Sometimes, it's classic Indian food that you need the first thing on a weekend morning — whether it is a crispy dosa or the fluffiest idlis dunked in sambar.
In flipping the menus of several Udipi restaurants, we recognised how beloved the Mysore masala dosa is across all places; the warm, comforting dosa stuffed with potato sabji and a generous sprinkle of the red chatpata powder.
If your mouth is watering already, read through this list and plan your start to the day, South Indian style.
Cafe Madras
Tucked on the ground floor of Kamakshi Building in Matunga is the beloved Café Madras. With a price rate of approximately ₹300 for two, this spot promises feel-good food that is subtle, yet tasty.
From the cafe’s wide range of idlis, dosas, sweets and snacks, there are a few fan-favourites: the idli-butter-podi (₹95), Mysore masala dosa (₹110), dahi vada (₹70) and Bisibele rice (₹75). End with one of Cafe Madras' classic sweet treats: their pineapple sheera (₹70).
Although this belongs to a list of breakfast spots, Cafe Madras welcomes you for lunch and dinner, as well — though it remains closed between 2:45 PM and 4:00 PM. Head over to this cozy corner; their soulful snacks are best enjoyed while dining in, rather than home delivery.
Benne - Heritage Bangalore Dosa
Craving a crispy or masala-filled dosa? Benne's got your back. On 16th Road at Pali Hill, Bandra West, you'll find this South Indian breakfast spot, known for making some of the best dosas in town, priced at about ₹500 for two.
It's hard to go wrong when it comes to dosa. And despite Benne's one-pager menu (compared to the other breakfast spots), it's sure to leave you with a substantial meal.
Whether it's their classic Benne masala dosa, variations of idli and vada, specials straight from Bangalore's flavour palette or the nostalgia of Bournvita — whose 'Tann ki Shakti, Mann ki Shakti, Bournvita' will, no doubt, echo in your mind — there's nothing like an uncomplicated Indian breakfast to ready you for the day ahead.
Poornima
The battle of Mysore masala dosa has commenced, as it also stands as one of the bestsellers (₹75) at Poornima, as well. Located in Tamarind Lane at Fort, this restaurant has a price range of approximately ₹200 for two and is regarded for its cleanliness and prompt service.
Hoping for a light start to your day? The snacky menu items at Poornima are always a crowd-pleaser, including their upma (₹100), medu vada (₹105) and Mangalore buns (₹100) — the sweet fried banana puri is guaranteed to hit the spot.
But fear not, this Flora Fountain spot is also ready with full meals to energise you for the start of your day. Their bestsellers remain the plates of Dahi Bhat (₹160) and Bisibele Bhat (₹160).
Finally, finish your Poornima breakfast with a classic cup of filter coffee (₹50).
Banana Leaf
Planted in Matunga (with branches in Ghatkopar, Chembur, Lower Parel, Andheri and Santacruz) this elaborate menu and family-friendly spot offers fresh South (and North) Indian food at approximately ₹500 for two.
Entering the Mysore masala dosa mayhem is one of Banana Leaf’s most beloved dosas (₹205). But the restaurant continues to brim with bestsellers: sada dosa (₹130), idli wada (₹146), thatte idli (₹184) and Benne masala dosa (₹254).
Banana Leaf is also well-equipped to handle healthy food requirements, offering their ragi dosa (₹248) as an alternative.
Wash down your meal with a chilled glass of Banana Leaf’s butter milk (₹116) to beat the heat or battle the chilly monsoon winds with their filter coffee (₹103).
Madras Diaries
This list started with Café Madras and is closing with Madras Diaries in Bandra, with a price range of ₹700 for two.
You guessed it! The last contender for the battle of the Mysore masala dosas is from Madras Diaries, priced at ₹209. But if you’ve had enough of this variation, don’t worry! The restaurant’s ghee roast dosa (₹209) and onion rava dosa (₹209) are, more often than not, crowd-pleasers.
And on those days where dosas just don't hit, start your meal with their mini idlis, tossed in ghee and podi (₹187), instead. Or, choose to indulge in a comforting bowl of curd rice, served with papad and their house pickles.
Lastly, to the guiltfree lovers of Mumbai: Madras Diaries has dedicated a page to you — from their ragi idli (₹187) to their red rice appam (₹440) and their uttapam platter of ragi onion and green gram (₹346).
Dosa or idli, chai or chhas, heavy or light… These five South Indian breakfast spots have something for everyone. The Mysore masala dosa battle ends here, start your morning at one of these restaurants and declare your winner!
