Taste of the Himalayas
Looking for a place to dive into the rich flavors of Himalayan cuisine? Taste of the Himalayas in Berkeley is where you need to go! Located at 1700 Shattuck Ave Ste 102, this cozy spot brings a taste of the Himalayas to the heart of California. Whether you're a local or just passing through, you'll find a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for grabbing a bite with family and friends.
One of the best things about Taste of the Himalayas is its relaxed, casual vibe. The moderate noise level makes it ideal for a laid-back meal, and it’s definitely a kid-friendly spot. The restaurant also features outdoor seating, making it a perfect choice for sunny days or cooler evenings with a bit of fresh air. Plus, if you’re looking to enjoy a drink with your meal, their happy hour specials are always a great deal.
Now, let’s talk food! You simply can't miss their Chicken Tikka Masala, a creamy, spiced delight that’s packed with flavor. If you’re in the mood for something crispy and savory, the Samosas are a must-try. These little pockets of joy are filled with spiced potatoes and peas, offering that perfect crunch with every bite. And if you're craving something heartier, the Lamb Vindaloo is a bold choice with its tangy, spicy flavors that will leave you craving more.
For those who love dumplings, their Chicken Momo is just what you need. These Tibetan-style dumplings are steamed to perfection and come with a dipping sauce that takes them to another level. You won’t want to miss out on these, trust me!
Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch with the family or gathering with a group of friends for a flavorful dinner, Taste of the Himalayas offers a variety of dishes that will make any meal feel special.
Reviews
We have eaten in a few times and get takeout about one a month. Consistently good, fresh food; and super warm, welcoming, and professional service.
My bf and I placed a phone order on a Wednesday night for pickup at 8:30 pm. We looked for metered street parking, but found an open residential spot nearby. Our order of ~$57 after tax fed 3-4 people. We got 1 drink, 2 appetizers, and 1 curry with an order of naan and roti each. I was greeted warmly at the counter upon entering the restaurant. DRINKS & SIDES ORDERED - Mango Lassi ($4.95). I was surprised by the smaller portion size (about 8 oz), but that's NorCal for you. The mango lassi was good, a little tart and a little sweet. It was on the thicker side and tasted more like yogurt than mango. - Garlic Herb Naan ($1.95 if added with curry). I enjoyed the bread's chewy yet fluffy texture. It was seasoned with basil, rosemary, oregano, mint, and fenugreek. I personally would have preferred a simpler medley of herbs. - Roti ($3.50). The whole wheat roti was chewy and soft with some layers. If compared to the naan, it was denser and less soft. It had a nice yeasty flavor, which may be attributed to the wheat, since roti usually does not contain yeast. APPETIZERS ORDERED - Chicken Sekuwa ($12.95 - 10 pcs). These tandoor-baked chicken skewers were yummy! The menu said it was marinated with Nepali herbs and spices. Each piece was tender and juicy. I forget if the boneless chicken was white or dark meat. The chicken was served on a bed of onions, carrots, and cabbage. - Mixed Momo ($11.95 - 8 pcs, 4 chicken and 4 vegetarian). The chicken momo contained minced chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, and cilantro. It was just alright. The flavor was actually quite neutral, and the filling was neither juicy nor dry. The veg momo was filled with minced cabbage, spinach, onion, and cilantro. I liked this one better than the chicken. It tasted like curry flavors with texture provided by the veg. According to the website, you can order the veg momo either vegan or vegetarian; I assume the default is vegetarian. Both momos had a thick and chewy dumpling skin that was not dry. I enjoyed the dipping sauce of tomato chutney, which tasted savory and earthy. CURRY ORDERED - Malai Kofta ($16.95 - medium spicy). I actually visited Taste of the Himalayas over 10 years ago and had the best malai kofta of my life. I think the gravy is still the best: sweet, savory, and spiced. However, the balls of potato, paneer, and nuts fell apart too easily. I think they tasted more cheesy and potatoey back in the day. At least they did not skimp on the nuts.
good authentic a little overpriced. ambiance is rly nice good options and nice server
This is the best Indian food you'll find in Berkeley. Incredible cheese naan and garlic naan. I love the butter chicken and chicken tikka masala. Service is very fast and friendly. Atmosphere is very cool! I love this spot! Try the chicken sekuwa as an appetizer!
This place was such an amazing experience! I am a white women but I feel like I am home in the Himilayas. The service was absolutly amazing. The staff and the waitresses were so sweet and nice! I had given them a tip just for their actions. Don't get me started with the food because that had to be the best food I had ever ate in my life ever since my great great grandmother had passed away. Just like what my Ma said, never judge a book by its cover, and she was totally right. When I had entered Taste of the Himilayas, I had a warm welcome and the ambiance was perfect for my mood. This has been an amazing experience for me and if you are wanting to try Himilayan/Indian food this is the perfect spot. My grand mother who is 102 had said herself that it was amazing. I had brought my entire family once for my Mother's birthday and everyone had a smile on their face. One recommendation for newcomers is to try the famous chicken momo! I love you Bonita and Ram Paudel!