A Brief Introduction
Cafe Mysore is the oldest restaurant in Mumbai for South Indian food. Established in 1936, this Udupi eatery has earned a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars for serving authentic South Indian fare for over eight decades.
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Known for its flavourful and hearty options like Mysore masala dosa, rasam idli, and neer dose, Cafe Mysore offers a taste of home to many South Indians residing in Mumbai. The cafe’s dedication to quality and tradition has made it a cherished spot for food lovers from all walks of life, including the Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani and locals alike, creating a legacy thriving in the bustling Matunga area.
History And Origin
Cafe Mysore was founded by A. Rama Nayak, who was from a village called Akkar in Mangalore, Karnataka. Choosing a vantage spot near the King's Circle railway station, he started making and selling idlis and dosas on plantain leaves.
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However, a few years later, he set up his first restaurant selling south Indian cuisine in Matunga. Subsequently, he set up three more restaurants in the same area of Matunga, a suburb that had a sizeable population of South Indians. These four restaurants (one for each of his sons) were named Udupi Shri Krishna (near Matunga station, now called Udupi Krishna Bhavan), Cafe Mysore (at Kings Circle), Udupi Cafe, and now Idli House.
Café Mysore is located at 461, Durlabh Nivas, Bhaudaji Road, Matunga, while the remaining family-run restaurants are all located close by in the Matunga region.
Specialities At Cafe Mysore
Mysore Masala Dosa
Mysore masala dosa is a popular dosa variety of the cafe that uses special potato masala along with a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves. The crispy outer layer and flavourful filling make it a satisfying and beloved dish.
Rasam Idli
Rasam idli is a one-bowl dish that consists of soft and tender idlis served with a tangy broth called rasam, which is made with tomatoes, tamarind, and a special rasam powder. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a burst of flavours in every bite of their food.
Neer Dose
"Neer" means water in Kannada, which indicates the watery consistency of the batter used to make this dose. This translucent white dosa is light and soft, made with just rice and salt, perfect for a simple and tasty meal. It is usually paired with coconut chutney, or a rich coconut stew or gravy.
Pineapple Sheera
For all dessert lovers, they have melt-in-mouth pineapple sheera, which is made with semolina, pineapple, sugar, ghee, and nuts.
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Khotto Idli
Khotto idli, also known as Khotte or Mudde idli, is a type of idli that is steamed in jackfruit leaves and gives it a sweet and aromatic aftertaste.
Poori And Aamras
This is a seasonal delight that includes wheat flour pooris served with thick, creamy, and sweet mango puree, topped with kesar and nuts.
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Tomato Upma
This breakfast favourite is made with roasted semolina, mixed with veggies and tomatoes, and then seasoned with mustard seeds, peanuts, and curry leaves. It’s a simple, hearty dish that’s both flavourful and filling.
Cheese Sandwich
This is also a famous breakfast item that uses tender and fresh bread slices, layered with cream, cucumber, and cheese slices.
Cafe Mysore And Ambani Family Connection
Cafe Mysore has had a close bond with the Ambani family for over 50 years. Known for its delicious South Indian food, it became a favourite of Mukesh Ambani during his college years. Even now, the Ambani family enjoys eating idlis, dosas, and Mysore Pak from Cafe Mysore. Their love for the restaurant's food is so strong that Mukesh Ambani once had a special order flown to him in Paris during a business trip just to enjoy their flavours.
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Additionally, recently, while the Ambanis have been making headlines for the wedding for things unique and luxurious at the wedding, Anant and Radhika paid gratitude with folded hands to Mrs. Shanteri Nayak, the owner of Cafe Mysore, reminiscing about their weekly orders from the iconic cafe.