Hours
| Friday | 8 AM–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–9:30 PM |
| Monday | 8 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–9:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2006 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Phone: (408) 415-9218
Website: https://order.idlyexpress.com/
Menu Photos
Related Web Results
Idly Express : Best South Indian Restaurant In Unitedstates
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Idly Express Food Delivery and Takeout | Bites
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Idly Express Drive-Thru – Santa Clara, CA | joe coffee
Idly Express Drive-Thru in Santa Clara, California. 4.4 stars (75 reviews). Drive-Thru. Hours, menu, photos & directions.
Reviews
Sriram Sundararajan
2/4/26: Walked into the store and found a lady with a pet dog inside the store ordering food. This was not a service dog. Further she took the dog outside after ordering food, got seated and allowed the dog sit on the table. Please see attached photo. I don’t have a problem with pets, but when the etiquette and the city/county/state code demands that you cannot bring pets into restaurants, you need to leave your pets outside in a safe place before you come in to pick up the food. I did notice that it was blistering hot outside and there was no shade. However, the dog could have sat under the table in order to have a cool place for resting.
I gave feedback to the associate that he was very polite with that customer. I commended him for that as he had to make sure that the customer was happy. But I also advised him that being polite and being right are two different things. I advised him to take a decision to stay on the right side and follow code instead of all customers kept happy.
The associate did agree to put a sign up there. Very impressed with his patience and demeanor. But not satisfied with the lack of decision making to say the right thing!
12/8/2025: Beach Sundal Vadai Combo was Yum! 5/5
11/5/2025: Adai Avial combo. 5/5
11/3/2025: Super Combo 5/5 Amazing combo option of Mini Masala Dosai with Thatta Idly and one small Medu Vadai
($10 – Reasonably priced)
Updated: 10/28: Great service from Udaya. Went to pick up PV combo + Filter coffee. The pongal and Vadai were very good. Excellent Sambhar. Coconut chutney was ok..Coffee was not as hot as expected and slightly on the warmer side. I let Udaya know and she fixed it with a new cuppa in a couple of minutes. Excellent service again.
Updated 9/18/2025
Food (⭐⭐⭐½ / 5)
Pongal on 9/18 visit was flavorful with Sambar and Chutney. Avoided the Vada. Service was amazing as usual.
Pongal: Improved on 9/9 visit—flavorful with good sambar.
Vadai: Crispy outside, soft inside, though once came out sour (staff addressed promptly).
Chutney: Underwhelming, bland.
Thatte Idli: On my 9/10/25 visit, ordered Thatte Idli and it was very good with Sambar. I dined in outside so was able to enjoy the Chutney. Their Chutney and Sambar settle if you drive for more than 10 minutes. So mix them well to enjoy or dine in. Informed Mr.Vincent about this and he took in the feedback positively.
Coffee: Excellent—staff even offered extra decoction for stronger taste. Tried this multiple times with good consistency.
Sweet Pongal: Standout item, rich with Ghee and Vellam.
Service (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5)
Drive-thru and counter staff (special mention to Jas and Vincent) were warm, polite, and attentive.
Proactively offered complimentary sweets while I waited.
Checked preferences (like coffee strength) and added thoughtful touches.
Location & Facilities (⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5)
Conveniently located near Target at Scott & El Camino with ample parking.
Drive-thru is functional; dine-in for ~16 people just opened.
Restroom available, clean though not as spotless as other Mylapore outlets.
Overall Experience (⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5)
Service was outstanding, food quality still finding consistency.
Great spot for filter coffee and sweet pongal; expect some items to improve as they settle in.
Will return and recommend giving it a try—staff genuinely care about feedback and quick fixes.
… moreI gave feedback to the associate that he was very polite with that customer. I commended him for that as he had to make sure that the customer was happy. But I also advised him that being polite and being right are two different things. I advised him to take a decision to stay on the right side and follow code instead of all customers kept happy.
The associate did agree to put a sign up there. Very impressed with his patience and demeanor. But not satisfied with the lack of decision making to say the right thing!
12/8/2025: Beach Sundal Vadai Combo was Yum! 5/5
11/5/2025: Adai Avial combo. 5/5
11/3/2025: Super Combo 5/5 Amazing combo option of Mini Masala Dosai with Thatta Idly and one small Medu Vadai
($10 – Reasonably priced)
Updated: 10/28: Great service from Udaya. Went to pick up PV combo + Filter coffee. The pongal and Vadai were very good. Excellent Sambhar. Coconut chutney was ok..Coffee was not as hot as expected and slightly on the warmer side. I let Udaya know and she fixed it with a new cuppa in a couple of minutes. Excellent service again.
Updated 9/18/2025
Food (⭐⭐⭐½ / 5)
Pongal on 9/18 visit was flavorful with Sambar and Chutney. Avoided the Vada. Service was amazing as usual.
Pongal: Improved on 9/9 visit—flavorful with good sambar.
Vadai: Crispy outside, soft inside, though once came out sour (staff addressed promptly).
Chutney: Underwhelming, bland.
Thatte Idli: On my 9/10/25 visit, ordered Thatte Idli and it was very good with Sambar. I dined in outside so was able to enjoy the Chutney. Their Chutney and Sambar settle if you drive for more than 10 minutes. So mix them well to enjoy or dine in. Informed Mr.Vincent about this and he took in the feedback positively.
Coffee: Excellent—staff even offered extra decoction for stronger taste. Tried this multiple times with good consistency.
Sweet Pongal: Standout item, rich with Ghee and Vellam.
Service (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5)
Drive-thru and counter staff (special mention to Jas and Vincent) were warm, polite, and attentive.
Proactively offered complimentary sweets while I waited.
Checked preferences (like coffee strength) and added thoughtful touches.
Location & Facilities (⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5)
Conveniently located near Target at Scott & El Camino with ample parking.
Drive-thru is functional; dine-in for ~16 people just opened.
Restroom available, clean though not as spotless as other Mylapore outlets.
Overall Experience (⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5)
Service was outstanding, food quality still finding consistency.
Great spot for filter coffee and sweet pongal; expect some items to improve as they settle in.
Will return and recommend giving it a try—staff genuinely care about feedback and quick fixes.
Pragnaya Priyadarshini
Waiting time – We ordered around 8 PM and had to wait about 15-20 minutes for our food.
Seating – There were a couple of outdoor tables where you could sit and eat comfortably.
Food – The idlis were a bit sour, and the vadas didn’t seem fresh and were quite oily. The sambar and chutney were okayish, especially compared to the Mountain View location.
But honestly, the guy at the counter was really kind.
… moreSeating – There were a couple of outdoor tables where you could sit and eat comfortably.
Food – The idlis were a bit sour, and the vadas didn’t seem fresh and were quite oily. The sambar and chutney were okayish, especially compared to the Mountain View location.
But honestly, the guy at the counter was really kind.
Natalie Bone
Damn! What a place.
Had first time accidentally ordered from Idly Express about a month or two back. Had ordered Utthapam and Vada and it was outstanding. This was as flavorful as a high quality restaurant back in India.
I order via DoorDash and eat at home almost always so won’t be comment on service and ambience.
I was so amazed by the flavor and quality of food that I thought the first one being high quality was an accident, a mistake.
Today was maybe my 4th time ordering from here. Today, I ordered Idli and Uttapham and I have just eaten the Idli and Sambhar and Coconut chutney so far and today too it was SPECTACULAR.
People – Don’t be afraid and just try this place. These people rock. Awesome, consistent quality over 3-4 months and over different food items.
Keep rocking, Idly Express. Thank you for the awesome experience. God bless
… moreHad first time accidentally ordered from Idly Express about a month or two back. Had ordered Utthapam and Vada and it was outstanding. This was as flavorful as a high quality restaurant back in India.
I order via DoorDash and eat at home almost always so won’t be comment on service and ambience.
I was so amazed by the flavor and quality of food that I thought the first one being high quality was an accident, a mistake.
Today was maybe my 4th time ordering from here. Today, I ordered Idli and Uttapham and I have just eaten the Idli and Sambhar and Coconut chutney so far and today too it was SPECTACULAR.
People – Don’t be afraid and just try this place. These people rock. Awesome, consistent quality over 3-4 months and over different food items.
Keep rocking, Idly Express. Thank you for the awesome experience. God bless
Pitter B
The best restaurant for good Chennai style Idli (big idli) and Sambar, along with real tasty filter coffee. Doesn’t have any seating inside the restaurant but have some sit out area. Pakaging was at its best. Liked it very much
… moreJane Liu
The Thatte Idly here is outstanding. I was completely blown away by the sambar–I’ve never had a soup with such a delicate, incense-like fragrance! Clearly, a lot of skill goes into balancing these complex flavors. The tomato chutney is excellent too, with a surprisingly rich depth. I also loved how the spiced lentil paste adds a salty, slightly gritty texture to the idly when paired with the chutneys. Just a touch more spiciness, and it would be perfect.
I also tried the Idiyappam Kurma, which reminded me of Sri Lankan string hoppers. The curry was delicious, though it was slightly overshadowed by the amazing Thatte Idly.
The gentleman at the drive-thru was very kind and even gave me complimentary carrot halwa–also delicious.
Everything I’ve tried so far has been excellent, and I can’t wait to go back for the Idly Vadai, vegan chai, and filtered coffee!
UPDATE: Tried the vegan masala chai today and it was, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever had. I was also offered another small sample of a tasty dessert–a sweet textured mash of chickpeas and sweet potato. Once again, the staff were incredibly kind. Idly Express continues to raise the bar for both food and service in this neighborhood.
… moreI also tried the Idiyappam Kurma, which reminded me of Sri Lankan string hoppers. The curry was delicious, though it was slightly overshadowed by the amazing Thatte Idly.
The gentleman at the drive-thru was very kind and even gave me complimentary carrot halwa–also delicious.
Everything I’ve tried so far has been excellent, and I can’t wait to go back for the Idly Vadai, vegan chai, and filtered coffee!
UPDATE: Tried the vegan masala chai today and it was, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever had. I was also offered another small sample of a tasty dessert–a sweet textured mash of chickpeas and sweet potato. Once again, the staff were incredibly kind. Idly Express continues to raise the bar for both food and service in this neighborhood.
Shubham Jain
Ordered the super combo. 10$ for a big idli, regular medu vada and a mini dosa was gold for the price. It also had 2 chutneys as well as 8oz of sambhar. We also got medium (instead of strong) filter coffee and that turned out to be milky. So if you like it less milky, order strong.
… moreJanaki Sekar
Had Adai Avial, with butter and jaggery. It was warm with required oil and was crunchy on the top and soft inside. Avial was too good with creamy consistency. Just loved it! What made it even more special is just $5. I was questioning myself Am I california or in my native? Bless Everyone who made this experience possible.
… moreRhea Khadye
Very efficient drive through. Dipped mini idlis were good, but the sambar to idli ratio needs to be higher. Would recommend getting extra sambar on side. Filter coffee is nice
… moreAbhinav Agarwalla
I have multiple times from the newly opened drive through from Idly Express. Sometimes the food is great, other times is meh. Once, the sambhar was very diluted with water – unlike the awesome sambhar from Idly Express. I would urge the owner/franchisee to maintain the consistency.
… moreEtha K.
I have always passed through this new idly place on the way to go home so I decided to give it a try. Ordered dosa, sambal, and upatam or utapam (? it is like a savory pancake with veges). I would not say it was bad, just mediocre. Service, atmosphere, price, food quality, all just mediocre. I would much prefer Madras Cafe. Out of all the things I ordered, the savory pancake was somewhat better than other things.
… more