Maharani
1122 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 775-1988
Cuisine: Indian
Pluses: Inexpensive lunch buffet; two dining rooms--one Western style, one with small, low tables
Minuses: Seedy neighborhood at night
Don't Miss: Tandoori breads, mango lassi, authentic desserts
Prices: Moderate
Overview: Open for Lunch and dinner daily
Reservations accepted
American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club, Discover accepted
On street parking
Completely nonsmoking
Wheelchair accessible
Maharani's food is not all wonderful but there is enough very good food to make me return. The lunch buffet costs $7.95 and includes about 10 items, but since my favorite saag paneer, spinach with cubes of cheese, was not on the buffet on one visit, I ordered off the menu. Unfortunately I was disappointed -- the spinach was not fresh.
On the plus side the mango lassi (which is not on the menu) should not be missed. This is a drink of yogurt and mango -- think American milkshake. Tandoori chicken is also good but the sliced strawberries atop saffron-flavored rice seemed an odd accompaniment.
Another must order is the assorted bread basket. It includes three kinds of delicious nan: plain, garlic and stuffed with raisins and nuts, that have been baked in the tandoor, or Indian clay oven. Many vegetarian dishes, thalis and low calorie, low sodium and low cholesterol dishes are available. The "Mandarin Banquet" and "Fantasy Room Feast" fixed price dinners for two or more would be an excellent way to taste a variety of Indian specialties.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.
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