Sonia Ghosh
I was intrigued by the traditional name of this South Indian place and decided to check it out during my first visit to Berkeley. Although the curd rice seems to be the star of the place (and much reviewed), I went for the idli vada combo with a filter coffee. Also, out of eye hunger, I ordered Maggi.
The portions were quite small for a full meal, so it’s better suited for a quick snack. The idli batter tasted a bit sour, possibly over-fermented, and the filter coffee didn’t quite live up to expectations. That said, the place itself has a cozy and casual vibe.
… moreLavanya R
We had the yogurt rice (with some toppings) and the masala bites (if you’ve heard of paniyaaram, it’s basically that with potato masala filling). I was just looking to have my comfort meal and that’s exactly what I got. The place itself was cozy too.
… moreAbhinav Ramaswamy
An excellent restaurant. As a South Indian, thayir sadam is a comfort dish you grow up eating, but rarely get outside the house. For a very affordable $10, I got a sizable portion of thayir sadam that took me back to my childhood days. I got thayir sadam (yogurt + rice) with paneer, pickle, cucumbers, carrots, and spiced peanuts, and it was INCREDIBLY refreshing and tasty. I spoke with the owner as well, and he is a very nice gentleman. Highly recommend this restaurant for those who love thayir sadam, and those who have yet to try this South Indian staple!
… moreJeff Dinakar
I’ve been wanting to try Thayir Sadam for a while and finally got the opportunity on a recent trip to Berkeley! It’s so rare to find good South Indian food, and especially more specific types of South Indian food like this, that it was awesome to see this concept in action.
If you’ve never had Thayir Sadam (the base is a South Indian yogurt rice), you’re missing out. It’s the perfect balance of simple food but unique execution, and this restaurant nailed it! They offer a ton of customizations on the menu, as well as auxiliary snacks and drinks (both the puffs and filter coffee were excellent). I’d definitely recommend trying a few new things next time you’re here!
The ambiance inside the building is great, and offers a good amount of seating as well. Service is fast and they’re very helpful when you’re trying to figure out what to order!
I got to meet one of the co-owners during my visit and he extended excellent hospitality during my time at the restaurant. I’ll definitely be back!
… moreCraig Persiko
Delicious, hearty, healthy vegetarian south Indian vegetarian food like I never had before! The staff are very friendly and the atmosphere is very nice. It’s my new favorite lunch spot in Berkeley! The medium TS with oats and lots of toppings is a solid meal!
… moreChhavi Yadav
Got the rice yogurt bowl with toppings and the medu vada.. Both very freshly made, tasted amazing and filling! the vibe of the restaurant is soulful and soothing.. would recommend going here!
… moreVenky R
I was at this joint last month, the thayir saadham (curd rice) was prepared after I placed the order. The ingredients were all fresh. They top off the rice with pickle, fried curd chillis, some seasonings. They give you the options to choose the toppings you want in curd rice. It definitely tasted like home made stuff. Hope they will be able to keep up the quality in the future.
… moreAkshay Naresh
Saw this restaurant on my way home from school and was surprised to see a restaurant named after a staple dish from my culture! Thaiyir Sadam has always been a comfort food for me, something my mom prepared for me at the end of a long day or something I can cook up if I’m running around everywhere. This restaurant does justice to such an iconic dish. The toppings are great, the actual rice and yogurt are perfect consistency. If you’re not south Indian and are curious to try a spicy and yet umami dish, give it a go!
… moreCharlotte Khadra
I loved the authentic, very tasty food (masala dosa in my case) –it truly tasted homemade. I favor a crispier dosa but the flavors made it up for it. The seating area is absolutely beautiful with cushions, color and photo books. These details belied a cultured, human touch and were much appreciated on a block of corporate or bland student restaurants. Please add more items to menu! Yum. Maybe a veg thali…? I can’t wait to come back for a peaceful, healthy lunch. Thank you!
… moreUsha Vijay
A fresh and authentic rendition of the classic comfort food – made of rice, freshly made yogurt, and seasoning for flavor. This is served with Indian pickle and crispy appalam. There is a toppings bar – mango, carrot, cucumber, coconut, dry fruits, grapes, kiwi, paneer, and garbanzo. We loved it. There is a nice seating within the restaurant. @dr.pal.manickam will be delighted – 2Fs checked – Fermented and Fiber (through vegetables)!
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