Discover India in San Jose

EAT

Amber India The lunch buffet tempts with fragrant aromas and sheer volume, and typically includes warm breads, fritters, dal, curries, and saffron rice. INFO: $$; 377 Santana Row, Ste. 1140; 408/248-5400.

Chaat Café Indian fast food in a vibrant setting. Exotic wraps and samosas are a specialty. INFO: $; 834 Blossom Hill Rd.; 408/225-2233.

SHOP

Kumud The grocery offers several kinds of fresh roti (bread), packaged dishes such as butter chicken, and traditional favorites like bitter gourds and curry leaves. INFO: 4436 Pearl Ave.; 408/979-9229.

INDIAN INDULGENCE

At Ayoma LifeSpa (closed Mon; treatments from $55; in the Hotel Valencia Santana Row; 408/423-5424), one of a handful of ayurvedic spas in the country, consultants will help you find which of the three doshas (temperaments) - air, fire, or earth-water - you have as you relax in the Indus lounge. Services based on ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old Indian healing system, include oil therapies, wellness massages, and skin-care treatments keyed to your dosha type.