Vik's Chaat: Great Indian Street Food in Berkeley

You know youâ€™ve made a good restaurant choice when a film crew shows up a few minutes after you arrive.

Apparently I wasnâ€™t the only one to hear that Vikâ€™s Chaat had great food. Located in Berkeleyâ€™s industrial district, the restaurant is right next toÂ the train tracks and quite near some of my new craft fave beer tasting rooms. Â Not the parking is to the right of the 4th Street entrance.

Looking for good lunch options while staying out by the marina I came across Vikâ€™s Chaat which hadÂ insanely good reviews of its cafeteria-style India street food options. I was immediately enthralled and intimidated.

I timed my arrival right when they opened, hoping any awkwardness about where to order and where to pick up would be less disruptive. It was empty and in fact I had to let several people go in front of me while I figured out what to order.

Remembering my perfect food tour in Chennai, I wanted ALL the food. As it was, I ordered way too much. Good problem to have.
You place your order near the door at the drink and dessert station. You pick it up in shiny silver cafeteria trays at various stations when they call out your name. If the place is packed, you probably want a seat near a speaker.

two plastic cups of milk — *Perfect mango lassi but the Rose + Salty was worth trying*

Dosa was must! I went with plain, though getting it stuffed with various viands is only a buck more.

And then I had to go with the food cart favorite, pani purri. Fortunately itâ€™s DIY fillings so it doesnâ€™t get soggy until youâ€™re ready to pop them in your mouth.

And then it was one of the lunch specials. Did I mention I wanted all the lunch specials? In last minute desperation I went with the Maneer Paneer with various sides. It was scrumptious, the lentils were fantastic, but the surprisingly shout out went to the rice. I normally ignore rice and this demanded attention.