I'm not sure what all the complaints are about this place. I was skeptical reading all the reviews. However, a co-worker highly recommended the place and my wife saw one of her favorite chat items on the menu, so I had to cave in and we decided to eat here.
Their chat items are great. Customer support is certainly a hit or or miss. Our first visit the cashier was not at all helpful and didn't even smile. But he wasn't rude at all. We ordered for a desert to go during our meal. He was nice enough and suggesting holding in the cooler till we finished eating so that it stayed cool and fresh.
Our second visit had a different guy at the cash register. This guy was really cheerful, repeated the items on the thalis when I got confused. Answered all questions with a smile. Halfway through my meal I realized I didn't get a papad in my thali and I checked with him if it was included. He apologized and went back in. In a few minutes he called my name again and had the papad and extra Puris in the plate.
The dabeli is really good. I also enjoyed the South Indian thali, dahi vada and rasmalai. The falooda was a little too watery.
Service isn't the best. Yes, they call you one by one for every item you order and it's frustrating. But this is not new with eateries in India and even in the Bay area. So, I'm not sure what's the big deal people are making about it. The two times I was there the place wasn't so busy so I'm not sure if it gets worse when it's crowded.
I do agree $3 for white rice when you're paying so much for a curry is rare but this is not the only place that charges you for the same.