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On any day of the week, when one passes by the relatively quiet lane near King Circle where Cafe Madras is situated, it is common to spot a bunch of people waiting patiently in queue for their turn to get a seat at the busy restaurant. It’s usually a mixed crowd that includes college students, senior citizens and corporates taking a lunch break. Most of them will eventually find themselves sharing a table with a complete stranger and tucking into delicious South Indian Food.
Video Credit: Khaane Mein Kya Hai
Matunga, where Café Madras is located, is often called Mumbai’s ‘Little Madras’ because of its large South Indian population as well as South Indian eateries. In the 1930s and 1940s, many South Indian migrants settled in this part of Mumbai, bringing with them their rich culinary traditions. It was during this time that Café Madras was born, serving the community with food that reminded them of home. Over time, the café has not only catered to the local Tamil and South Indian populations but has also attracted people from all over Mumbai, making it a cultural landmark.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The cafe first opened its doors in August 1940. It is currently run by the third generation of the Kamath family and the recipes too have been passed on from one generation to the other.
What Makes Cafe Madras Special
The ambiance at Café Madras is simple and unpretentious, much like the food it serve. Despite the lack of frills, the café is always buzzing with activity, with patrons eagerly waiting for a table, especially during peak hours.
One of the reasons for Café Madras’s enduring popularity is its ability to maintain consistency in the quality of its food. Despite the passage of time and the changing culinary landscape of Mumbai, the café has stayed true to its original recipes and cooking methods. It has a loyal customer base, with some patrons visiting regularly for decades. Most diners have formed a bond with the owners over the years.
There is a sense of community fosters and it’s not uncommon to see families, students, and office-goers sharing tables and striking up conversations as they enjoy their meals. The service is quick and efficient, with the staff taking pride in the food they serve and even showing off their filter coffee cooling tricks.
Famous People Who Visit Cafe Madras
From Mukesh Ambani to the Birla’s, Prakash and Deepika Padukone many celebrities have been known to be patrons for years. Recently politician and former actor Smriti Irani took to her Instagram, calling the restaurant one of her favourite spots in the city. Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay also paid the iconic eatery a visit.
What To Order At Cafe Madras
The menu at Café Madras is a celebration of South Indian vegetarian cuisine. While everything on the menu is worth trying, there are a few standout dishes that have become synonymous with the café. In the 1950s the menu included idli, vada, sada dosa, masala dosa, rava dosa, upma and Rasam Vada. There was also the Dal vada, masala vada and a few typical Tamil dishes. At that time about 40% of Matunga’s population was Tamilian. Gradually they left and the Gujarati’s moved in so the demand for those particular dishes came down. Panpoli is the oldest item on their menu and has not changed in both taste and quality.
Of the newer offerings there is Set dosa and Raagi dosa from Bangalore and Tuppa dosa from Udipi. The Rasam Vada here is different from other restaurants who use only tomato in their gravy. The water of the rasam at Cafe Madras is made from Tur daal and the masala is unique. The Sambar is not typically Tamilian either and the recipe is from somewhere between Tamilnadu and Karnataka.
For those who like a bit of spice, the podi dosa is a must-try. This dosa is sprinkled with podi, a spicy powder made from lentils, red chillies, and spices, before being folded and served.
No meal at Café Madras is complete without a cup of their famous filter coffee. Made from a blend of freshly ground coffee beans and chicory, the coffee is brewed using a traditional South Indian filter. It is then served in a stainless steel tumbler and dabarah, a unique South Indian cup, which allows the coffee to be cooled slightly before drinking. The result is a strong, aromatic cup of coffee that is the perfect way to end a meal. The coffee is now packaged and sold as a brand called Kaapi.
Photo Credit: Cafe Madras/ Instagram
Price For Two At Cafe Madras
On average, a hearty meal for two, including popular items like idlis, dosas, vadas, and filter coffee, would cost around ₹300 to ₹500. The prices are reasonable, making it accessible to a wide range of patrons, from students to families. The café’s emphasis on quality and authenticity, combined with its pocket-friendly prices, has contributed to its enduring popularity over the decades.
Staying Relevant
In a city that is constantly evolving, Café Madras has managed to stay relevant by staying true to its roots. While many restaurants today serve South Indian fare in fusion versions such as Pav Bhaji Dosa, Cafe Madras remains authentic. For many, it is a place that evokes memories of home and childhood, where the simple pleasure of a well-made dosa or a cup of filter coffee can bring comfort and joy.
