Indian restaurant · Cambridge, MA

Desi Dhaba

A South Indian and Punjabi restaurant in Cambridge, MA, at 401 Massachusetts Avenue. The menu runs to 159 dishes, including chilli paneer and idli, which we have found on only a few other menus nearby.

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Picture made from dishes on their menu. Dish photos are typical examples, refreshed monthly.

401 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139

(617) 547-4121

RestaurantSouth IndianNorth Indian and Punjabi

We could not confirm recent opening hours. Call (617) 547-4121 before you go.

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Chicken Pakora5 pieces. Chicken drumsticks delicately spiced and marinated in chickpea batter and fried to take least amount of oil.
Fish Pakora5 pieces. Sliced fish marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, lime juice and chickpea batter and deep fried.
Meat Samosa2 pieces. Spicy turnovers stuffed with minced ground lamb, green peas and spices.
Paneer Pakora4 pieces. Homemade cottage cheese marinated in chickpea batter and deep fried.
Vegetable Pakora5 pieces. Freshly marinated vegetables, deep-fried with chickpea batter.
Vegetable Samosa2 pieces. Turnover stuffed with diced green peas and potatoes and mild spices.
Vegetable samosa

Chaat and street food

Soups and salads

South Indian

Wada SambarA savory doughnut deep-fried with spices and soaked in sambar.
Idli sambar
Chicken DosaA very thin crispy crepe of rice and lentils stuffed with chicken, potatoes, and onions.
Lamb DosaA very thin crispy crepe of rice and lentils stuffed with minced lamb, potatoes, and onions.
Masala DosaA thin crispy crepe of rice and lentils stuffed with potatoes and onions.
Mysore Masala DosaVery thin crepe of rice and lentils with layer of hot chutney filled with spiced potatoes and onions.
Onion Green Chilli UttapamRice and lentils pancake topped with green Thai chilies, onions, and fresh cilantro.
Plain DosaA very thin crispy crepe of rice and lentils.
Uttapam VegetableRice and lentils pancakes topped with tomatoes, onions, green peas, green peppers, and cilantro.

Tandoor and grill

Chicken TikkaTender boneless chicken breast chunks marinated in yogurt and special spices and barbecued to perfection.
Dhaba PlatterA great combination of vegetarian and non vegetarian appetizer.
Non Vegetarian Platter2 lamb samosa and 4 chicken pakora.fish pakora
Vegetarian PlatterA great combination of vegetarian appetizers (samosa, pakora, and aloo tikka).
Boti Tikka KababLean cubes of boneless lamb marinated in special blend of homemade herbs and spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken TandooriSpring chicken with bone marinated overnight in yogurt and spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken Tikka KababBoneless tender chicken pieces, marinated in yogurt with spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Paneer TikkaHomemade cottage cheese marinated with spices, skewered and barbecued with onion, tomato, and capsicum in tandoori. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Seekh KababFinely slices lamb seasoned with chopped onions, herbs, and spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Tandoori Mixed GrillA combination platter consisting of chicken tandoori, chicken tikka, lamb tikka kabab, seekh kabab, and tandoori shrimp. Served with saffron flavored basmati ri
Tandoori SalmonChunk of salmon marinated in yogurt and spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Tandoori ShrimpFresh jumbo shrimp marinated in delicately spiced yogurt. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken Tikka SaagTender chicken pieces marinated in spicy yogurt, cooked with spinach, and light cream. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Lamb Boti Kabab MasalaTender juicy cubes of tandoori kabab sauteed in special spices and herbs. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.

Chicken

Chicken Coconut KormaChicken cooked with cream of coconut with traditional Goa spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken CurryBoneless chicken cooked in traditional curry sauce. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken Do PiazaWhite meat marinated in a special sauce, sauteed with onion in red curry sauce. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken JalfraeziBoneless chicken pieces cooked with tomatoes, peas, peppers, onions, and exotic Indian spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken KormaChicken cooked with exotic spices and nuts in mild sauce creamy sauce. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken MakhniTandoori chicken cooked in a delightfully delicate cream, tomato, and fresh herb sauce. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken MangoBoneless chicken cooked with mango sauce and broccoli. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken MushroomBoneless chicken cooked with mushrooms, exotic herbs, and spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken SaagDelicately spiced chicken pieces cooked with fresh spinach, herbs, and spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken Tikka MasalaTandoori baked boneless chicken breast pieces, cooked with light creamy tomato sauce. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken VindalooA traditional spicy recipe of boneless chicken cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, and vinegar. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Chicken KarahiBoneless chicken sauteed with fresh ginger, onion, peppers, tomato sauce, and unique combination of spices.

Lamb and goat

Keema MutterGround lamb and peas cooked with spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Lamb CurryTender lamb cubes cooked in a traditional curry sauce. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Lamb KarahiTender lamb cubes sauteed with fresh ginger, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and a unique combination of spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Lamb KormaPieces of boneless lamb cooked in a light creamy sauce with mild spices, herbs and nuts. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Lamb Rogan JoshJuicy tender pieces of lamb cooked in traditional spice with saffron and yogurt. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Lamb SaagDelicately spiced tender lamb pieces cooked with spinach. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Lamb VindalooA traditional spicy recipe of lamb cooked with potatoes in a tomato sauce and vinegar. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Goat CurryChunks of goat meat cooked in traditional Indian sauce. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Goat JalfraziTender goat meat cooked with vegetables, fresh herbs, and spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Goat KormaGoat meat cooked in a mild rich almond and cream sauce. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Goat Rogan JoshJuicy tender pices of goat meat cooked in traditional spice with saffron and yogurt. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Goat Curry PunjabiTender goat meat cooked Punjabi style with traditional herbs and spices.
Lamb MadrasA traditional spicy recipe of lamb cooked with tomato sauce, fresh ginger, and masterfully blended spices.

Seafood

Madras Fried ShrimpLarge shrimp marinated in mild spices, tomato puree, bell pepper, onion then fried. Served with poori.
Fish MasalaSalmon cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with herb. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Fish VindalooA traditional spicy recipe of salmon fish cooked with potatoes in a tomato sauce and vinegar. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Goa Shrimp CurryShrimp cooked in traditional Goa curry sauce. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Shrimp BhunaRoasted shrimp with ginger, garlic, and spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Shrimp CurryShrimp cooked in array of masterfully blended spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Shrimp MasalaMarinated shrimp cooked with tandoori spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Shrimp MushroomShrimp cooked with mushrooms in a mildly spiced cream. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Shrimp SaagFresh shrimp cooked with spinach and freshly ground spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Shrimp VindalooShrimp cooked with potatoes in hot sauce of tomatoes, onions, and spices. Served with saffron flavored basmati rice.
Shrimp ChillyFresh shrimp cooked with ginger, garlic, and julienne of green chilies in soya sauce.

Vegetarian and paneer

Dahi BhaliaSoft lentil patties, soaked in spicy yogurt, garnished with roasted cumin and tamarind sauce.
Aloo GobhiFresh cauliflower gently cooked with potatoes, onion, herbs, and spices.
Aloo PalakPotatoes cooked with chopped spinach, spices, and herbs.
Baingan BharthaFresh eggplants roasted on open flame sauteed with fresh ginger, garlic, onions, and aromatic spices.
Bhindi MasalaOkra cooked with sauteed onions, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices.
Chana MasalaWhole chickpeas cooked with onions, tomatoes, and authentic spices.
Dal MakhaniBlack lentils cooked on slow heat, sauteed with fresh ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Malai KoftaA true Maghlai delight. Vegetable balls simmered in a creamy sauce with nuts and raisins.
Mattar PaneerHomemade cottage cheese gently cooked with tender garden peas, tomatoes, and fresh spices.
Mushroom SaagChopped spinach cooked with fresh mushrooms, cream, herbs, and spices.
Navrattan MakhaniA traditional merging of 9 fresh vegetables sauteed with ginger, garlic, onion, and spices.
Palak PaneerHomemade cottage cheese cooked with chopped spinach, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices.
Shahi PaneerHomemade cottage cheese sauteed with fresh ginger, garlic and cooked in tomato based creamy sauce, garnished with nuts and raisins.
Tarka DaalPuree yellow lentil gently tempered with fresh herbs and seasoning.
Vegetable JalfraziFresh vegetables cooked with paneer, super hot tomato, onion, and sauce.

Biryani and rice

Basmati RicePlain basmati steamed rice.
Chicken BiryaniChicken chunks cooked with basmati rice, nuts, raisins, and ginger.
Dhaba Special BiryaniChicken, lamb, and shrimp cooked with aromatic basmati rice, garnished with nuts and raisins.
Goat BiryaniGoat meat cooked with basmati rice, traditional spices, and garnished with nuts and raisins.
Heer Ranjha BiryaniServes 2. Basmati rice cooked with chicken, lamb, shrimp, vegetables, and spices.
Lamb BiryaniJuicy lamb pieces cooked with rice and spices and garnished with nuts.
Peas PulaoAromatic Indian rice cooked with fresh green peas, fresh herbs, and spices.
Shrimp BiryaniJumbo shrimp cooked with basmati rice, nuts, raisins, and spices.
Vegetable BiryaniAromatic Indian rice coked with fresh vegetables, nuts, raisins, herbs, and exotic spices.

Indo-Chinese

Thalis and combos

Dhaba Special Meat ThaliA traditional non-vegetarian dinner served in a thali with samosa, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, basmati rice, naan, and dessert of the da
Non Vegetarian ThaliA traditional non vegetarian dinner served in a thali with tandoori chicken, seekh kabab, lamb curry, daal, basmati rice, naan, raita, and dessert of the day.
Vegetarian ThaliA traditional vegetarian dinner served with palak paneer, tadka daal, aloo chole and poori, basmati rice, and dessert of the day.

Breads

Dahi Sev PooriLentil crisps and cubes of potatoes covered with fresh whipped yogurt and tamarind sauce.
Paani Poori8 pieces. Bite sized puffy poories served with spicy mint water, diced potatoes, beans, and tamarind sauce.
Chana BhaturaWhole chickpeas cooked with onions, tomatoes, and authentic spices served with bhatura.
Diet Bread BasketWhole wheat bread cooked in tandoori oven and tawa roti. 2 chapati and 2 tandoori.
Tabahi NaanBread stuffed with mix vegetable and spices.
Aloo NaanUnleavened bread stuffed with spicy mashed potatoes and baked in tandoor.
Aloo ParathaStuffed with mashed potatoes, peas, and spices. Grilled with butter.
BhatooraSoft deep-fried puffy bread.
Small Bread BasketA tasty assortment of breads: aloo naan, and garlic naan.
Large Bread BasketA tasty assortment of breads: aloo naan, garlic naan and Peshawari naan.
ChapatiWhole wheat dried bread baked on the grill.
Chicken NaanUnleavened white bread stuffed with chicken pieces, fresh herbs, and spices.
Garlic NaanUnleavened bread topped with garlic and fresh cilantro baked in tandoor.
Keema NaanUnleavened white bread stuffed with minced lamb and green peas.
Keema ParathaStuffed with spiced ground lamb and cooked on the grill.
Mint ParathaWheat bread topped with dry mint and spices and grilled with butter.
Mix ParathaWhole wheat bread stuffed with mixed vegetables and grilled with ghee.
NaanUnleavened white bread baked in tandoor.
Onion NaanNaan bread stuffed with minced onions and spices baked in tandoor.
ParathaWhole wheat multi layered buttered bread.
Peshawari NaanUnleavened white bread stuffed with almonds, cashew, raisins, coconut and honey baked in clay oven.
Poori2 pieces. Crispy, deep-fried puffy whole wheat bread.
Tandoori RotiWhole wheat leavened bread baked in tandoor.

Sides and extras

Desserts

Drinks

Overview

159 dishes on the menu we read, about 94 of them without meat or seafood
Price: $$ (moderate)

Dishes you can get here

Goat Biryani

Masala Dosa

Veg Biryani

Desi DhabaCambridge

From their menu. The photos show a typical version of each dish, not this restaurant's own plates. Compare places for: Masala Dosa · Idli · Chole Bhature · Chicken Biryani

What stands out here

Bigger means fewer Boston places make it. Tap a dish to compare places.

Location

401 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 · Get directions

What diners say

Tips from diners

No tips yet. What should people order here?

Questions people ask

Where is Desi Dhaba?

Desi Dhaba is at 401 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139. Phone: +16175474121.

Does Desi Dhaba have vegetarian options?

Yes. About 94 of the 159 dishes on the menu we read have no meat or seafood, for example Dhaba Masala Chai, Hot Tea, Iced Tea and Mango Juice.

What dishes does Desi Dhaba serve?

Their menu includes Bhel Puri, Bhindi Masala, Butter Chicken, Chana Masala, Chicken Biryani, Chicken Tikka, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chilli Paneer, Chole Bhature and Dal Makhani.

How expensive is Desi Dhaba?

It is in our $$ price range (moderate).

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How this list is made

We started from public records, OpenStreetMap and Overture Maps, searched town by town for places those records miss, and read each restaurant's menu from its website or online ordering page. Places whose opening hours we could not confirm recently say so, and we check them again every month. Dishes marked "on the menu" come from the restaurant's own website or ordering page. "Usually served" is our best guess from the style of the place, so call ahead if you have your heart set on it.

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Desi Dhaba

Menu

Starters

Chaat and street food

Soups and salads

South Indian

Tandoor and grill

Chicken

Lamb and goat

Seafood

Vegetarian and paneer

Biryani and rice

Indo-Chinese

Thalis and combos

Breads

Sides and extras

Desserts

Drinks

Overview

Dishes you can get here

What stands out here

Location

What diners say

Tips from diners

Questions people ask

Nearby Indian food

More south indian places

How this list is made

Desi Dhaba

Menu

Starters

Chaat and street food

Soups and salads

South Indian

Tandoor and grill

Chicken

Lamb and goat

Seafood

Vegetarian and paneer

Biryani and rice

Indo-Chinese

Thalis and combos

Breads

Sides and extras

Desserts

Drinks

Overview

Dishes you can get here

What stands out here

Location

What diners say

Tips from diners

Questions people ask

Nearby Indian food

More south indian places

Share Desi Dhaba

How this list is made