As someone who grew up enjoying daily home-cooked traditional Indian meals, I was a bit worried when I first moved to Chico. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the city offers delightful options to satisfy all my cravings. Given the history of the Indian subcontinent, there are many similarities and major differences in the cuisines within India and between India and Pakistan. For example, South Indian cuisine tends to offer more vegetarian options and feels lighter compared to the more meat-based and oil-rich dishes from Pakistan and North India. However, this is a broad generalization, as the cultural, religious, and geographic diversity leads to a vast regional variety in cuisine.
While I appreciate the recent trend of trying Indian foods, I am critical of limiting yourself to butter chicken and naan when there’s so much more to explore! If you’re looking for a new place to try or a new dish to order, here are my insights into Chico’s South Asian offerings:
Sofi’z for Celebrations and Accommodation:
As someone who is constantly in meetings and loves celebrating with loved ones, Sofi’z is the perfect place to bring friends and family for special occasions. The ambiance is beautiful, and the quality of the food is great. It is on the pricier side for students, so I save it for significant gatherings.
Priya’s for Comfort and Affordability:
As a South Indian, Priya’s is my go-to place for a comfort meal. It is great for vegetarians, and their buffet option allows you to explore a variety of dishes at a great price. My recommendation for your next visit to Priya’s is the “Masala Dosa.” I wish I had taken a better picture of the food, but it smelled so good, I had to try it immediately!
As someone whose constant critique when trying new places in Chico is that they aren’t spicy enough, Taj is the first place to meet my expectations! It’s a great stop if you want a small treat like traditional Indian ice cream, mango lassi, or chai, and an even better spot if you’re hungry and seeking something flavorful. My recommendation for a dessert on a hot day is their “Kulfi,” and if you’re hungry, I love their “Chicken Biryani.”
