Copper Chimney

I dont make it to the area very often, but after a business meeting in mira mesa I decided to drop by since I had purchased a groupon I have been meaning to use. I am an indian food fanatic and there doesnt seem to be much in the east county so I was excited to try this place out. I walked in mentioning I had a groupon and was very (unpleasantly) surprised at how unelegant this place really is. I bet someone could run a restaurant of similar standards out of their garage. When I walked in I was greeted by two reluctant staff members that looked at me like a deer in the headlights wondering why I was there… I mentioned that I had a groupon with a grin, and at first the gentleman started to direct me to a table, but as I was about to sit his female counterpart mentioned that they were actually on a break, despite standing themselves in the dining area, and would not serve me for another hour in a half. Naturally I was disappointed on a time crunch and wanting to enjoy some indian food. I am sure their food might very well be amazing for all I know, as I didnt get a chance to try it, but they get a 1 star for pure lack of customer service and inhospitableness. The hours were clearly marked that they were open and not on a ‘break’.
This is the first negative review I have ever given as it only takes a scoop of hot food to please me, but this time I couldnt just let it slide by. As a marketing professional that works for small businesses just like this one, I can say that little have I been this plain disappointed.

The real deal — as good as it can be in SD, homeboys got a menu with bubble letters in marker on the wall, some crazy spice action dosa via spicy dosa with special ghost chili surprise, masala dosa potato subtle beauty, chicken biryani, whatever you like, the sides are great, the setting is humble, the cooks come and chat after they make you the meal, everything you need.
Not another vanilla coated bland rip-​off restaurant serving chicken curry, but serving up some food South Indian style over in SD, ask for it spicy baba. Ask for it spicy.

I went there on Sunday for the buffett using the Groupon hoping it would be good based on the other reviews on Unilocal,but I wasn’t too impressed by it. I can tell you that this wasn’t the best Indian food I have had in San Diego.
Pros:
They have many good vegetarian options and the buffett is inexpensive (only about $ 6.50, compared with $ 12 – 15 per person at most other Indian restaurants).
Cons:
The space is very cramped, the food was only okay (for the price it was okay, but if you want good Indian food, I would recommend going someplace else). Most of the buffett items are vegetarian, and I was hoping they had more non-​veg items (only one chicken curry). Also, the rotis they gave were basically just the frozen RotiLand chappatti (flat breads) they sell in Costco warmed up in the microwave (I know because I have made these at home myself).
As an Indian person, If you want a good Indian food experience, I wouldn’t recommend coming here. I wouldn’t bring guests from out of town here, but it’s mainly good for students/​singles who want some cheap Indian food (but it does taste like it’s cheap).

Me and my girl used the Groupon here and decided to go with the buffet. DAMN the buffet was just too spicy for us. We just had one serving and that was it — just too much spice for our liking. Another couple who sat behind us said the same thing repeatedly. I hope this place moves to another location because their current space is just too cramped. It was a packed house for the groupon deal when we went and it felt very uncomfortable. The service overall was pretty good. I think next time I would just order off of the menu instead of hitting the buffet.

This is not a truck anymore. It is inside the Spices Court Market.
It is a tiny little spot which serves a buffet as well as a la carte items.
I went there today and they had a deal for 7 bucks for the buffet tax included.
It was decent but I liked Sitar’s lamb curry a lot better.
The Dosa was very good and the Roti was also.
There was a mix of chicken with curry, potatos, beans, etc., sorry but I am not well versed on Indian Food.
Overall for 7 bucks it is a deal for sure.
Apparently the truck used to be popular so they have a following.
I may try some a la carte items next time as they have Chinese food also and sichuan too.

Good food. The Southern Indian food is a nice change from the typical. The service was very good. The Marsala Dosa and chicken and rice dish were very tasty. Nice selection of chutney with the Dosa.

Two of my colleagues came here after reading the review in the Reader and raved about the place, so we went to check it out. Allen is a friendly guy who makes everything to order, so be prepared to wait, especially if there’s a line.
We got some Masala Dosas (a crispy crêpe filled with a tasty potato mixture), though mine was sadly not very filled with the yummy potatoes. instead i found a hair. ick. we also tried some fried battered jalapenos. pretty hot, and the breading was tasty (i ended up eating it off of the latter half of my pepper). and to finish it off, we had some fermented rice cakes. Allen even gave us one free one since we had ordered so much.
The real star for this dining experience is the variety of sauces and chutneys that accompany each dish — you get quite a few with each dish, so dip and enjoy!
Quite a few South Indian customers, like ones that stopped by while we were eating, feel that this food is authentic and hard to find elsewhere in town.
While my friends thought the food here was awesome to super awesome, I’m not as enthusiastic, but perhaps i just got the one substandard dosa. I’d be willing to give the Copper Chimney another try though.

Masala Dosa is definitely better than Surati and Allen (the master chef) gives a sampling of multiple chutneys, though sambar is pretty tame and not worth a dip. Also, Chili Chicken is passable fried stuff (kind-​a fried chicken nuggets). Haven’t tried his Biryanies, yet.
An Extra star for being a food truck experience, the first for an Indian in SD.

Okay, so my second time here I realized I needed to change the rating. The only dish that really stood out to me is the Masala Dolsa.
There’s always a disorganized crowd of people around the truck. This makes it very frustrating to order, receive, and pay for food. There’s no tables around the area to eat near the truck and the truck sometimes shows up late.
However, if you’re in the area I still think it’s worth checking out (Masala Dolsa ftw). After all, it’s the first Indian truck I’ve heard of!

I get crazy thirsty when I come eat here. Maybe its because of what I ordered, but everything is extremely flavorful. I feel like I need 4 bowls of rice per dish. Better to take your food to go and eat in the comfort of your own home, instead of standing out in the dark eating blind like we did.
The best item I’ve tried on the menu? Definitely the Masala dosa. I actually prefer this one to the one at Surati Farsan Mart, something about the crispness of the crêpe makes it tastes that much better.
Wasn’t too fond of the Chile Fish. A little bland, perhaps thats why they paired it with such a huge lemon wedge.
You definitely want to be one of the first people there before the truck arrives, once it arrives things get chaotic! Instead of queuing up in a line people form one hug mob and orders get lost.
The owner is really cool and likeable. You can call his cell to make sure he’s at the location.

I just had my second visit to the Copper Chimney and both visits have been excellent. I especially like how the owner keeps changing up the menu so that there is always something interesting and new to try. Just about everything on the menu costs $ 4-​$ 5 and it is all made fresh to order with the level of spiciness you specify. I always tell them I want it «Indian hot» and the owner never fails to deliver that wonderfully full flavored spicy Indian food. There are no tables but lots of people sit on the grass next to the trees which is a wonderful way to enjoy San Diego’s great weather.

Forget all those baby food serving ‘posh’ restaurants that add Zucchini to Indian cuisine with bland white rubber chicken. This is the real deal… Truly authentic dosas, idlis, vadas, bhajias and a variety of Indian-​Chinese like Schezwan Chicken, Chicken 65 as well as Biryani.
The service is loveable, food as tasty as back home and prices… nothing above $ 6!!! Now how can you beat that!!!
Allen, the friendly co-​owner has ventured into the Food Truck business following his passion for food and his culinary skills transform into lip-​smacking delicacies for those still hunting for that one good Indian food spot… Look no further!

If you think Korean taco trucks are innovative and fresh to the mobile food vending scene, prepare to be wowed. In this fresh from the street review, our hero brings Unilocalers the dirt on what could be the next big wave of mobile dining in San Diego: Indian food. Check it out, guy; this is like Chennai! Copper Chimney is the first (and only) Indian food truck in the San Diego area.
The owner, Allen, has grown recently from a small catering business to a full fledged South Indian roach coach operating out of a mobile truck mainly in the Sorrento Valley /​Mira Mesa area. Allen’s South Indian lunches can be called nothing short of authentic and at least 95% of the line ups for his meals are Indian customers who know of his business mainly through word of mouth.
This business has grown from serving only one vegetarian and one meat dish a day to a variety of South Indian dishes for $ 5 or less. The rice and some of their other dishes even have a distinct bit of an Indo-​Chinese spin on it. As usual there are curries and riata yogurt, but also Southern favorites like idli, dosa, and medu vada.
It’s hard to tell where this food truck is going to be in advance, but it’s generally in the Sorrento Valley area for lunch on weekdays and in the Miramar area in the evenings/​weekends. Call Allen ahead of time for details (or to place a custom order for food).
PROS:
— Pretty cheap for big portions. Only $ 5 or less for meals here.
— This is seriously how Indian street food tastes like.
CONS:
— Service is anything but fast. It’s just one guy taking orders and serving food.
— The rice here is somewhat mediocre.
— Cash only.

Awesome! Truly a diamond in the rough. Yeah it’s a food truck but the food is great. Was there at 6pm then truck came whipping around corner at 6:15 with a crowd awaiting them. Have patience as food is made to order. You can even ask for items not on the menu… will definitely be back

You’ve seen taco trucks, but how about a South Indian food truck? I’m a big fan of Indian food so when I heard about this truck I had to try it.
The owner’s mantra is authenticity. He claims that the food here is just how it would be prepared in India; and the crowds show it.
The mirchi bajji had a nice crispy batter and the right amount of heat with the accompanying chutneys. The masala dosa was light and crispy. But I felt it could have used a little more filling. The chicken biryani was great with the gravy but be careful of the bones. I was really hungry and a couple got pass my inspection.
I’d really like to give this place more stars, but right now it’s just chaos outside the truck on a busy night. The food is great and the owners are hospitable but ordering your food requires a bit of patience.
Pro-​tip: Rice is not included with the dishes but with these cheap prices I’m not complaining. This is a delicious way to use up your leftover rice.
Bonus pro-​tip: If you don’t have the patience, try an off time on Saturday or Sunday. Be sure to give them a call to make sure they’re there ahead of time.

Its fabulous, yummy and is prepared as you watch. What is it?
Its street food done very well! Finally, san diego gets some authentic south indian food that makes me feel nostalgic about home for the simple reason that the food tastes so close to home. And its better because its street food with no strings attached and by every means a gastronomic delight.
I just sampled their Masala Dosa, Mirchi bajji and cocktail idli. I must say that after 30min of sampling the dosa the taste still lingers in your mouth and i crave for more. Unfortunately i wasn’t carrying enough cash. Most of the items listed on their menu is priced 3 – 4 bucks on an average.
Yes, carry cash. They are located opposite the amp gas station
I sure hope their new venture is a success!

Undoubtedly the best south indian cuisine available in San Diego. Especially the Hyderab Birayani stands out. All the chicken dishes are good. The pricing is very attractive. I don’t have any negatives for it.

Yes. Just say yes.

This my first review on Unilocal,and Copper Chimney is so good that I figured I should make the time. This is a food truck that serves authentic, fresh South Indian food. They are typically parked in the MiraMesa area and operate mostly on Friday-​Monday. Do call ahead for their hours and location before you head out, since they are after all a mobile business.
I am a South Indian by birth, and for years, I’ve lamented the dearth of South Indian restaurant options in San Diego. Madras Café is ok, but Copper Chimney is my new favorite. For the uninitiated, South Indian food is quite distinct from the food in most Indian restaurants which tends to be from other parts of the country.
A hearty meal for two cost $ 25, and my husband says the chicken dishes are heavenly. I had the Idli and Masala Dosa which were far and away the best I’ve had in San Diego (other than my mom’s cooking).
The proprietors are friendly, and we enjoyed the whole experience. I’m sure they will help anyone who may not be familiar with the cuisine. It’s definitely a hidden gem, and in the words of the gov’nor, «I’ll be back».

This South Indian Food Truck just opened recently and it is definitely a place that you should try out soon. San Diego is known more for the taco trucks but this place is a great addition to the Indian food offerings. The owners couldn’t be nicer and are eager to explain their food and cuisine to their customers.
Everything is extremely reasonably priced and very flavorful. For now, they are only open Friday 6 – 8 pm, sat/​sun from 12.30−5pm and mondays 5 – 7.30pm. Their menu changes daily but they keep some staples. Definitely try the mirchi bajji. An Indian spin on chile relleno.