This is as hole-in-the-wall as hole-in-the-wall can get. You order at the counter and then claim a sticky table. You’ll get your food on a tin cafeteria tray. Plunk it down and then get lots and lots of water. This is the spiciest Indian food I’ve had, and the folks behind the counter are not going to listen to your pleas to make the food milder.

Cuisine:	Indian / Vegetarian-Friendly
Price:	Entrees are $5-10.
Dress:	Casual. The faded 501s and shorts are OK.
Noise:	It’s noisy, but you’ll be too busy fanning your mouth and gulping water to talk anyway.
Reservations:	None taken and none needed.
Payment:	Cash only.
Parking:	Parking in the Tenderloin is difficult. If you’re nervous about leaving your car in this neighborhood, park in one of the paid lots near Union Square and walk. Otherwise, leave your car at home and take the 38 bus or BART to Powell and walk.
Date place?	No way. As if the sticky tables didn’t give it away, I saw a fist fight break out here once.
Homepage:	www.shalimarsf.com