Based on 225 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.9 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ Delivery
Address:
780 Merchant St, Vacaville, CA 95688
Phone: (707) 449-8888
Hours
| Thursday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
11 AM–9:30 PM
Holiday hours
|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
Menu
| Vegetarian Appetizers | |
| Veg Samosa (2 Pieces) Delicious fried pastries stuffed with potatoes, peas, coriander and other spices. Served with mint and tamarind chutneys. (2 Pieces) |
$7.25 |
| Mix Veg Pakoda Cauliflower, onions, spinach and potatoes battered in gram flour and served with mint and tamarind chutneys. |
$8.00 |
| Paneer Pakoda Stuffed cottage cheese fritters, battered in gram flour and served with mint and tamarind chutneys. |
$12.00 |
| Veg Cutlet Mashed vegetable patty dipped in batter and drenched in breadcrumbs and served with mint and tamarind chutneys. |
$10.80 |
| Cheese Balls Crispy balls made with mozzarella cheese, potatoes, vegetables and served with mint and tamarind chutneys. |
$12.00 |
| Spring Rolls Crispy and crunchy rolls filled with savory mix of vegetables. |
$12.00 |
| Potato Wedges Fried potatoes with seasoning and served with ketchup. |
$7.25 |
| Pani Puri (Gol Gappe) Bite sized crispy shells stuffed with potatoes and chickpeas and served with tamarind and mint flavored water. |
$9.80 |
| Dahi Sev Puri Crispy shells stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, mint and tamarind chutneys and topped with sev. |
$9.80 |
| Bhel Puri Puffed rice tossed with potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lemon juice, mint and tamarind chutneys. |
$9.80 |
| Samosa Chaat Samosas that are served with chickpeas, yogurt, onions, cilantro, mint and tamarind chutneys. |
$10.80 |
| Aloo Tikki Chaat Potato patties served with chickpeas, yogurt, onions, cilantro, mint and tamarind chutneys. |
$10.80 |
| Papdi Chaat Crispy dough wafers served with chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, onions, cilantro, sev, mint and tamarind chutneys. |
$9.80 |
| Dahi Bhalla Chaat Soft lentil fritters that are deep fried and drenched in creamy yogurt and topped with potatoes, chickpeas, onions, cilantro, mint and tamarind chutneys. |
$10.80 |
| Chili Paneer Cottage cheese stir fried with bell peppers, onions, spring onions and tossed with chili garlic sauce and sesame seeds. |
$17.00 |
| Gobi Manchurian Battered cauliflower stir fried with bell peppers, onions, spring onions and tossed with chili garlic sauce and sesame seeds. |
$17.00 |
| Veg Manchurian Crispy vegetable balls served in tangy soy sauce. |
$17.00 |
| Essence Special Paneer Tikka Bite size chunks of cottage cheese marinated in yogurt and spices and stir fried with bell peppers and onions. |
$17.80 |
| Vegetarian Family Platter Combination of Samosas, Paneer Pakoda, Veg Cutlet, Mix Pakoda and Onion Rings. |
$19.00 |
| Non-Vegetarian Appetizers | |
| Chicken Pakoda Boneless chicken fritters, battered in mixture of gram flour and spices and served with mint and tamarind chutneys. |
$13.50 |
| Fish Pakoda Fish fritters, battered with gram flour and spices and served with mint and tamarind chutneys. |
$14.50 |
| Chicken Wings Classic fried wings served with ranch. |
$12.00 |
| Chili Chicken Boneless chicken stir fried with bell peppers, onions, spring onions and tossed with chili garlic sauce and sesame seeds. |
$18.00 |
| Breaded Shrimp Butterflied sweet & succulent shrimp, coated in a delicious & crunchy panko breadcrumb coating. |
$16.80 |
| Madras Fried Shrimp Shrimps stir fried with bell peppers, onions, spring onions and tossed with chili garlic sauce and sesame seeds. |
$18.00 |
| Non-Veg Family Platter Combination of Chicken Pakodas, Fish Pakodas, Breaded Shrimps and Chicken Wings. |
$23.00 |
| Soups & Salads | |
| Dal (Lentil) Soup Lentil soup flavored with mild herbs and spices. |
$6.50 |
| Tomato Basil Soup Rich and creamy tomato soup cooked with basil and garlic. |
$7.50 |
| Chicken Soup Creamy soup cooked with chicken and vegetables. |
$7.80 |
| Garden Salad Fresh tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and carrots served with ranch or Italian dressing. |
$7.50 |
| Chickpea Salad Tomatoes, onions, cucumber, spinach, olive oil tossed with chickpeas and kidney beans. |
$11.75 |
| Chicken Salad Chicken, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, lettuce, chickpeas and kidney beans served with ranch or Italian dressing. |
$14.00 |
| Tandoori Specialties – Vegetarian | |
| Tandoori Paneer Tikka Bite-sized chunks of cottage cheese marinated in yogurt, spices and roasted in tandoor with bell peppers and onions. |
$17.00 |
| Tandoori Specialties – Non-Vegetarian | |
| Tandoori Chicken Bone-in chicken marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, herbs and spices. |
$17.00 |
| Chicken Tikka Kebab Boneless chicken breast marinated with yogurt, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, herbs and spices. |
$18.00 |
| Tandoori Chicken Wings Chicken wings marinated with special in-house sauce, spices and lemon juice. |
$17.00 |
| Pepper Chicken Boneless chicken marinated in yogurt, cream, ginger, garlic, white pepper, cashews, herbs and spices. |
$18.00 |
| Lamb Seekh Kebab Minced lamb blended with herbs and spices and cooked in tandoor. |
$18.00 |
| Lamb Boti Kebab Boneless lamb marinated with ginger, garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, herbs and spices. |
$19.75 |
| Tandoori Shrimp Jumbo shrimp marinated with ginger, garlic, lemon juice, herbs and spices. |
$19.75 |
| Tandoori Salmon Salmon marinated in oil, black pepper, ginger, garlic, lemon juice herbs and spices. |
$19.75 |
| Tandoori Mix Platter The Ultimate Combo: Lamb Seekh Kebab, Tandoori Chicken, Salmon and Shrimp. |
$29.75 |
| Vegetarian Dishes | |
| Punjabi Kadhi Pakoda Fritters served in yogurt based curry made with gram flour and spices. |
$16.00 |
| Pav Bhaji Mashed bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, peas, potatoes cooked with special Pav Bhaji masala and served with pav (buns). |
$14.50 |
| Chole Bhature Puffy fried bread served with delicious chickpea savory, raita and pickle. |
$16.50 |
| Aloo Gobi Cauliflower and potatoes cooked with onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and seasonings. |
$16.00 |
| Baingan Bharta Egg plant roasted in tandoor, then mashed and cooked with tomatoes, onions, green peas and other spices. |
$16.00 |
| Bhindi Masala Okra cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and spices, turning it into decadent savory. |
$16.00 |
| Chana Masala A delicious combination of chickpeas, onions and tomatoes in a richly flavored sauce |
$16.00 |
| Paneer Tikka Masala Cottage cheese cooked with fenugreek, herbs in special creamy tomato sauce and spices. |
$16.50 |
| Kadai Paneer Cottage cheese with stir fried bell peppers, onions and then cooked in thick gravy. |
$16.50 |
| Shahi Paneer Cottage cheese cooked in creamy sauce made with cashews. |
$16.50 |
| Matar Paneer Cottage cheese and peas mixed in spices and gravy. |
$16.50 |
| Paneer Bhurji Shredded cottage cheese cooked with tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, herbs and spices. |
$16.50 |
| Methi Malai Paneer Cottage cheese cooked in creamy sauce made with fenugreek and other spices. |
$16.50 |
| Malai Kofta Cottage cheese, potatoes and vegetable balls simmered in creamy cashew sauce. |
$16.50 |
| Navratan Korma Mixed vegetables cooked in creamy cashew sauce and garnished with raisins and cashews. |
$16.50 |
| Mix Vegetables Various vegetables and cottage cheese cooked with herbs and spices. |
$15.50 |
| Chana Saag Chickpeas cooked with mustard, spinach, onions, ginger, garlic and other spices |
$16.00 |
| Saag Paneer Mustard, spinach and cottage cheese cooked with ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes and spices. |
$16.50 |
| Sarson Ka Saag Punjab’s Favorite Dish. Mustard, spinach cooked with ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes and spices. |
$16.00 |
| Dal Makhani Black Urad Lentils simmered with kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic and butter. |
$16.00 |
| Yellow Dal Tadka Five different yellow lentils stewed with tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic and other spices. |
$16.00 |
| Mushroom Bhaji Mushroom cooked in delicious thick gravy with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and spices. |
$15.50 |
| Matar Mushroom Mushrooms and peas stir fried with tomatoes, onions, herbs and spices. |
$15.50 |
| Aloo Matar Potatoes and peas mixed in spices and gravy. |
$14.50 |
| South Indian Vegetarian Specialties | |
| Plain Dosa Rice and lentil crepe served with sambar. |
$13.50 |
| Masala Dosa Rice and lentil crepe stuffed with potatoes, onions, mustard seeds and served with sambar. |
$16.00 |
| Paneer Dosa Rice and lentil crepe stuffed cottage cheese and served with sambar. |
$16.00 |
| Uttapam Rice and lentil pancake garnished with bell peppers, tomatoes, onions and served with sambar. |
$15.00 |
| Idli Sambar Light and fluffy steamed rice cake served with sambar. |
$12.00 |
| Chicken & Egg Dishes | |
| Chicken Tikka Masala Roasted boneless chicken breast cooked with fenugreek, herbs in special creamy tomato sauce and spices. |
$18.00 |
| Butter Chicken Marinated boneless chicken thigh cooked in tandoor and then simmered in creamy and buttery tomato sauce. |
$18.00 |
| Kadai Chicken Boneless chicken thighs with stir fried bell peppers and onions and then cooked in thick gravy with additional spices. |
$18.00 |
| Jeera Chicken Boneless chicken thighs cooked with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, cumin and spices. |
$18.00 |
| Chicken Korma Boneless chicken thigh cooked in creamy cashew sauce garnished with cashews and raisins. |
$18.00 |
| Methi Malai Chicken Boneless chicken thigh cooked in a special creamy sauce with herbs, spices and fenugreek. |
$18.00 |
| Mango Chicken Boneless chicken thighs cooked in sweet and sour mango sauce. |
$18.00 |
| Coconut Chicken Boneless chicken thigh simmered in creamy coconut sauce. |
$18.00 |
| Chicken Saag Boneless chicken thighs cooked with mustard, spinach, ginger, garlic, onion, tomatoes and spices. |
$18.00 |
| Chicken Do Pyaza Boneless chicken thighs cooked with ginger, garlic, onion, tomatoes and yogurt sauce and spices. |
$18.00 |
| Chicken Mushroom Masala Boneless chicken breast cooked with mushrooms, fenugreek, herbs in special creamy tomato sauce and spices. |
$18.00 |
| Chicken Curry Boneless chicken thigh cooked in ginger, garlic, tomatoes, onion sauce and spices. |
$18.00 |
| Chicken Vindaloo Boneless chicken thigh and potatoes cooked in spicy sauce. |
$18.00 |
| Egg Bhurji Scrambled eggs cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, herbs and spices. |
$16.00 |
| Lamb & Goat Dishes | |
| Lamb Tikka Masala Lamb cooked with fenugreek, herbs in special creamy tomato sauce and spices. |
$19.50 |
| Kadai Lamb Lamb with stir fried bell peppers and onions and then cooked in thick gravy with additional spices. |
$19.50 |
| Lamb Rogan Josh Lamb curry with combination of intense spices in onion and tomato sauce. |
$19.50 |
| Lamb Achari Lamb cooked with bell peppers, onions and spices used for pickles. |
$19.50 |
| Methi Malai Lamb Lamb cooked in a special creamy sauce with herbs, spices and fenugreek. |
$19.50 |
| Lamb Do Pyaza Lamb cooked with ginger, garlic, onion, tomatoes and yogurt sauce and spices. |
$19.50 |
| Coconut Lamb Lamb simmered in creamy coconut sauce. |
$19.50 |
| Lamb Korma Lamb cooked in creamy cashew sauce garnished with cashews and raisins. |
$19.50 |
| Lamb Bhuna Lamb cooked with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, cumin and spices. |
$19.50 |
| Lamb Saag Lamb cooked with mustard, spinach, ginger, garlic, onion, tomatoes and spices. |
$19.50 |
| Lamb Vindaloo Lamb and potatoes cooked in spicy sauce. |
$19.50 |
| Lamb Curry Lamb cooked in ginger, garlic, tomatoes, onion sauce and spices. |
$19.50 |
| Goat Curry Bone-in goat cooked in ginger, garlic, tomatoes, onion sauce and spices. |
$19.50 |
| Goat Achari Bone-in goat cooked with bell peppers, onions and spices used for pickles. |
$19.50 |
| Seafood Dishes | |
| Shrimp Tikka Masala Shrimp cooked with fenugreek, herbs in special creamy tomato sauce and spices. |
$19.50 |
| Methi Malai Shrimp Shrimp cooked in a special creamy sauce with herbs, spices and fenugreek. |
$19.50 |
| Coconut Shrimp Shrimp simmered in creamy coconut sauce. |
$19.50 |
| Shrimp Saag Shrimp cooked with mustard, spinach, ginger, garlic, onion, tomatoes and spices. |
$19.50 |
| Shrimp Korma Shrimp cooked in creamy cashew sauce garnished with cashews and raisins. |
$19.50 |
| Shrimp Curry Shrimp cooked in ginger, garlic, tomatoes, onion sauce and spices. |
$19.50 |
| Shrimp Bhuna Shrimp cooked with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, cumin and spices. |
$19.50 |
| Traditional Fish Curry Fish simmered in golden brown curry sauce. |
$19.50 |
| Goan Fish Curry Aromatic fish curry from Goan region of India cooked with a blend of spices, garlic, ginger, onions, tomatoes and coconut. |
$19.50 |
| Rice & Biryanis | |
| Jeera Rice Basmati rice cooked with cumin. |
$3.25 |
| Lemon Rice Basmati rice cooked with lemon juice, onions and turmeric. |
$4.75 |
| Veg Pulao Basmati rice cooked with vegetables and spices. |
$6.50 |
| Veg Schezwan Fried Rice Basmati rice cooked with onions, garlic, ginger, spring onions, cilantro, carrots and schezwan sauce. |
$16.00 |
| Veg Biryani Basmati rice cooked with vegetables, onions, tomatoes and spices and served with side of raita. |
$16.00 |
| Chicken Biryani Basmati rice cooked with chicken, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and spices and served with side of raita. |
$17.50 |
| Lamb Biryani Basmati rice cooked with lamb, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and spices and served with side of raita. |
$19.00 |
| Goat Biryani Basmati rice cooked with bone-in goat, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and spices and served with side of raita. |
$19.00 |
| Shrimp Biryani Basmati rice cooked with shrimps, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and spices and served with side of raita. |
$19.00 |
| Mix Biryani Basmati rice cooked with vegetables, chicken, lamb, bone-in goat, shrimp, mint and spices served with raita. |
$22.00 |
| Naans (Breads) | |
| Plain Naan Soft buttered flat bread baked in tandoor. |
$3.50 |
| Garlic Naan Soft buttered flatbread with garlic and cilantro. |
$3.75 |
| Chili Naan Soft buttered flat bread with green chili and cilantro. |
$3.75 |
| Bullet Naan Soft buttered flat bread with green chili, garlic and cilantro. |
$3.75 |
| Aloo Naan Flat bread stuffed with potatoes, onions, ginger, cilantro, spices and brushed with butter. |
$4.75 |
| Onion Kulcha Flat bread stuffed with onions, cilantro and spices and brushed with butter. |
$4.75 |
| Paneer Naan Flat bread stuffed with cottage cheese, cilantro, spices and brushed with butter. |
$6.00 |
| Goat Cheese Naan Flat bread stuffed with goat cheese and spices and brushed with butter. |
$6.50 |
| Cheese Pizza Naan Flat bread stuffed with mozzarella cheese and spices and brushed with butter. |
$6.50 |
| Peshawari Naan (Sweet) Flat bread stuffed with cashews, raisins, coconut and cherries and brushed with butter. |
$6.50 |
| Assorted Naans Assorted variety of plain naan, garlic naan and onion kulcha. |
$9.25 |
| Tandoori Roti Unleavened whole wheat flatbread brushed with butter. |
$3.00 |
| Lachha Paratha Multigrain flatbread made with butter. |
$6.25 |
| Desserts | |
| Gulab Jamun (3 Pieces) Fried dough balls made from milk solids and semolina, soaked with an aromatic syrup spiced with green cardamom and rose water. |
$6.50 |
| Gulab Jamun With Rabdi Gulab Jamuns served with delicious creamy sauce made with milk and cardamom and garnished with pistachios. (3 Pieces) |
$8.00 |
| Ras Malai Soft cottage cheese patties served in creamy sauce topped with pistachios. |
$7.00 |
| Mango Ice Cream Ice cream with luscious creamy texture and rich flavor of mangoes. |
$6.00 |
| Khoya Kulfi (1 Piece) Traditional, sumptuous Indian frozen dessert made with milk, khoya (evaporated milk solids) and cardamom. |
$3.90 |
| Falooda Kulfi Delicious rose syrup flavored ice cream mixed with sabja seeds and topped with vermicelli. |
$6.75 |
| Kesar (Saffron) Ice Cream This ice cream is a treat for Saffron lovers. Pistachios and almonds make it even more delectable. |
$6.75 |
| Side Dishes | |
| Papad Thin crisp wafer made of lentil flour, black peppers and other spices. |
$3.00 |
| Plain Dahi Plain yogurt. |
$4.75 |
| Cucumber Raita Popular north Indian side dish made with yogurt, grated cucumbers and carrots and spices. |
$6.50 |
| Dahi Bhalla Deep fried lentil fritters that are drenched in creamy yogurt and topped with spices and tamarind chutney. |
$6.50 |
| Pachranga Achar Indian mixed pickle. |
$2.25 |
| Gobi & Gajar Achar Indian cauliflower & carrot pickle. |
$2.25 |
| Mint Chutney | $2.25 |
| Mango Chutney | $2.25 |
| Tamarind Chutney | $2.25 |
| Assorted Chutneys Mint, mango and tamarind chutneys. |
$3.75 |
| Desi Salad Onions and chilies with slice of lemon. |
$3.50 |
| Sambar Side of sambar only. |
$6.00 |
| Tikka Masala Sauce Tikka Masala Sauce by itself. |
$7.50 |
| Pav Only Order of Pav only. |
$3.50 |
| Bhature Only Order of 2 Pieces of Bhature. |
$5.50 |
| Beverages | |
| Mango Lassi | $4.50 |
| Sweet Lassi | $4.00 |
| Can Of Coke | $3.00 |
| Can Of Diet Coke | $3.00 |
| Can Of Sprite | $3.00 |
| Can Of Dr Pepper | $3.00 |
| Bottled Water | $2.00 |
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Reviews
Samuel Spencer
The food at this new restaurant is absolutely amazing!!! Some of the best Indian food I have ever had!
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Ashley
This was some of the best Indian I’ve had in a long time.
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Shannon Higgins
Very authentic Indian fare with a good variety of dishes and flavors. Bring friends.. this stuff is best enjoyed family style.
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Amy Bennett
It was our first time eating at Essence and after reading some reviews we picked some typical dishes (butter chicken, paneer tikka, biryani) and asked for a recommendation which was all delicious! We were so full and had leftovers. We Loved it and will be back again. We asked for our food to be mild and the only item that had a tiny kick was the biryani.
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mariefaye mcguire
Authentic Indian cuisine w/excellent flavors, better than the other restaurants nearby. The restaurant has only been open for 7 months. Prices are reasonable, the only complaint is the portion is quite small for the price, but the flavor makes up for it. Will definitely go back!
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Chandana Ramesh
Tasty, fresh food with great service and a pleasant ambience! We ordered the chicken curry, paneer tikka masala, dal makhni, tandoori roti and chilli naan. We enjoyed it all. The chilli naan was superb!
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Samantha Triana
This is seriously the best Indian food I’ve ever had. The service here was also really great. I can’t wait to go back. We were actually traveling through this town, and came here because of the reviews-this place is truly memorable. Thank you so much!
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Inigo Montoya
This place is a treat for your senses. Every time I go, I wanna try something different. Rich smells, tastes, and textures. If you love Indian food, it’s a place you should experience for yourself.
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Emilia Epstein
TL;DR: Eat here!! You likely won’t find better Indian food within a 500 mile radius.
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Bruce Sands
Our favorite restaurant on all of California! They serve the most delicious Indian food we’ve had in years! The best dishes (so far) are the chicken Saag, Baingan Bharta, Bhindi Masala, Lamb Bhuna, and Lamb Do Pyaza. The service and experience is excellent.
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