Don't consider yourself a dosa fan in Delhi unless you have been to the famous Carnatic Cafe. With outlets in GK, Lodhi Colony, 32nd Avenue in Gurugram, Max Towers in Noida and now, the Departure Terminal at IGI's Terminal 3, one can head here anytime they are craving home-style South Indian food (something they take pride in and rightfully so). But, don't be surprised if you visit and are asked to wait for a good thirty minutes or so because the place is always packed. But, if you ask us, the wait is well worth the food.
Everyone who has tried Carnatic Cafe's dosas and different chutneys will tell you how special this place is. Oh, and not to forget that they prepare food in desi ghee so it's always a good idea to not think about your diet when you are here. Though we absolutely love everything here, we still cannot get over their dosas. Here are our favourites (we are way too nice so no gatekeeping).
Malleshwaram 18th Cross — This one comes out the clear winner of the lot because of its tangy flavour and the right amount of spice, and scores a perfect 10 on our fluffiness index each time we have it. Tear off a big piece, dip it in the sambar and any one—if not all—of the three very patriotic-looking chutneys, and you’re good to go.
Manina Maga — This has groundnut chutney spread all over a super-fluffy dosa (which feels like eating a cloud but only made of rice) and is a real treat for the tastebuds. With Karnataka Bayadgi chili that grows only in Karnataka included in the mix, this dish is packed with flavour.
Bombat — The description on the menu (spicy cinnamon garlic chutney and white butter) really piqued our curiosity and so we tried it! Once the dosa arrived, we were more than impressed with the subtle flavouring of cinnamon. This is one combination we never expected to enjoy so much. While the outside looks a lot like the Malleshwaram dosa, it is on the inside where the two really differ and definitely recommended if you enjoy the taste of cinnamon.
In case these feel too much for you, you can try the classic dosas which has all your plain dosa, masala dosa, Mysore dosa and ghee roast dosa variations. However, if you are not a dosa person (which is too sad), do try their Dahi Vada and Thatte Idli for a hearty meal. For desserts, the Kesari Bath which is a pineapple rawa halwa is quite the option but can get a little heavy post all that dosa binging, so try the amazing ice-creams served in coconut shells instead. The Tender Coconut with blackpepper and cardamom is a personal favourite. Lastly, the filter coffee is a must for washing down all the food you ate.
The service can be a bit slow at times since servers are rushing to serve and take orders as people walk in and out of the place but don't mind that, just focus on the food.
For Lodhi Colony,
Timings: 9:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Zomato Rating: 4.9/5
Must-Try: Malleshwaram 18th Cross Dosa, Ghee Roast Masal Dosa, Thatte Idli, filter coffee and ice-cream.
Instagram: Carnatic Cafe
