We went on the recommendation of a friend from India, who was part of our group. He eats at Veda all the time and told us that it was A-OK. Indeed it was!
I got a large curry bowl to go ($8). There were three choices of rice for the bottom of the bowl and about six possible toppings -- you get to select two of those. My lunch was copious, to say the least.
I agree that the eating area is not very uplifting. We walked to another building with our takeout and enjoyed our lunches in peace and quiet.