ZipPicks Awards
Best Indian in Flushing
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Flushing
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Flushing
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Flushing
Master Critic Review
Temple Canteen
8.6
A basement canteen under the Ganesh Temple serving South Indian vegetarian staples with cafeteria speed and steady flavor. The move is to lean into dosa-and-chutney comfort (plus idli/vada), then let the strong value and high repeatability do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pondicherry masala dosa, Idli-vada with sambar, Chole bhature
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Temple-side South Indian vegetarian classics with high-volume consistency.
Who should go: Dosa lovers and value-first vegetarians
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter lines
What to order: Masala dosa, idli-vada, chole bhature
Insider tip: Order one dosa to share—portions run generous.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive, especially on weekends. Allow extra time or plan to walk from nearby blocks.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are standard.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; cafeteria-style room with constant turnover and chatter.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak temple hours
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes; lines move quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—entire menu is vegetarian
Vegan options: Good options if you order carefully (plain dosas, idli, vada, sambar); clarify ghee use
Gluten-free options: Limited; idli and vada are rice- and lentil-based, but cross-contact is possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime meetup than a traditional date—great food, but the cafeteria setting is functional, not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Order at the counter and seat yourself once food is ready.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple, mild dishes like idli and dosa work well for kids, though high chairs and extra amenities are limited.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable South Indian vegetarian staples with exceptional consistency and value.
Skip if: You want table service, ambiance, or a broad North Indian menu—full-service Indian restaurants will suit that better.