“ Savor authentic Indian flavors with fast, friendly service every day
Discover Masala Express, an Indian restaurant and caterer in Merced, CA offering flavorful dishes and warm local vibes with fast service and wheelchair access.
560 W Olive Ave, Merced, CA 95348, United StatesOne unique address
$10 to $20 Indian restaurants Curbside pickup · Delivery · Takeout · Dine-in +1 209-580-4247 560 W Olive Ave, Merced, CA 95348, United States
About this place
Masala Express: Cozy Indian Flavors in Merced
Nestled on W Olive Ave in Merced, Masala Express invites diners to a warm, casual setting where quick service and a welcoming atmosphere set the stage for a satisfying meal. Popular with groups and solo diners alike, this Indian restaurant and caterer offers a diverse menu featuring everything from comforting Butter Chicken and Chicken Madras to fresh Mattar Paneer and a variety of naan breads like Bullet Chilli and Garlic Cheese Naan. Guests appreciate the options for lunch, dinner, and quick bites with vegan, vegetarian, and healthy dishes available alongside indulgent small plates and all-you-can-eat offerings. The on-site bar, gender-neutral restrooms, and family-friendly atmosphere with a kids' menu provide added convenience. Whether enjoying a savory lunch buffet or ordering delivery, customers consistently highlight generous portions, bright flavors, and attentive service at this Merced staple.
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Good vibes, flavorful food, and staff who genuinely care about the experience.
— A Foodyvo community impression
Fast, attentive service for efficient dining
Wide range of vegan and vegetarian options
Casual, cozy atmosphere perfect for groups
Multiple service options: dine-in, takeout, delivery
Unique beverage choices like Mango and Sweet Lassi
voices
Voices from the table
Real diners. Real moments.
A community wall of food memories from Masala Express.
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Victoria Arellano
Absolutely fantastic experience! From the moment you walk, the service is welcoming, attentive, and genuinely kind. The staff and management clearly care about their guests and it shows in every detail. Highly recommend the butter chicken, easily the best I’ve had. Portions were generous and everything came out fresh and beautifully presented. If you’re looking for great food paired with excellent service, this place is a must try. We’ll definitely be back!
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Carlos Chavez
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT IN TOWN!!!!! SERIOUSLY I've had them all and this is by far second to NONE. It exceeded all expectations great food great vibe PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. Everyone working was very attentive in the best way possible and not annoying at all. Highly recommend for first timers and food enthusiasts.
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Prabhu Sundararaj
Masala Express is a fantastic spot for authentic Indian food! The flavors are rich and well-balanced — you can tell the spices are fresh and the dishes are made with care. Portions were generous and the food came out quickly, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The customer service was excellent — the staff were warm, attentive, and went out of their way to make sure we had a great experience. Whether you're craving something spicy or a milder curry, there's a great variety on the menu. Highly recommend if you're in the mood for solid, flavorful Indian cuisine with a team that really takes care of you! Thanks to Sam & Team
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keemluvr444
10/10 across the board! As a first time customer I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the service, food, and atmosphere did not disappoint! The staff was incredibly attentive (but not overbearing), friendly, and provided great recommendations to our table. The chicken tikka masala, curry, and butter chicken came out with additional sides of rice and were a great portion to have individually or share family style. The samosas came out incredibly fresh and the Mango Lassi was amazing! Will definitely be coming back to try more and take a picture by their flower wall!
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Nicole Scharsch
Sit down and enjoy this experience! I've been to this spot twice now for the lunch buffet and it doesn't disappoint. The buffet options change daily and the variery of flavor options are perfect for those indecisive eaters. If your lucky to run into Sam while your dining, you'll feel the hospitality instantly. If you haven't tried Indian cuisine yet, don't wait, you wont be disappointed with this place. They deliver and are also on door dash. Food arrives just as delicious as when you dine-in. Ask about the pizza too!
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Donia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Night-and-Day Improvement! A fantastic experience that completely changed my perspective from a disappointing visit a year ago. Outstanding food, joyful service, and a bustling atmosphere prove that Masala Express has truly hit its stride. The Vibe & Atmosphere Parking: Plenty of spaces available. Timing: Arrived at 7:30 on a Tuesday night, to a packed house; grabbed the second-to-last open table. Decor: Beautiful wall pictures of daily life in India and a gorgeous floral photo-op wall. Seating: Comfortable wall booths and tables. The Service Greeting: Immediate and welcoming. Pace: Excellent and highly efficient; everything arrived quickly. Staff: Served by a lovely man and woman (likely the owners) who were a joy to engage with. The Food The Order: Chicken Curry, Naan, Samosas, and Chai. Chai Highlight: The Chai was a real treat! It is very traditional, yet had a unique flavor note I couldn't quite place but very much enjoyed. They actually blend their own Chai here! Spice Levels: Mild was perfect for him. The "Spicy" packs a real punch—I love heat, but I will likely drop down to "Medium" next time. Taste: Absolutely delightful. It was so delicious, we ate in total, blissful silence for the first five minutes. Next Visit Plan Ordering the Saag and Tikka Masala next time. Sorry about the photo, I forgot to take it until after we had already wrecked it~
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Melisa Jarquin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My Boyfriend and I came to Masala Express Indian Cuisine for the lunch buffet (10am-2pm) and loved everything! The butter chicken was creamy and full of flavor, the rice and naan were perfect (and unlimited naan — yes please! ), and the chai latte was absolutely delicious. The place is super clean with a pretty, cozy vibe. Great food, friendly service, and such a nice spot for lunch. We’ll definitely be back!
