*Takeout only * Presentation was perfect. Everything was nicely packaged in a colorful box. The Masala Dosa ($14) was crispy and soft. Chutneys were good. Sambar was flavorful and packed with some heat. The heat intensity was spot on but the intensity of the other flavors was ~90% there. (FYI, it is spicy if your heat tolerance is low.) Overall a tasty dosa that scratched the itch. Definitely looking forward to dining in-person for a crispier dosa and trying the idlies next time. (4.5/5) read more

Once Upon A Dosa - Masala Dosa - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Once Upon a Dosa is a great spot when you're craving a quick South Indian lunch without the wait. I ordered the Ghee Podi Idli and the Masala Dosa, and both were satisfying. Each order came with two different chutneys and a bowl of sambar, which was a nice bonus. The Ghee Podi Idli was dense and generously sprinkled with podi masala. While flavorful on its own, I thought it really came alive when paired with the chutneys. The Masala Dosa was filled with a generous amount of mashed potatoes. It was a little messy to eat by hand, so I ended up tearing off pieces of the crispy dosa to dip into the chutneys while eating the potato filling with a spoon. It worked surprisingly well. The sambar deserves a mention too. You can use it as a dipping sauce, but I enjoyed it like a bowl of soup. It was warm, comforting, and well-seasoned. From the presentation to the ordering process and the food itself, you can tell this is very much a fast food establishment, just with authentic South Indian flavors. Don't expect a fancy dining experience, but if you're looking for tasty, affordable ethnic fast food, Once Upon a Dosa is a good option for lunch. read more

See all

Dosa 4/5 Chutney 1/5 Sambhar 5/5 Good service and recommended this place for lunch as it's fresh food read more

Ordered- 1. Masala dosa- it was good. Spice levels were good for kids. 2. Podi masala dosa- it was good and the podi masala was really tasty 3. Ghee podi idli- loved this. Idli was really soft and fresh and the podi masala made it even better 4. Paneer pizza- it was good too 5. Chicken bowl- this was ok. I found the gravy too much tangy may be because of tomatoes. Seating is not too much. Service is good and fast. read more

I was in San Francisco for work and we were heading from one meeting to another trying to find a spot to grab a quick meal in between when my colleague pointed out this place. I got the gunpowder dosa and chai and my colleague got the kheema dosa with mango lassi - I really liked the dosa just wished the gunpowder wasn't sprinkled dry on my dosa. The chai was good. Service is quick. read more

See all

This was now my first time trying a dosa, one that's made out of rice and lentils grind and blend together into one large crêpe when rolled into a massive egg roll! Yet so thin, I treated as a snack or an appetizer since it didn't fill my stomach enough. And it's where I could find it, Once Upon A Dosa! I barely wait to try one, so I had no choice but to rely on contactless payment. No need for two additional dipping sauces when they're spicy. All I needed was the spicy veggie soup to dip on. So paper thin, yet starchy which tasted so good! Should've chose the butterfly pea lemonade to ease the spiciness, but I had to have masala chai instead. Less bold but more ginger to the punch; now that's what I like in an authentic pungent drink! I'm glad a couple of boys were patiently waiting for another customer coming in, especially myself. They did a good job with the ingredients they used for the dosa. I hardly find a much better place to find a dosa than their own. read more

See all

I ordered the OG Roast with extra spicy toppings and potato masala. It hit the spot, but I was starting to feel the heat. Inside was clean and spacious, but one of the lights was flickering. You can order from a kiosk or your phone. It was staffed by one person when we came at opening. It was mostly self service with compostable utensils and plates. read more

Once Upon A Dosa - The Og Roast - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

The masala dosa was my favorite. It came with two delicious chutneys and sambar (lentil + veggie soup). I wish I ordered more sambar to-go! read more

Once Upon A Dosa - Masala Dosa and Paneer Tikka Dosa - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

We were greeted by friendly staff and bright, glowing kiosks for ordering (for the hungry introvert in all of us). The food came out quickly in adorable takeout packaging with the brand logo and separate containers for each flavor of chutney. I air-fried the dosas as soon as I got home (a must if you don't plan to eat them immediately on the cute, window-facing counters!). I've been waiting for an excuse to come back ever since! read more

loved the packing and also taste. We got the food Ubered and it came on time but best part was the food was well made and we loved the chutney, wish there was more. read more

See all

Once Upon a Dosa has a nice, trendy vibe with plenty of seating, including tables along the windows. Ordering is done through a kiosk, but if there's a line, you can browse the menu on the screens above before placing your order. I stopped by after the gym around 4 PM, hoping to try their rice platter with mutton, but unfortunately, they were sold out--the manager recommended coming before noon for it. I did get to try their dosa, which was gigantic and came with some nice chutneys. While the flavors were good, I wished the dosa had a crispier texture. It still had that signature crepe-like presence, but a bit more crunch would've been great. The chutney cheese dofflewich, on the other hand, was a standout--I enjoyed it a lot more and found it to be a unique and tasty sandwich. The place is clean, and food is cooked to order, but it is on the pricey side for dosa. I think the experience could be elevated if entrees came with a small side, like fries with the dofflewich as an option. Also, I noticed the mutton dosa was listed at a lower price on the screen than what the kiosk charged me. Overall, a solid spot if you're looking for something different in the area--just be mindful of the prices and come early if you're after the mutton rice dish! read more

See all

Cute little shop. Indoor seating. Dosa was crispy and paneer tikka was flavorful. Nice spice level - medium kick. Came with accompanying soup. Food came out quickly. read more

Once Upon A Dosa - Paneer Tikka Dosa - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

The place wasn't super busy but that could be since I saw a lot of people take their food to go. I loved the seating, I sat facing the alley which was peaceful for me. Service was so quick, loved that I could see all the cooks in action. My food was served within two minutes of ordering. It's self serve with iPads to order and then the folks behind the counter call your name. The food was delicious. I came for the dosa and got paneer dosa and was very happy with what I got. Will definitely have to bring my friends here once! read more

See all

Fast casual joint serving South Indian delights. You order by kiosk, but there is only one kiosk, so can be a backlog with a lot of people in front of you. Someone really should manually work the cash register during busy periods. At least the foods comes out quick after you order. Samosas: Pretty standard; the familiarity is comforting. Nice crisp dough, not too thick. Dry potato and pea filling. All complemented with nice tamarind and mint chutneys. Medhu Vada: Savory donuts fried fresh to order so they're nice and crispy. Good bits of whole spices for a nice kick. It's a bit dry by itself, but dipping in the sambar with some chutneys is perfect. Podi Idly Fries: Never had these before, so a pleasant first experience. They were very crispy all around with chewy interior. Really a great texture contrast. Paired so nice with the thicker chutneys. Masala Dosa: Pretty decent quality for fast casual. The dosa is thin and the top layer is crispy. Since it's folded a few times though, the other sections get soft quickly. The potato mix was nicely flavored, though it felt a little skimpy. I'd say I had about 1/3 of a dosa left by the time I finished the potatoes. All the dips were nice and plenitful. Mutton Tikka Doffle: Dosa Waffle Pizza, there's a lot to unpack here. It was definitely a first experience for me. The waffle felt denser than regular waffles, probably due to the fermented lentils batter. Then there was a bunch of ground lamb and bunch of cheese on top. While it was interesting, I think I prefer regular dosas. Ghee Podi Idly: Spongy and does a good job absorbing the sambar. In addition to having absorbing some rich ghee and spices. Not as filling as the dosa though. Blue Pea Lemonade: Had some weird grainy bits in. Maybe masala powder? So had a strange savory flavor that messed with the sweetness. Not a fan. Mango Lassi: Liked that there was a strong amount of mango juice and that it wasn't too think. Quite refreshing paired with the spicy kick of the main dishes. Ginger Mint Lemonade: Didn't taste the ginger as much as the lemonade. Also had some masala spices in the mix. read more

See all

Although the ambience and service is pretty much non existent, I can't judge this place based on that. It's a small shop/restaurant - few sitting spots but you get very good south indian food. I tried simple idly, some of their drinks such as Chai and Almond Rose Chia drink - all of them were good. Idlys were really great. Disappointed with Sambhar. I realised over time that it's really difficult to find good tasty sambhar. The chutney is relatively decent. read more

See all

I ordered a chicken wrap. It is not wrapped properly, as soon as I opened it, it was all over. It is not warm or hot enough. Side of yogurt sauce is very small and could not even serve for 3 bites. Taste was acceptable. Quantity of chicken is not so great but added enough veggies to make it look big/bulky. read more

3.5 stars Once upon a time, there was a tiny counter service restaurant in downtown SF serving traditional and creative South Indian tiffins. At Once Upon a Dosa, I tried their classic Masala Dosa, a fermented rice and lentil batter crepe made with curry leaf ghee and spicy chutney, filled with spiced potatoes and served with sambar (lentil vegetable soup), tomato chutney, and coconut chutney on the side. The dosa was rather average, as it wasn't particularly crispy, and the masala filling was bland. The coconut chutney and sambar were decent, but the tomato chutney was more like a watery salsa, and in general, the flavors of the food seemed toned down. For a more creative item, I also tried the Mutton Kheema Doffle Pizza. This "pizza" was built on a crispy waffle made from dosa batter, topped with a spiced tikka sauce, flavorful ground mutton, and an obscene amount of melted yellow cheese, along with a few strands of bell pepper and onions. Whoever thought to put dosa batter in a waffle iron was definitely onto something, as the waffle turned out crispy and delicious, though the pizza would've been better with far less cheese. Overall, this restaurant was certainly an interesting option for the office lunch crowd, though it was pricey for what it was and not worth going out of the way for. read more

See all

Presentation was great. Flavors not so much. I got the paneer masala dosa, and it had no flavor. The sauces didn't add much, as they were terrible, too. I attempted to ask menu questions to the guy behind the counter, but he dismissed me and pointed to the order screen. I work down the street, and will never be back. read more

The OG Roast is only a crispy dosa without any fillings inside. I don't know about Indian food so I feel duped. I was enticed to come after seeing my coworker with this beautiful box. It looks crispy and yummy, so I came today to try. Turns out it's mainly packaging without much substance. It is $12 for it and came with 4 sauces. They are all spicy sauces but the green one isn't as spicy so I used that one. After dipping the sauces with the dosa though, it didn't taste unbearably spicy. I was left feeling kind of hungry after eating it and not satisfied, hence the 3 stars. It looks huge but in reality it is just a thin piece of dosa bread so you should order something with the potatoes or meat. read more

Once Upon A Dosa - The Og Roast - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

True to its name, this is a good dosa place. The chutneys were quite good too. The sambar did not taste like sambar (more like dal) but it was a good side dish. The ghee podi idlis were nice but could have been more flavorful. Staff and service were good and the place is well-maintained. No restrooms. Parking at union square is tricky, unsurprisingly. read more

Once Upon A Dosa - Masala Dosa - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Was at that point of my SF trip where I needed to find South Indian food fast or I'd lose it, thankfully I found this place. Most delicious ghee podi idlis and vadas I ever had. Great service too!! read more

I ordered Masala Dosa and mango lassi both were too good and in budget. Must try Ambiance and Service too was good. read more

Once Upon A Dosa - Masala Dosa , Mango Lassi - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Craving for dosa for about 5 months and finally got it, at almost 11am, ordered to go, the time was perfect for me no line, so it fast. I got vegetarian Dosa. They packed it at cute to go container, I had to walk back to 2nd street, so I have to reheat it with air fryer to make it crunchy, all the condiments little bit flat for me, is not authentic though more Americans style read more

Once Upon A Dosa - Cute Packaging for Dosa - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

The food here is very fresh and delicious. The sambhar, amazing. I could probably live on that alone. The chutneys taste like they were just made. I ordered the vegan dosa, which is an unfilled dosa made with avocado oil instead of ghee. Very light and crispy texture. There was no line when I came in. I focused on the menu, and didn't notice that it is ordered at a kiosk. There was a worker standing in front of me behind the counter, so I just blurted out what I wanted. The worker cut me off and said to use the kiosk. I thought that was pretty poor customer service, even though I was a dummy. I was the only one there except for a family eating at a table. They should only use those kiosks if they are busy or understaffed. Restaurants are a service business first and foremost. People can eat anywhere, service is a major component of what brings people back. Having said all that, I'll definitely be back, now that I know what to expect. The food is excellent. read more

Once Upon A Dosa - Classic vegan dosa. - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Food was good. I'll start there. I work across the street. Good food. Close by. Here's the issue: your rude and distracted staff. I asked the guy in front for help. But he was too busy on his phone. The place was empty. Finally, after several resets, cc scanner works. The guy acts like it's my fault. Having to input your own order into a kiosk is so annoying. I realize it's everywhere along Market, but a real turn off. Order the chicken rice plate. Guy literally never gets off his phone. Microwaves something in the back, and gives me an elaborately tapped up bag. I walk across the street. Head upstairs, and open up what seems like a deliberate mess. Half the curry has poured out of the container, and into the bag. Was this revenge for making your service worker help me fix your credit card reader? It's unfortunate, because I literally work across the street. I gave it a try, but your bad customer service has ended the potential for a VERY regular customer. I don't want to eat anywhere where I'm looked at and treated like an idiot. read more

What can I say but absolutely delicious!! We got takeout and didn't realize it'd come so nicely packaged with all the amazing sauces. I really loved the paneer tikka dosa without even any of the sauces but it was also fun to have them together! Some of the sauces got a nice kick to it, so watch out for those who can't take spice! Super delicious and filling! read more

Once Upon A Dosa - mutton dosa and paneer tikka dosa - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

I ordered them for delivery and the packaging was soooo cute and thoughtful. It was such a delight to receive! These are some giant portions, my single order could last you 2-3 meals, so be warned ;) I found the mint sandwich to be a bit on the saltier side but other than that the flavors were great. The masala dosa hit the comfort spot, and the chutneys were nice and spicy. read more

See all

What a pleasant surprise! This little quick service spot was just what I needed for a post-9PM dinner in the downtown area. The dosas are very reasonably priced and the sauces/chutneys were great too. They even had special boxes to carry the dosas for takeout. It's a total hidden gem! read more

Stumbled open Once Upon a Dosa while I was out shopping! I needed a little afternoon pick me up and this did the trick! Food: I've never had Ghee Podi Idly and gave it a try here. It was PACKED with flavor. I will try this place again when I'm in Union Square. $10 for my lunch -- not bad! Ambiance: You order from a screen and the nicest staff will call you when your food is ready. Overall: Thank you for bringing some tasty food to the area read more

Once Upon A Dosa - Ghee Podi Idly - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wow! Such unique Indian food. The Ghee Podi Idly was like nothing I've ever eaten before. Super well spiced without being too hot. Highly recommend. read more

See all

We went here, with a baby and a big kid on Christmas Day. The sitting is limited but they are very popular for takeout. Fortunately as we entered, a family was leaving. We ordered dosas and idlis. Even though one of our dosas didn't have aloo mix included in it, they gave it complimentary when we asked. The food was excellent, our kids loved the ghee idlis. The dosas were also good with not too much spice in the sambhar and chutneys. The owner was very nice, polite and courteous. Would highly recommend if you are in the union square area. read more

Once Upon A Dosa - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Excellent dosas. Generous sides. Delicious sambar. Prompt service. Almost no seating.

Solid dosas, nothing groundbreaking but it's fast and in an area where dosas are not otherwise available so that's nice. Idk if the bathroom is broken or they just don't want you using it but the guy let me wash my hands in the kitchen sink. If you have a cuisine that you're supposed to eat with your hands, you kinda need to have an accessible sink. read more

I can't believe there was seating at this place when I got in at noon todays since they were so busy. I did see a lot of people take their lunch to go, so maybe most people order to go! Anyway, loved this place! I got the paneer dosa and it came with all the fixings. The service was so quick and the food was delicious. As an Indian, I can say the flavor was authentic and I will definitely have to bring friends back to this place. I came in for a solo lunch and loved this place. read more

Once Upon A Dosa - Paneer dosa - Indian Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is my second time here. Let's get to the details - The good: The dosas and sambar are good. As someone born and raised in South India, it is fairly authentic. What they need to improve on: 1. Chutney: The first time I came here, the coconut chutney started to go bad. The second time I'm here the tomato chutney is too raw, the tomatoes should have been sautéed more. It tasted like tomato puree. 2. Chai was really bad, it tasted very bitter even after adding sugar and had little to no flavor. 3. Idly fries are too oily. And not sure they used fresh oil, I can taste the stale / pre used oil in the idly fries. Maybe use an air fryer to make them. I could literally squeeze the oil from them. We ended up throwing the entire thing. Overall it's a good addition to San Francisco, due its lack of decent South Indian food. I would recommend them correcting these issues. read more

See all

The dosa here is good along with their dipping side. My favorite was the chicken which is spicy and I love spicy. The price is decent too. Overall an enjoyable lunch. The only thing that needs work is the customer service. The man which I assumed is the owner wasn't too happy or ever smiled. Maybe he had a bad day, can't find a good worker for the front or doesn't like dealing with customers? Overall it's ok, at lease the food is decently good and fast. read more

See all

So many great dosa options! The doffle pizza was so unique, but our favorite was hands down the podi idly fries. Looking forward to trying more of their dosas as well. read more

See all

Tasty dosas in downtown SF! We enjoyed the OG dosa with gunpowder and the masala dosa. Sambar was tasty and chutneys were good. Service is simple and interior is clean with a good amount of seating. A bit pricey for dosas at $12 a dosa however it's appropriate for the location. Would return to try other items like idli, other dosas with other fillings (paneer, egg, chicken keema) or the next time I'm craving a dosa in the city. read more

This place is all about the food. No table service, everything ordered, paid for and picked up at the counter. The Dosa was the best I've had, with that combination of crispy and chewy perfectly done. The chutney added a perfect flavor without being too spicy. But the star of the show is what they call a Doffle pizza using dosa batter to make waffle as the crust. Think of a deep dish Indian pizza. You can't go wrong! read more

One of the worst dining experiences I've had in SF. The service was terrible, the employee was rude, dismissive, and acted like doing their job was a favor. Zero customer etiquette. To make it worse, they don't accept cash, and this is not clearly stated anywhere. Finding that out at the counter after ordering is incredibly frustrating and unprofessional. As for the food, nothing to brag about. The dosa was painfully average, bland, and absolutely not worth the price or the attitude. When both service and food fail, there's no reason to come back. Plenty of Indian restaurants in SF that do better. Avoid this one. read more