Delicious, tasty, every bite tasted high quality. It's a quiet establishment and on the outside it doesn't look like much, but the space is huge on the inside. We got multiple dishes and shared the family style. If you're looking for a hearty, healthy and satisfying meal without the pretension of some of the other State St restaurants, highly recommend!
Overview
If you're in the mood for something truly unique, Himalayan Kitchen at 431 State St, Santa Barbara, CA, is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, this cozy spot brings a refreshing touch of Himalayan cuisine, with dishes that blend traditional flavors and ingredients that transport you to the mountains of Nepal, Tibet, and Northern India.
The moment you walk into Himalayan Kitchen, you’re immediately greeted by an inviting atmosphere. The walls are adorned with cultural décor that hints at the restaurant's heritage, setting the stage for an authentic dining experience. Whether you're here for lunch or dinner, the atmosphere is warm, casual, and perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family.
The menu at Himalayan Kitchen is nothing short of diverse, offering a range of dishes that cater to all kinds of tastes. For those unfamiliar with Himalayan cuisine, don’t worry - the staff is always eager to explain the nuances of the menu. You’ll find everything from hearty stews to lighter, fresh dishes. The momo (Nepalese dumplings) are a must-try. These savory little pockets, filled with a choice of vegetables or meat, are served with a spicy dipping sauce that packs a punch. It’s a dish that perfectly balances flavor, texture, and spice.
One of the standout dishes at Himalayan Kitchen is their chicken curry. This isn’t just any curry - it’s a rich, aromatic dish with layers of spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom. It’s comforting and deeply flavorful, yet not overwhelming. It pairs beautifully with their fluffy basmati rice, which is the perfect canvas for soaking up every bit of the sauce. And if you're a fan of spice, ask for extra heat - the kitchen will accommodate.
The tibetan thukpa (noodle soup) is another gem on the menu. This warm, brothy soup filled with vegetables, herbs, and perfectly cooked noodles is just the thing when you're craving something light but full of flavor. The flavors are subtle but come together in a way that’s utterly satisfying.
For vegetarians, the restaurant doesn’t skimp on options either. The dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) is a traditional dish that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor. Served with a variety of sides like pickles and vegetables, it’s a fulfilling meal in itself. There’s also a great selection of fresh, crispy samosas, stuffed with potatoes and peas, and fried to golden perfection. These make a perfect appetizer or snack.
What makes Himalayan Kitchen stand out, beyond its delicious food, is the sense of community and care the staff put into each meal. It's clear they take pride in offering an authentic experience, which is apparent in the flavors that come through each dish. The chef brings a wealth of experience, having honed his skills in kitchens across the Himalayan region, ensuring every dish is made with precision and passion.
The restaurant also takes special care to source fresh, high-quality ingredients, many of which are imported directly from the region. This focus on authenticity means that each bite is bursting with genuine flavors that transport you right to the heart of the Himalayas. It’s not just about food; it’s about sharing the culture and traditions of the region in a way that feels personal and intimate.
What really ties the experience together is the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Whether it’s your first time trying Himalayan cuisine or you're a seasoned fan, they’re always happy to share recommendations based on your preferences. They make sure you feel right at home, which is a huge part of the charm of dining here.
Beyond the food, the location of Himalayan Kitchen couldn’t be more ideal. Situated on State Street in the vibrant heart of Santa Barbara, it’s an easy spot to drop by after a day of exploring the city. Whether you’re shopping, sightseeing, or just enjoying a stroll, this restaurant provides a perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous.
Himalayan Kitchen has earned its place as a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. With a menu that caters to all palates, from those seeking spicy flavors to those who prefer something milder, there’s truly something for everyone. The blend of tradition, authenticity, and warm hospitality makes this place a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary landscape of the Himalayan region. Whether you're craving a filling stew, a flavorful curry, or a delicious vegetarian dish, Himalayan Kitchen delivers it all with care and authenticity. It’s a gem that invites you to savor the flavors of a distant land right in the heart of Santa Barbara.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Asian-ownedService options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ All you can eat ✓ Beer ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Cheques ✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ On-site parking ✓ Paid parking lotPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed insidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 563 reviews
Dinner was delicious! The menu has a nice variety and everyone enjoyed their meal. I asked for medium spicy and I’d call it light spicy, but you can always add hot chili oil. The restaurant is brightly lit and they played a loud soccer game, so it wasn’t my favorite dinner ambience but the decor was interesting and the service was excellent. You can see into the kitchen and it was clean and organized.
We stopped here for late afternoon tea and snacks while strolling on State street. The tea was piping hot and aromatic, exactly as I would want on a rainy day. We ordered samosas and chicken momos for snacks and both were freshly made, steaming and excellent. Service was quick and friendly and the restaurant is decorated and cozy.
Being from North India i think the food was decent but not the same taste as it originally is. Naan bread was exceptionally delicious. Decently priced menu. We ordered Vegetarian momo, Maharani Dal, Malai kofta, Butter Naan and Garlic Naan. Rice was well cooked. Decent quantity too. There was a bit waiting due to limited seating. Maharani dal was a bit spicy.
Extremely reasonably priced Himalayan restaurant with lots of vegan vegetarian options. The food was excellent, fresh and full of flavour. The service was attentive and courteous. Loved the tofu chilli and it went very well with the delicious fried rice. Lastly we over indulgenced and ordered the Alu Paratha, which was cooked to perfection. The Alu filling / masala was evenly distributed in the dough and cooked crisp to perfection. The achar they served with was fantastic. Just loved the food and their portion sizes are large enough for 2 people. Lovely place if craving some delicious Himalayan and Indian food.
Excellent food and pretty quick (and friendly) service. The paneer masala was very rich, tasty and smooth, and the madrasi shrimp was exceptionally flavorful. The naan was also great—very soft and easy to pull apart.
It was the 3 rd day of the Santa Barbara Fair when we ate here at around 11am. Gladly that nobody's inside. We did our order. The Mango Lassi is sour and liquidized not the lassi I am expecting, which I always have at SF like thick and has the yoghurt texture. I would give their lassi 8/10. The platter is very affordable, and we're glad we're able to try each food. We ordered chicken Biryini mild. Spices are not too strong and overpowering which I like. We ate the biryimi and has some samosa. They have The best Garlic Naan Bread I had in my life!