Tandoor is just across the street from Moreau on Mission Boulevard in Hayward…between Harder and Tennyson if you’re not familiar with my high school’s location. It’s the one that used to be Thai, then Indian, then Thai, then Indian, then Thai…
You get the idea. Now it’s Tandoor, another Indian Restaurant. Let’s dive right in. There are a few problems with this place that have probably affected each tenant. First, the location isn’t great. It’s on a run-down, industrial/commercial strip of Mission Boulevard and people don’t really go to that area for a nice dinner. That said, there is a ton of traffic that passes right by, so if the place were awesome, I bet the customers would come. Second problem: the facility needs a lot of work. The design is outdated, the single-pane windows allow little insulation against whatever temperature it is outside, and the interior is poorly decorated. It doesn’t have a lot of ambiance and there are varying degrees of improvements that could be made to spruce up the place.
The inside of Tandoor in Hayward could use a little work.
When we walked in, we had to wait to be seated even though there were only two other tables of people there. The two employees were so quiet—though they were polite—that it was hard to get anything from them. My opinion of the service increased throughout the meal a bit as one of the men refilled our water glasses repeatedly; I love that.
Matter Paneer from Tandoor Hayward.
Kadahi Shrimp from Tandoor Hayward.
The food wasn’t anything particularly special; the cheese in the Matter Paneer seemed old and squishy but the shrimp dish that we ordered (Kadahi Shrimp) was actually pretty good, though it was not served in a personal wok as described on the menu. The rice and nan were standard.
Our meal at Tandoor in Hayward.
Basically, this place was ok but why go when Pakwan is just down the street and, even better, Favorite is just down the street from that?
I have often wondered about this place, as I pass by it many times a week. It never looked inviting enough to actually try. Your review confirms that. I will stick with the Indian buffets like Bombay Garden or maybe try the other Indian places your mentioned.
Yeah, Favorite is closer to you (the one where Sizzler used to be) and far better. I recommend that!