So good! All the breads and all the dishes, the kaju masala was amazing and their lassis are great. The thali lunch/dinner is perfect if you haven't tried much in indian cuisine before. We're out of town but we'll be back just for this! read more

So the place is not exactly clean. The food was amazing but if you are alright eating while sitting with a bunch of gnats flying into your face or jumping into your sambhar every few minutes. If you ignore the gnats the place had amazing jini dosa and really good chutneys and rasam. I am not sure how clean their kitchen is given the dining area was bad so I probably wouldnt eat here again. read more

With an ambiance that feels more like a Balaji mandir than a South Indian restaurant, this excellent new Andhra-focused dosa maker will transport your stomach and spirit to Tirupati. It's worth the slight inconvenience of a long walk from Journal Square - a parallel to the steps of the Tirumala mandir perhaps. We ordered the BB special dosa, which bears resemblance to Karnataka-style benne dosa (apparently there are chefs from all over the south in the kitchen). The texture was perfect, with the characteristic sponginess that I love in benne dosa. We also ordered the punugulu (similar to Marathi appe), which are a bit plain but come served with an excellent peanut chutney, and a nice crunchy appetizer of idli fried in podi. In case you had any doubts about the authenticity here, after your meal you're provided not with saunf, but rather with two small packs of gutkha. read more

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(Tookout 06/19/2025 TH @ 6:00pm): Balaji was serving up some incredible cuisine in his "house"! In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and things to do throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, my friend and I decided to try one of the newest (open only a few months as of this review) restaurants in the area... Balaji Bhavan. We both loved Indian food, and there was a thriving Indian community in the Jersey City and Heights neighborhoods, respectively. As the name reflects both the owner's name and the fact that it's a place of serving authentic South Indian vegetarian food often found in a "house" or "restaurant" setting, they made sure to have an inviting atmosphere while they expressed love for their culture and cuisine. Would we welcome Balaji's bhavan of food with open arms to the neighborhood!? PURCHASE Mango Lassi 12floz Bottle ($4.99): Creamy, fragrant, and mangoey, I loved this! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=NCtYeYKkvRGiq_UVpxK5Hg 3pc Vegetable Samosa ($8.99): Fluffy and full of flavor, be careful of the hot steam from within! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=7dh16NOe9dgwX5TSV7xX2Q Gobi-65 ($13.99): A fried cauliflower popcorn-like dish, this was my favorite of everything! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=HfVE2ysORd3ldjgupQNzmA Parotta ($2.99 x2): Buttery and flaky, this was eaten with chutneys and dipping sauces. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=qi2K91gMRr3LDe6RACb8aw Jain Plain Dosa ($9.99): Soft and thin, this was also eaten with the chutneys and dipping sauces. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=oftNovWTwQJMnKh3fO3ZUw Pav Bhaji ($11.99): A hearty mashed potato and vegetable curry served with grilled buttered bread, this stuck to you in a good way! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=QLKL8Jbfa66wQDXWKF-nGQ Vegetable Korma ($13.99): Mixed vegetables in a coconut-based gravy with aromatic spices and curry leaves, I didn't care for the star anise, but this paired well with the steamed rice. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=BkJEFR3UPZt4RWYZEnyjWA Vegetable Biryani ($15.99): Always a go-to of mine, this was massive and packed fresh flavors with every bite! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=mi8rJFFT_fJOUSSD2ROHdA Steamed White Rice (INCLUDED): Used it with nearly everything! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=xW_dnSOGMYZ_tvlQt0ytZw 3pc Gulab Jamun ($6.00): Amazeballs soaked in sugary rosewater! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=ekbiLlH7joHF_3VLqIrjkQ Various Chutneys & Dipping Sauces (INCLUDED): Mainly for the dosas but used on everything! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=wFO_RlzuNqdmEEvwCaULmA Sambar (INCLUDED): Like a lovely minestrone soup! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=UDA9Oa2m7YPcnAMPbKT2KQ SERVICE I easily placed our order through the handy-dandy Yelp app, and about 45-minutes later our food was all packaged and ready for pick up - easy-peasy! PARKING (Street; N/A this instance) This was an easy flat 10-minute walk from my friend's place. Otherwise, the only option was the plenty of spots along the main drag of Central Ave. and all surrounding roads - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A clean vibrant somewhat snug layout with a main central pathway that cut the place in half and dining booths placed on both sides along the walls. I didn't notice the usual country decorations. A good amount of natural lighting came through the tinted large windows and doors while bright electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while I couldn't recall any background music over the loud talking voices. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I really enjoyed Balaji Bhavan and would definitely return to try more on their expansive menu! Everything smelled and tasted wonderfully, the portions were huge, the prices very affordable, and the service was friendly and straightforward. And, I always loved supporting small businesses whenever possible. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $98.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS read more

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I first noticed Balaji Bhavan while we were taking a walk. There were at least 30 people waiting outside to be seated, so I had to stop and see what all the fuss was about. Dosas are best served and eaten in a restaurant, so we decided to return and try to eat in person. Even on a Tuesday, there was a huge number of people waiting outside for a table. They don't take reservations, and you can only put your name down in person. Be prepared to wait! The dining room is small and chaotic. There are so many staff working, yet the front of house seems very inefficient. Cleaning tables takes forever, dirty dishes are stacking up, servers don't seem to have a process. But the food is awesome. The entire menu is vegetarian, with a focus on dosas. Try both types of dosas, the paratha, and ask a lot of questions if you're not familiar with South Indian dishes. Highly recommended if you're a fan of dosas or expertly made Indian breads. read more

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The restaurant has a nice interior, reasonable wait times, friendly service with a smile, and delicious food--checking off most of the boxes for a satisfying Sunday lunch. We ordered the masala idli, onion-chili rava dosa with masala on the side, and the South Indian thali. The portions were quite generous--we couldn't finish everything and ended up packing the idli to go. Definitely worth a try! It seems like a newer spot, as there aren't many Yelp reviews yet. read more

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Made an order via the apps for pick up. The place was very busy and looked to have a line Sunday afternoon. I got my order on time and I have to say I'm a fan of the dosa. I didn't like the sambar which was watery and wasn't for me. I prefer a more thicker type of sambar. read more

Balaji Bhavan - Indian Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

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Really extensive menu. Everything tastes really good and will visit again. I only tried the dosas but they have some North Indian food as well. Portions are good. The service is fast and efficient. The place is however small and there is a little bit of a wait on the weekends read more

Balaji Bhavan - Indian Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Very tasty dosas and excellent service. Definitely try the filter coffee too. We also got bhel puri but I would skip that next time, a bit too dry. I do wish the dosas were a little crispier. The accompanying chutneys were fresh and flavorful. There was unfortunately a wait on a Saturday night (maybe 30 minutes). However, we were served promptly and attentively. We will likely come back the next time we want dosas. read more

Balaji Bhavan - Rava masala dosa - Indian Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

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Dosas were all tasty and had perfect texture. Chutneys and sambar also were all authentic. They also had a good collection of spices/powders on the table for those who want some extra flavor and spice. Thali was also very good, with flavors emulating a home cooked meal. Portion sizes were good as well. Service 4.5/5, with clean setting and a casual ambiance. Do expect to have around 20-30 mins of wait time during busy hours. read more

Balaji Bhavan - mysore masala dosa, onion rava masala dosa, gunpowder dosa - Indian Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

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Excellent food and wonderful service. Enjoyed our lunch. Will recommend this place to anyone looking for authentic Indian food

Every items in the thali was amazing. Plain dosa and Masala dosa were good. Matching the food was the great customer service. Hidden gem. Greatly recommended. read more

Great food, great service Visited twice in the same week after great taste on first visit. read more

Incredible Indian food in the Heights finally! Went here for lunch with a friend and we loved the food (the spring dosa and dahl were amazing) and the service was also great. Very sweet people who make delicious, fresh Indian. Def make the time to check it out! read more

Highly recommended That is if you partial to southern cooking. Authentic. Closest I have had to food in India. Food is great prices are reasonable service is acceptable. read more

My husband and i did a 30 min trip to this place from north bergen county. It was worth it. We spend summers here from Arizona so we crave for good south indian food. Pros The best ghee roast masala dosa i have had in a very very long time! My criteria for great dosa place is the coconut chutney then the tomato chutney. I am not as fussy about sambhar. Yes it was watery but tasty w lots of vegetables The coconut chutney was thick tasted made with fresh or fresh frozen coconut. Not too spicy not too salty. i tired the different podis and they were spicy. I would hear my Tamil family complain that the food was not spicy enuf. But this was perfect for me/us. Dosa. Unbelievable crisp and ghee taste! Also really liked that the filling was not so spicy that i would need four bottles or more of water The salt level which if often very high in indian restaurants was just right!!! Service was very good. We did not experience the standard impoliteness we have learned to expect at indian restaurants in the US. This is what we get when we employ women. They care! My husband ordered an onion masala dosa. Bad choice. The dosa was a regular masala dosa filled with raw onions. My husband being a north indian who can never get enuf raw onions was fine but i did not like the taste. This seems like an adjustment to please the north indian palate. I ordered idli and vadai. Idli was a tad bit more sour than i like but was good. I had planned to ordering a carryout of upma and bonda but was soo full. Next time! Cons We heard it gets busy and there is a long line. We recommend off hours and weekdays we were there in Friday at 1:30 pm Parking a challenge! Nj and Ny are used to street parking we aren't !!! but we did find a spot close by. Hope our next visit will be as positive! read more

Having tried many of the South Indian restaurants in Jersey City, I can say without hesitation that this one is the best. Ahmed was a kind and attentive manager and server throughout our meal, accommodating us in every way. The food was 10/10 and authentic, bringing back fond memories of Chennai cuisine from my childhood. The service felt like family. Whether you are a fan of vegetarian South Indian food or simply looking to try something new, Balaji Bhavan is a must-have! read more

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I just moved to the neighborhood, and have been looking forward to trying the Indian food around here. This was my first spot, and I had never tried South Indian food before, so I was a bit overwhelmed and confused with the menu. The man on the phone (not sure of his name) was so helpful and food was incredible!!! Especially the Dosas and samosas. Highly recommend read more

Best dosa in Jersey! I love this place, and the staff are friendly. My weekly to go place!

Süper services, extremely nice and delicious everything we ordered was delicious. My husband from south India He approved the taste read more

Delicious vegi food. I was new to Roti and this kind of curry. The staff were incredibly helpful with giving suggestions. Definitely going again. You must book as it gets busy! read more

Best South Indian food ever in USA! Am originally from South India (Chennai ) and am so glad this opened up. The food is as authentic as eating at home in India and the quality is awesome. I order once and mostly twice a week from here as good vegetarian South Indian food are hard to come by. The Sweet Pongal is amazing ( not a dish you find easily) and my favorite is Bissi bela bath ( Sambar rice). Anything here generally is good and we also order from here , when we have friends over and they generally love it so much that they take it back home too. I hope it's here to stay and finally love that I have my home taste nearby. read more

Alright this place made my Sunday authentic food fresh wonderfully served with a smile in clean friendly environment. There are lots of dosa places in Jersey city this is hands down the best. It's about the quality authenticity and service. You must give it a try. I will be back again and again read more

Balaji Bhavan - Pesarrutu - Indian Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

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Very good food. Very busy after 7:00pm so if you do not want to wait for an hour come before 7:00pm

a novice with Indian food and I was so pleased. Incredible food, great service . Everything about this restaurant speaks quality. Don't miss it! read more

Great service, delicious food and so many vegetarian options. They have a really extensive menu. I can't wait to go back and try 10 more dishes. Even my daughter, who is really picky, left raving about how we found a new spot. read more

The food is delicious, and the staff is super kind, cheerful, and attentive. As far as the ambiance, it's lively and busy with diners-families, couples, friends, etc, but the key is it's not too loud. I went there to catch up with an old friend and we were really able to talk and hear each other as we enjoyed our delicious food. read more

This is the best Indian restaurant I have been to in a while. Especially if you are into South Indian vegetarian. The. Dosa was perfect. The idlis were par excellence and the vada was served crispy and fresh . Sambhar hit the spot and the pongal was like smooth and flavorful. The place was spotless and the ambience was amazing. The manager was a total gentleman, the hostesses Angelica took care of us wonderfully. We will be going back many many times there. read more

Food is very poor quality. Tasted like stale for days filled with oil and high salt. Not recommended for Indian food when there's lot more healthy and tasty option in jersey city read more

Authentic South Indian food with amazing service. The white chutney is exceptional. Been thrice since opening. Just one observation that service is very slow on weekend mornings. read more