welcome to Udupi Palace!
Udupi Palace is a great South Indian Vegetarian restaurant in the Mission District of San Francisco. Seven of the WC crew gathered together recently to check it out, as we were looking for somewhere to eat on Valencia Street in the 20’s. We were enticed by seeing the crowds of people happily eating their crepe-like creations through the place’s huge storefront windows. A foodie given is that a lot of people in a restaurant are always a good sign. South Indian food isn’t so common in San Francisco so we were extra-excited. And it’s vegan, without the politics, so it’s even more unique. I’ve enjoyed homemade South Indian at Hegui and Stevie’s place, but don’t get it out that much, unless you include the rasam soup at Kennedy’s Pub and Curry House.
Though the place was packed on a Thursday night, we got seated in only ten minutes! Talking and standing outside was fun as we all anticipated the tasty food. Some of the diners even waved and posed for us through the window as I snapped a few pics for this story. The menu is extensive and the prices pretty reasonable. It’s popular and they don’t take reservations, so you might have to wait. They do offer take-out. However, they only take cash so bring some greenbacks!
#34 SPICY GOBI CHETTINAD
My dish was #34 on the menu; SPICY GOBI CHETTINAD, only $7.95. (I kept a copy of the menu so I know the names, numbers and prices of the dishes, silly!) It’s an Uthappam topped with a spicy Chettinad Masala. I don’t know what Chettinad or Uthappam means but it’s some sort of pancake looking thing. It was spicy and good and came with quite a few different vegan dips, so you just tear off a piece and dip it into the sauces: mint, coconut, and spicy pickles. Prof T. got #45 UDUPI COMBO which is a choice of Dosa or Uthappam with Idly or Medhu Vada. You need to go there to really find out what this “Idly Medhu Vada” is. Prof. T’s was good, however it was more of a crepe rather than a thick pancake filled with a sauce of Masala along with all the same dips that came with my order.
Billy got the huge trumpet looking crepe # 19 PAPER DOSA, the one we ogled at in the window before coming in. It’s like a big horn made like a light French pancake. We all ooo’ed and aahhh’ed over the giant crepe after it was set on the table. Hegui got the RASAM soup which he enjoyed even though he makes something similar at home. It must be good!
#45 UDUPI COMBO
Now excuse me, but all these titles and menu options are overwhelming. You’d have to be an Indian food expert to know them all! Several trips to Udupi Palace would probably be my best advice. Then you can eat-on-the-job as it were. Overall, everyone’s order was intriguing and beautiful to look at, before we devoured every last morsel. And take note, they also have a good but affordable wine list as well as some interesting Indian beers. It’s worth trying out. I plan on going back soon!
Aside from the San Francisco spot, they have locations in Sunnyvale, Fremont, Berkeley and Los Angeles too.
happy diners enjoying Udupi Palace
Jasmine says go to Udupi Palace tonight!