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Chennai Cafe
- 1158 W Washington St #104, Tempe, AZ 85281

Indian restaurant ★4.0 (339)·$10–20

1158 W Washington St #104, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

4.0
This is truly the best restaurant in Phoenix. The food is always so fresh and full of flavor. Every time I eat here, the food comes out hot and perfect, and it leaves me feeling happy and peaceful afterward. I think it’s the special spices and the high quality of the ingredients that make it feel that way. I come here often, and I get excited every single time. The lunch buffet is also incredible – so many tasty options to enjoy! - Yash P
Chennai Cafe Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 339 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50

Chennai Cafe Introduce

For residents across the **Phoenix metro area** and particularly in the **Tempe** community, the craving for truly authentic, flavor-packed Indian cuisine is easily satisfied by one standout establishment: **Chennai Cafe**. This local gem, situated conveniently in Tempe, Arizona, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey to the vibrant, spice-rich regions of South India, while also offering a fantastic selection of North Indian favorites. It serves as a true hub for those in Arizona seeking the comforting and complex flavors that define genuine Indian cooking.

Chennai Cafe has established itself as a premier destination for those who appreciate fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and a wide variety of dishes to suit every palate. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast of Indian food or a curious newcomer, the extensive menu is designed to delight. The restaurant has garnered a reputation for its consistency and quality, making it a beloved spot for both a quick, satisfying lunch and a relaxing, flavorful dinner. Customers frequently praise the food for being exceptionally **fresh** and **full of flavor**, often noting that the dishes leave them feeling happy and peaceful—a testament to the high quality of the spices and ingredients used.

From crispy, savory **dosas** and fluffy **uthappams** to rich **biryanis** and hearty curries, Chennai Cafe brings a piece of Indian culinary excellence right to the heart of Arizona. The atmosphere is designed to be **casual and cozy**, making it an inviting place for **family-friendly** dining, gathering with **groups**, or enjoying a pleasant meal on your own. It’s an essential stop for anyone living in or visiting the region who is looking for an exceptional and memorable Indian dining experience.


## Location and Accessibility

Chennai Cafe is conveniently located to serve the greater Tempe and East Valley areas of Arizona. You can find this authentic dining experience at:

  • **Address:** 1158 W Washington St #104, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

The location offers excellent accessibility for all guests, a crucial factor for a local business aiming to serve the entire community. The restaurant provides a **free parking lot**, eliminating any hassle when visiting. For patrons requiring specific assistance, the establishment is fully equipped with **wheelchair accessible amenities**, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. This commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone in the Arizona community can enjoy the delightful menu and inviting atmosphere with ease and comfort.

Being situated in Tempe, the restaurant is easily reachable from various points across the Phoenix metro area, making it a go-to spot for Indian cuisine enthusiasts from Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and beyond. Its proximity to major thoroughfares makes the drive straightforward, and the generous parking facility is a significant plus for local diners.


## Services Offered

Chennai Cafe provides a variety of services designed to meet the diverse needs and schedules of its Arizona customers.

  • **Dine-in:** Enjoy a comfortable and cozy meal within the restaurant's casual atmosphere, with full table service.
  • **Takeout:** Perfect for those busy days when you want to enjoy fresh, authentic Indian food at home or work.
  • **Delivery:** Have your favorite Indian dishes brought right to your door for ultimate convenience.
  • **Catering:** Ideal for feeding a large group, whether for a business meeting, a party, or a family gathering, bringing the fantastic flavors of Chennai Cafe to your event.
  • **Reservations:** The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit, especially for larger groups or during peak dining hours.
  • **Dining Options:** Available for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, including a dedicated time for **Dessert** service.
  • **Payment Options:** For customer convenience, they accept **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and modern **NFC mobile payments**.

## Features / Highlights

The unique offerings and atmosphere at Chennai Cafe are what set it apart in the competitive Arizona dining scene.

  • **Authentic South Indian Specialties:** A major highlight is the focus on South Indian cuisine, including an extensive selection of **dosas** (like the **Masala Dosa** and **Ghee Paper Roast Dosa**) and **uthappams** (such as the **Onion Tomato Chili Uthappam**).
  • **Menu Variety:** The menu is incredibly broad, offering everything from light **Soups** (like **Rasam**) and various **Appetizers** (including **Samosas** and **Idli Manchurian**) to main courses like **Thali Platters** (Veg, Non-Veg, and Special), multiple kinds of **Briyani**, and a huge array of **Veg Curries** and **Non-Veg Curries**.
  • **Health-Conscious Options:** The menu proudly features a wide array of options for various dietary preferences, including dedicated **Vegan options**, **Vegetarian options**, and other **Healthy options**.
  • **Great Tea and Coffee Selection:** A highlighted feature is the **Great tea selection**, perfect for pairing with your meal or dessert. They also offer authentic Indian beverages like **Kumbakonam Filter Coffee** and **Indian Masala Tea**.
  • **Family and Kid-Friendly:** The restaurant is known to be **Family-friendly** and is **Good for kids**, even offering a special **Kids' Menu** with fun items like the **Kid's Chocolate Dosa** and **Cheese Dosa**.
  • **All You Can Eat:** A key draw, especially popular with local diners, is the **All you can eat** offering, which often takes the form of an incredible lunch buffet, as noted in customer reviews.
  • **House Specialties:** Don't miss the unique signature dishes like **Kothu Parotta** (available in Veg and Egg varieties), **Channa Batura**, and the **Chennai Special Cheese Spring Dosa**.

## Contact Information

If you're in the Arizona area and looking to make a reservation, inquire about catering, or place a takeout order, you can easily reach Chennai Cafe using the information below:

  • **Address:** 1158 W Washington St #104, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
  • **Phone:** (480) 687-4732

## What is Worth Choosing

For Arizona diners, Chennai Cafe offers a compelling blend of authenticity, variety, and quality that makes it a must-try. What makes this restaurant truly stand out? It's the rare combination of authentic South Indian cuisine, which can be hard to find, alongside North Indian staples that everyone loves. For instance, the sheer number of **Dosa** and **Uthappam** options provides a true taste of Southern India, while the extensive list of **Non-Veg Curries** like **Chettinad Chicken Curry** and **Lamb Vindaloo**, and **Veg Curries** such as **Paneer Butter Masala** and **Malai Kofta**, ensures that every craving for Indian flavor is met.

The restaurant’s commitment to providing **healthy options**, **vegan options**, and **vegetarian options** means that all guests can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without compromise. The service is often described as **warm and friendly**, contributing to the cozy and inviting atmosphere. Customer feedback consistently highlights the excellent value, particularly with the **lunch buffet**, described as "amazing," "fresh," and "truly authentic," making it an incredibly popular choice for local lunch breaks.

Ultimately, whether you're interested in the traditional, savory goodness of a **Sada Dosa**, the richness of a **Goat Briyani** (a weekend special), or simply a comforting cup of **Indian Masala Tea** and a dessert like **Gulab Jamun**, Chennai Cafe provides a high-quality, memorable, and accessible dining experience right here in Tempe, Arizona. It’s a local favorite and a highly recommended destination for anyone seeking the best of Indian cuisine.

Chennai Cafe Menu

  • Soups

  • Rasam $4.99

    A traditional south indian sour and spicy soup.

  • Appetizer

  • 2 Piece Idli $5.99

    Steamed rice and lentil patties. Served with sambar and chutney.

  • Idli, Vada $5.99

    Vada. steamed rice, lentil patties and fried lentil donut. Served with sambar and chutney.

  • 2 Piece Dhai Vada $7.50

    Lentil donuts dipped in yogurt. Served with sambar and chutney.

  • 2 Piece Sambar Vada $6.99

    Fried lentils donuts dipped in sambar. Served with chutney.

  • 2 Piece Rasa Vada $6.99

    Fried lentil donuts dipped in rasam. Served with sambar and chutney.

  • 2 Piece Vegetable Samosa $5.99

    Crispy and flaky crust stuffed with potato, onions, and peas.

  • 2 Piece Samosa Chaat $7.99

    Vegetable samosa topped with garbanzo beans curry, chutney, tomato, and onion.

  • Mixed Veggie Pakora $7.50

    Deep-fried potatoes, cauliflower, onion, and chilies mixed with chickpea flour and spices and served with sambar and chutney.

  • 2 Piece Vegetable Cutlet $6.99

    Minced vegetable with spices, bread crumbed and deep fried.

  • Chili Pakora $7.50

    Hot peppers mixed with chickpeas, flour, and deep-fried.

  • Chaat Papri $8.99

    Crisp flour cookie sprinkled with puffed rice, crispy noodles and plain yogurt tossed with potatoes, onions, fresh coriander, and tamarind chutney.

  • Bhel Puri $7.99

    Crisp flour cookie sprinkled with puffed rice, crispy noodles and tossed with, onions, fresh coriander, and tamarind chutney.

  • Paneer Pakora $9.99

    Paneer coated with besan and deep fried. Served with mint chutney and tamarind chutney.

  • Idli Manchurian $7.99

    Steamed rice and lentil patties tossed in udupi special manchurian sauce. Served with sambar and chutney.

  • Assorted Appetizers $10.99

    Medhu vada, veg samosa, veg cutlet and pakora.

  • Chicken 65 $11.99

    Chicken cubes marinated in a mild savory mix and deep fried.

  • Chicken Wings $11.99

    Grilled chicken wings marinated in a mild savory mix. garnished with onion and bell peppers.

  • Medhu Vada $5.99

    Fried lentil donuts. Served with sambar and chutney.

  • Thali Platers

  • Veg Thali $22.99

    Roti, white rice, sambar, dhal, kootu, poriyal, rasam, paneer curry, curd, pickle, papad, and dessert.

  • Non-Veg Thali $24.99

    Nonveg appetizer, roti, white rice, dhal, 2 non-veg curry, rasam, curd, pickle and dessert.

  • Chennai Café Special Thali $25.99

    Idli, dosa (of your choice, excluded rava dosa), medu vada, sambar, chutney, dessert and tea or coffee.

  • Uthappam

  • Plain Uthappam $11.99

    Indian style pancake.

  • Tomato And Peas Uthappam $12.99

    Uthappam topped with tomatoes and peas.

  • Onion And Hot Chili Uthappam $12.99

    Uthappam topped with onions and chilies.

  • Vegetable Uthappam $13.99

    Uthappam topped with tomatoes, peas, carrots, chilies, and onions.

  • Onion Tomato Chili Uthappam $13.99

    Uthappam topped with onion, tomatoes, chilies.

  • Dosa

  • Muttai Podi Dosai $15.99

    Rice crepe with layered egg and sprinkled with layer of lentil spices.

  • Masala Dosa $13.99

    Crepes filled with potatoes and onions masala.

  • Sada Mysore Dosa $13.99

    Thin rice crepes with a layer of hot chutney.

  • Ghee Paper Roast Dosa $14.99

    Thin rice crepes loaded with ghee.

  • Ghee Paper Masala Roast Dosa $15.99

    Thin rice crepes loaded with ghee filled with potatoes and onions masala.

  • Sada Rava Dosa $15.99

    Special rava dosa. Thin semolina based crepe / thin semolina based crepe with onions.

  • Chennai Café Special Rava Masala Dosa $17.99

    Semolina lentil crepe grilled with onion and chilies, filled with potatoes and onions.

  • Chettinad Special Mixed Vegetable Dosa $15.99

    Thin rice crepes filled with onion, cauliflower,potatoes,carrot and chettinad spice.

  • Garlic Spinach Dosa $14.99

    Crepes filled with onion, potatoes, tomato, spinach, and spicy garlic chutney.

  • Garlic Masala Dosa $14.99

    Thin rice crepe filled with spicy garlic chutney, potatoes, and onions..

  • Sada Dosa $11.99

    Thin rice crepes.

  • 2 Piece Kal Dosai $13.99

    Soft and spongy rice crepe, slightly thicker than regular dosa.

  • Muttai Dosai $15.99

    Rice crepe with layered egg.

  • Poondu Podi Masala Dosai $14.99

    Rice crepe sprinkled with garlic and lentil spices powder and filled with potatoes and onions masala.

  • Chef Special Madurai Kari Dosai $19.99

    Rice crepe topped with egg, spicy minced chicken, and chef special masala.

  • Mysore Masala Dosa $13.99

    Thin rice crepes with a layer of hot chutney and filled with potatoes and onions.

  • House Specialities

  • Kothu Parotta(Veg) $22.99

    Flaky shredded parottas are cooked in a spicy masala & salna or kurma.

  • Channa Batura $14.99

    Large puffy bread served with chickpeas curry.

  • Poori Bhaji $13.99

    Fluffy wheat bread with potatoes and onions

  • Malabar Parotta, Veg Kurma $20.99

    Layered bread made in griddle from wheat flour served with veg kurma

  • Chennai Special Cheese Spring Dosa $15.99

    Thin rice crepe with cheese, vegetables, and spices.

  • Chili Gobi $14.99

    Cauliflower marinated with flour, sauteed with garlic, bell pepper, onion, ginger chili, and soy sauce.

  • Gobi Manchurian $14.99

    Cauliflower marinated with flour, sauteed with garlic, ginger chili, and soy sauce.

  • Kal Dosai, Veg Kurma $17.99

    Soft and spongy rice crepe served with special vegetable kurma or chicken curry.

  • Egg Omelette $9.50

    Egg, onion, chili, cilantro.

  • Muttai Podimas $9.50

    Scrambled egg with onion, chili, cilantro.

  • Kothu Parotta (Egg) $23.99

    Flaky shredded parottas are cooked in a spicy masala & salna or kurma with egg

  • Kal Dosai, Chicken Curry. $18.99

    Soft and spongy rice crepe served with special chicken curry.

  • Malabar Parotta, Chettinad Chicken Curry $21.99

    Layered bread made in griddle from wheat flour served with chettinad chicken curry.

  • Poori Kurma $13.99

    Fluffy wheat bread with vegetable curry.

  • Briyani

  • Vegetable Briyani $14.99

    Aromatic basmati rice, cooked with fresh vegetables and fresh herbs.

  • Chicken Briyani $16.99

    Aromatic Basmati rice cooked with golden fried onions, tomatoes, spices, and tender chicken.

  • Egg Briyani $15.99

    Aromatic basmati rice cooked with golden fried onions, tomatoes, spices, and egg.

  • Goat Briyani (Weekend Specials) $19.99

    Aromatic Basmati rice cooked with golden fried onions, tomatoes, spices, and tender goat.

  • Rice Specialties

  • Bisi Bele Bhath $13.99

    Rice cooked with lentils and garden-fresh vegetables. Served with pickle and papadam.

  • Lemon Rice $12.99

    Rice flavored with lemon and seasoned, topped with peanuts.

  • Bagala Bath $12.99

    Yogurt rice garnished with mustard seeds and cucumber.

  • Breads

  • 2 Piece Poori $6.99

    2 pieces. Deep-fried, whole wheat fluffy bread.

  • Onion Paratha $5.50

    Whole wheat bread stuffed with onion.

  • Paratha $5.50

    Multilayered whole wheat bread.

  • 2 Piece Chapathy $5.50

    The soft whole wheat bread.

  • Aloo Paratha $5.50

    Multi-layered whole wheat bread stuffed with potatoes and spices.

  • Batura $6.50

    Large puffy bread.

  • Garlic Paratha $5.50

    Whole wheat bread stuffed with garlic.

  • 2 Piece Veechu Parotta $8.50

    Layered bread made in griddle from wheat flour.

  • Naan $4.50

    Freshly Baked Traditional Indian Flatbread, Soft Center with Crispy Edges

  • Butter Naan $4.50

    Fluffy, Butter-Infused Traditional Indian Bread

  • Garlic Naan $4.50

    Garlic-infused flatbread baked to perfection to accompany your meal.

  • Veg Curries

  • Aloo Gobi $14.99

    Potatoes and cauliflower cooked in indian spices and tomato-based sauce.

  • Chole Peshawari $14.99

    Garbanzo beans / chickpeas cooked in tomato-based gravy with exotic spices.

  • Dhal Curry $14.99

    Lentil cooked in mustard, cumin, and Indian spices.

  • Paneer Butter Masala $15.99

    Paneer cooked in tomato and onion in silky sauce.

  • Paneer Shahi Korma $14.99

    Paneer with almonds and creamy sauce garnished with fruits.

  • Kadai Paneer $15.99

    Paneer, onions, green pepper stir fired in thick sauce.

  • Palak Paneer $15.99

    Spinach, paneer cooked with onion, tomato, and Indian spices.

  • Mutter Paneer $15.99

    Green peas and panner cooked with onion, tomato and indian spices.

  • Kadai Bhendi Masala $14.99

    Okra, onions, green pepper stir fired in thick sauce.

  • Navratan Korma $15.99

    Nine stir fried vegetables lightly spiced in curry sauce with fruits.

  • Malai Kofta $15.99

    Paneer cooked in tangy tomato cream and onion sauce.

  • Chettinad Special Veg Curry $15.99

    Mushroom, cauliflower, onions, and tomatoes cooked in exotic chettinad spices.

  • Vegetable Vindaloo $15.99

    Chickpeas and mixed vegetables in a silky curry sauce.

  • Non-Veg Curries

  • Chettinad Chicken Curry $17.99

    Chicken cooked in chettinad spices and sauce.

  • Chicken Curry $16.99

    Chicken cooked with spicy chili sauce and whole ground spices.

  • Pepper Chicken $17.99

    Chicken cooked and loaded with spices and black pepper.

  • Spinach Chicken Curry $17.99

    Chicken cooked with Spinach and spices.

  • Chicken Kurma $16.99

    Chicken cooked in spicy ginger, garlic, fresh cream.

  • Chicken Tikka Masala $17.99

    Chicken cooked in thick tomato-based sauce loaded with the right amount of butter to bring in the exquisite taste.

  • Chili Chicken $16.99

    Boneless chicken cooked with red chili sauce and Indian spices.

  • Chicken Vindaloo $17.99

    Spicy sauce made from garlic, vinegar and red chili, chicken, and potato.

  • Pepper Shrimp Masala $19.99

    Shrimp cooked with spices and pepper.

  • Malabar Fish Curry $20.99

    Fish cooked in tangy sauce together with masala, spices, and coconut.

  • Lamb Curry $18.99

    Lamb cooked with spicy chili sauce and whole ground spices.

  • Lamb Kurma $18.99

    Lamb cooked in Spicy ginger, garlic, fresh cream.

  • Lamb Vindaloo $18.99

    Lamb cooked in spicy sauce made from garlic, vinegar and red chili and potato.

  • Lamb Saag $18.99

    Lamb cooked with spinach and exotic spices.

  • Extras

  • Fresh Garden Salad $3.99

    Lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, carrot, onion.

  • Sambar $3.99

    Lightly spiced, tangy lentil soup simmered with vegetables.

  • Raita $2.99

    Yogurt with tomatoes, cucumber, and coriander leaves.

  • 4 Piece Papadum $4.99

    Roasted, crispy lentil tortilla.

  • Plain Rice $4.99

    Basmati rice.

  • Milakai Podi $2.49

    A spicy mix of grinded lentils.

  • Desserts

  • 2 Piece Rasmalai $4.49

    Homemade cottage cheese in a special condensed milk flavored with rose water and garnished with pistachio nuts.

  • 2 Piece Gulab Jamun $4.49

    Doughnut kinda dough, deep fried and dipped in light sugary rose syrup.

  • Chennai Special Payasam $4.49

    Fine vermicelli cooked in milk and honey, with raisins and cashews.

  • Rice Pudding $4.49

    Rice cooked with milk and honey, garnished with raisins and almonds.

  • Mango Kulfi $4.49

    Made with mango and milk.

  • Kids Menu

  • Kid's Chocolate Dosa $7.99
  • Cheese Dosa $7.99

    Masala dosa.

  • Beverages

  • Sodas $2.99

    Pepsi, diet pepsi, sierra mist, mountain dew, tropicana lemonade, lipton sweet tea.

  • Kumbakonam Filter Coffee $4.99

    House special filter coffee with milk.

  • Indian Masala Tea $3.99

    Tea made with Indian spices and milk.

  • Lassi $3.99

    Yogurt drink. Plain, sweet or salty.

  • Mango Lassi $4.99

    Fresh mango, yogurt, sugar, and honey.

  • Cold Coffee $3.99

Chennai Cafe Details

  • Service options

  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Great tea selection
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • All you can eat
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • Kids' menu
  • Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Parking

Chennai Cafe Photos

Chennai Cafe Picture 1Chennai Cafe Picture 2Chennai Cafe Picture 3Chennai Cafe Picture 4Chennai Cafe Picture 5Chennai Cafe Picture 6Chennai Cafe Picture 7Chennai Cafe Picture 8Chennai Cafe Picture 9Chennai Cafe Picture 10

Chennai Cafe Location

Chennai Cafe

1158 W Washington St #104, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Chennai Cafe Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 617 user reviews.

buffetdosasouth indian foodsambarfilter coffeerasamvalleyalacartechettinad chicken currykothu parotta

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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