I recently took a weekend trip to NorCal with the purpose of finding the best Indian food in California — and getting some much-deserved R&R.
San José is the epicenter of Indian culinary delights, at least on the West Coast. Our Indian food-tour gems:
- Madurai Idli Kadai: One of the best-kept secrets! This is a South India, no-frills café. You will find the most delectable steamed rice cakes, idlis, accompanied by a coconut chutney, peanut chutney and mint chutney.
Photo 32461530 © Solomonjee | Dreamstime.com
- UlavachrU Tiffins: Another vegetarian option I didn’t even think twice about because the offerings were so yummy. We had kara dosa, Mysore bonda and idli with a mango lassi and chai. This was my first time trying Mysore bonda, a simple yet delicious common snack in Southern India comprised of rice flour, ginger, cumin, yogurt and all-purpose flour. This is mixed in a batter and deep-fried. We also had idli, and it did not disappoint.
Enjoying a delicious Mysore bonda
- Pav Bhaji Hut: This was our last stop before heading to the airport. Pav bhaji is the fast-food treat of Mumbai. It is a potato slider but with that Indian flare. It has the kind of spice that someone who has a low spice tolerance cannot stop eating until the end. They use a soft, buttery bread roll that is lightly toasted in butter and filled with a gravy of veggies, including tomato and potato.
Photo 171494201 © Gaurav Masand | Dreamstime.com
In between delectable meals, we got some relaxation in the little wine country gem of Calistoga. It is a region popular for hot springs, and we went all-out at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs. They have a full-on spa with treatments like mud baths and mineral baths. We did exactly those two treatments, and we felt like new people after. There’s also a salt-water pool you have access to for a cold-water dunk — a throwback to that ice bucket challenge!
Welcome to spa heaven
A nice, ice-cold splash to wake up your senses
— Maria Angeles, account executive
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 30, 2025Grupo Brisas Opens New Las Brisas Mérida Boutique Hotel
Grupo Brisas opened its newest property in Mexico. Las Brisas Mérida, an exclusive boutique hotel strategically located in the heart of the interesting Mexican town of Mérida within the Yucatan Peninsula, marks the brand’s 13th property in Mexico. Grupo Brisas reaffirms its leadership as one of the fastest-growing Mexican hotel chains in the country.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
May 2025
May 30, 2025By-the-cabin Yachting Redefines the Cruise Experience
I wish this day could last forever!” my windswept 9-year-old exclaimed, his voice soaring over the Mediterranean. He gripped the helm of a Bali 4.6 sailing catamaran off the coast of Marseille, his sun- bleached hair whipping in the salty breeze. The scent of the sea mingled with the aroma of warm baguettes drifting from the Côte d’Azur shoreline. Our captain, a seasoned sailor, subtly adjusted course, letting my son feel the exhilarating pull of the wind against the sails. As the waves lapped against the hull, I realized this was no ordinary vacation — this was freedom, unfiltered.
Daily
May 30, 20254 U.S. Hotels to Stay at This Pride Month
Pride Month kicks off June 1, and hotels around the country celebrate with special events and offerings.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Daily
May 30, 2025Summer Gin Cocktail Recipes Inspired by Destinations Around the World
Sometimes our memories of trips to certain destinations and cities around the world become synonymous with a specific dish or drink we had there — whether it was sipping an Aperol Spritz on the Italian coast or cooling off with a gin and tonic in London, a good cocktail in particular elevates a destination.
These 5 Hotels Offer Beekeeping Experiences
Daily
May 29, 2025Tea Time is Tree Time at This Banyan Tree Resort
Daily
May 28, 2025May 2025
May 28, 2025Discover the Dazzling Beauty of Amalfi’s Legendary Cave
PHOTO: © GUILLOHMZ | DREAMSTIME .COM
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
May 28, 2025Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Announces First-Ever Extended Weddell Sea Expedition
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises recently announced its 2025/2026 Antarctic season will include a 22-day expedition into the rarely visited Weddell Sea for the first time in the company’s history. The extended route will sail on HANSEATIC spirit.
ShareThis