara El Camino Real

2367 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA

The Ketli Chai Reviews

An average rating of ★4 from 350 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Landed in San Jose and this was the first food truck we hit of many. Was pretty surprised to see that it was busy at 10:30 pm. Got one table and then went to order the food. Ordered kesar chai, ginger chai, veg sandwiches, amul maggi , bun maska.After having a bite of veg sandwich, we just fest the nostalgia and felt that we were back to Chandigarh sec 22 eating the veg sandwich. It was reminiscent of what we used to eat. The taste and quality of any item we tried didn’t disappoint. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is craving for that street side food in Chandigarh or NCR.
September 16 · Amit Sharma
Midnight Maggi never tasted this good! We visited the Ketli food truck during our recent trip to Mountain View and had a great time sampling their variety of Maggi and sandwiches. The flavors were nostalgic and satisfying. The vibe at night is lively and fun, with games to play while you wait for your order. A cozy and casual spot to hang out and enjoy comfort food under the stars.
August 02 · Akshita Garg
I'd be broke if I lived closeby to this place!We went looking for chai but were mind blown by the food. The paneer bhurji with the properly toasted bread..writing about it is making my mouth water. You should definitely try it. And the bun maska, literally melted in the mouth(not exaggerating!!)Chai was pretty good too.They have fun games outside and overall it's a nice place to hangout and fill your tummy with yummy food 😋
August 14 · spandana patnaik
Best place in the Bay Area for Maggi, bun muska, street style Indian food, Service is quick and easy. Highly recommend this for quick snack or take away. Food tastes delicious and does have few seating spots too.
July 06 · Manasa C
The first time I visited this place, I was quite skeptical because the entire menu was filled with maggi or sandwiches. However, the people working there recommended that I try the Keli maggi noodles, and it turned out to be a delightful surprise. The noodles were hot, flavorful, and satisfying, and I really enjoyed them.I also tried the jam bun maska, which was outstanding. I got lucky with my choices because everything was pretty good. On my next visit, I ordered the tandoori noodles again, which were okay, and once more, I had the bun maska. I also enjoyed their virgin mojito and loved the vibe of the place and the friendly people there.I definitely recommend this spot, and next time, I plan to try the sandwiches for sure!
March 30 · Vishruth Rao