Lacto
Indian
Fast food
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. Family business offering regional Indian street food (chaat). Extensive menu. Ask which are without dairy. Open Mon-Thu 11:00am-2:30pm, 5:00pm-7:30pm, Fri-Sun 11:00am-7:30pm.
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2390 4th St, Berkeley, California, USA, 94710
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Last update on 20 Jul 2023 by villain
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Added by ZubedaKhan on 25 Jul 2014
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11 Reviews
First Review by sportsoul
seanrollinsisgmail.c
Points +393
Nice options - Edit
They have some nice veg options, really tasty.
Read moreGuest
vegandinosaur
Points +360
Good chaat and dosa - Edit
I like the pani puri and the dosas. They come with sambar, which is nice and spicy. Ordering, particularly during busy times, can take a while, but there’s plenty of seating.
Read moreGuest
Gopala108
Points +2920
authentic Indian cuisine with vegan options - Edit
I have lived over 3 years in India so know a thing or two about authentic Indian cuisine. Vik's Chaat is authentic Indian cuisine at it's best. Come early for lunch or budget time as there is a long wait time. India is probably the most vegetarian country in the world yet dairy there is ubiquitous. In India many restaurants are fully vegetarian not serving eggs yet always serve dairy. The dosas here are authentic & the sambhar as well as chutneys are tasty.
Read moreThere are several items at Vik's Chaat labeled vegan which is great yet would love a vegan option for the weekday lunch special. Raita is on the vegetarian weekday lunch special featuring yogurt or curd perhaps for a vegan option add another veggie dish or more roti instead of the raita. Berkeley has a sizable vegan population so think this would be a reasonable option at Vik's Chaat.
Besides the authentic cuisine one thing that makes you realize you are in Berkeley & not in India is a visit to the loo. There you will find a stand up waterless urinal that saves 40,000 gallons per year. The toilet is dual flush saving 22,000 gallons a year. Plus you dine on authentic metal thali plates with compostable sporks (spoons & forks made from corn).
A meal at Vik's Chaat is a true Berkeley experience worth seeking out.
Props for being eco-friendly & a weekday vegan lunch special would shift things to five stars!
Pros: authentic Indian cuisine with vegan options
Guest
hetalshah24
Points +892
Great chaat and parathas - Edit
Have been coming here since years, before being vegan and after. The quality and taste of the food has always been great. Although the menu has clearly marked vegan options, don't think the staff is very knowledgeable. You have to always tell the staff to make sure no yogurt is included. Also, the owner mentioned that the chole is vegan, even though the menu doesn't say so.
Read morePros: Food is good, Service is quick, vegan options are marked
Cons: staff not knowledgeable on vegan options
Guest
auberjeannie
Points +31
Excellent food - Edit
The food is tasty, there are north and South Indian dishes, the vegan options are clearly marked.
Read morePros: Several nutritious vegan options, Great snacks in the attached store, Good prices
Guest
andyjng
Points +4991
Dosa and Puri Puri Ftw - Edit
I love the casual, cafeteria vibe at this spot. It doesn't appear to be much but I appreciate being able to just relax and order food as I want, when I want.
Read moreThere are a variety of vegan options which are clearly marked on the menu. We got to try the Dosa (extremely flaky and delicious) and some of their Puri Puri. I definitely enjoyed the different chutneys that came with each dish and being able to rip, tear, and enjoy all these wonderful snacks. It's easy to over order so definitely only get what you know you can eat.
I did end up asking a staff member if their mango lassi could be made vegan. For some reason, he told me that it was already vegan, but I confirmed with him that it contained yogurt... right? He nodded, and I said that no, the mango lassi is not vegan, my friend. *sigh*
Definitely looking forward to returning another time to try more of their food.
Pros: Crispy Dosas
Cons: Could use a lot more vegan options, No vegan desserts
Guest
RoseyRadish
Points +499
Quality good in cafeteria atmosphere - Edit
Many marked vegan dishes. Not a lot of vegan desserts. Unique atmosphere with great prices, fast service, and quality food
Read morePros: Great pakora!, Fast service, Market has great prices and lots of variety
Cons: No vegan desserts, Very casual, could use a bit of a facelit, Pani puri wasnt great
Guest
Amitush
Points +38
VERY limited vegan options. Don’t waste your time. - Edit
You would think an Indian place in Berkeley would have vegan options. Think again.
Read morePros: None
Cons: Extremely limited options
Guest
A4M5A
Points +80
Amazing Indian Food! - Edit
Vegans options are marked on the menu. The food here is so flavorful and amazing! Indoor & outdoor seating. Parking lot for customers.
Read moreGuest
aner1kind17
Points +1289
Best Indian in East Bay - Edit
As an Indian, this is the only establishment I’ve found that has good Indian food. Pretty much all patrons are Indian or students. True they could be better for vegans, but dairy is an important part of Indian cuisine and their main patrons - Indians - would want this in the food. So in other words - 5 stars for vegetarians, 2 for vegans.
Read moreGuest
sportsoul
Points +134
Limited Vegan Selection - Disappointing Dairy with the Sweets - Handy Grocery - Edit
A few dishes on the menu are vegan, but most fare is not. Typical of what is found at most Indian restaurants, though you can get a plate or a dosa. What disappointed me is that the vast assortment of sweets all contain dairy according to the staff.
Read moreWhat is also notable about Vik's is the grocery store that is part of the establishment. You an pick up frozen or vacuum packed dishes, spices, grains, sauces, produce, and the other assortment of grocery items of a mom and pop Indian grocery. The whole variety is there, but is a small place, so not vast. They do package their own dry goods.
Rating is based on the sweets. Yes - needs improvement if this is going to be touted as a vegan friendly establishment.
Pros: Convenient, Tasty, Grocery in addition to prepared foods
Cons: Limited vegan entrees, Vast selection of sweets - none vegan
Guest
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