Cafe Madras: A Food Legacy Since Pre-Independence Serving Authentic South Indian Cuisine

This was dosa made from urad dal batter. Spicy, hot, refreshing yet not in the face spices. Rasam was served in tiny glasses. Kadhi was poured on the idly and served. Next dish we had was kadhi idly.

A hot and delightful dish of spiced potatoes and tossed with sun-dried herbs, cumin, Guntur chilli flakes and a sprinkling of fresh coriander. This exotic hearty Indian classic has chickpeas, potatoes and fresh greens with warming spices. Assorted vegetables simmered in coconut milkwith curry leaf, mustard and green chillies. A Tamilian delicacy of okra fingers tossed in well-spiced masala of tomato, onion and fennel giving it a unique character and flavour. Gently cooked on a cast iron skillet, these soft chunks of cottage cheese luxuriate in a silky, buttery tomato-based sauce. Each of these dishes showcases the versatility of paneer, tailored to meet the discerning tastes of today’s gourmets.

Special South Indian Thali

This is what good food does to you. The old name of the city evokes nostalgia, and in an attempt “to take a piece of home with us,” the restaurant was named Madras Cafe. A food business can survive only if it provides best quality food to its customers or else competition will kill it. As there are 12 other south Indian restaurants in a span of 1 km, we asked him how he views the competition. And if good food is not reaching them then my goal is lost.” “Well, we want good food to reach out to people.

The ‘Cafe Madras’ Controversy

The fresh, soft idlis were covered with their special Mulgi Podi, and accompanied by chutney, sambar, and more chutney on the side. The place is always buzzing with the staff scurrying to serve the customers and the owner standing at the counter while munching down fresh food. The café's classic charm and bustling atmosphere reflect the vibrant spirit of the area, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of tradition. Today, Café Madras continues to be cherished by locals and visitors for its authentic and traditional South Indian dishes, reflecting a rich legacy that has endured for decades. A decade later, they formed GP Kamath & Co., which took over the Cafe Madras café and the Gopalkrishna Hindu Hotel. In 1968, Gopal and Jagdish Kamath entered a partnership under the name Café Madras.

• A Tamilian delicacy of okra fingers tossed in well-spiced masala of tomato, onion and fennel giving it a unique character and flavour.
• Our menu includes the best dishes you find in Indian, Pakistani & Bangladesh restaurant anywhere.
• Chicken on the bone simmered in spiced coconut milk and curry leaves.
• On average, a hearty meal for two, including popular items like idlis, dosas, vadas, and filter coffee, would cost around ₹300 to ₹500.
• Podi is a grainy hot dried ground masala.

The warm Upma was placed in the center and coconut chutney in room temperature was poured on top. The dish was very different from the usual way of presenting upma. We wud not hv ordered this dish had we not read praises about it in the social media. A small restaurant that was jam packed during the full time we were there. This South Indian foodie haven has for long been an iconic landmark in this area and there is no doubt in my mind it will be so in the future. Like everything else, the coffee too was exceptional.

Lamb chops in marinade of yoghurt, garlic, cumin and garam masala, barbecued at high heat for a crispy, yet juicy finish. The interplay between Idli’s soft, spongy texture and Vada’s crispy exterior creates a wonderfully harmonious and contrasting culinary experience. Classic steamed rice cakes, soft, fluffy, and undeniably comforting — a South Indian culinary staple. A dosa topped with flavourful red onions, melted cheese, and zesty fresh green chillies, expertly rolled for a delightful culinary experience.

Gradually they left and the Gujarati’s moved in so the demand for those particular dishes came down. Recently politician and former actor Smriti Irani took to her Instagram, calling the restaurant one of her favourite spots in the city. Despite the passage of time and the changing culinary landscape of Mumbai, the café has stayed true to its original recipes and cooking methods.