The Sambhar Cafe — Restaurant in Bhopal

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a the Sambhar cafe and it left me mesmerized with its amazing and authentic taste. We ordered the podi idli, ghee podi dosa, and halwa, and each dish was a culinary masterpiece that transported us straight to the heart of South India.

The podi idli was a delightful, coated with a generous sprinkling of aromatic podi (spice mix). The idlis were soft and fluffy, and the podi added a burst of flavors that danced on our taste buds, making it a standout dish.

The ghee podi dosa was a heavenly delight, with a crisp texture and a filling that oozed with rich ghee and the flavors of the podi. It was a harmonious marriage of textures and tastes, and we savored every bite with sheer delight. The chutneys served along were very flavourful.

To conclude our meal on a sweet note, we opted for the halwa, and it was pure indulgence. The aroma of ghee and roasted semolina filled the air as we dug into the warm, comforting dessert. Its perfect balance of sweetness was not overpowering, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.

The authenticity of each dish was evident, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to preserving the traditional flavors of South India. The attentive staff provided us with excellent service, and their recommendations were spot on, guiding us through this delightful culinary journey.

This cafe is a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking flavourful experience. The podi idli, ghee podi dosa, and halwa are not to be missed. I would highly recommend this place for its remarkable taste and an authentic glimpse into the flavors of South India. We left with happy hearts and contented palates, eager to return soon for more...

My friend and I went there on the recommendation of a south Indian visitor who was amused by the name, and were homesick enough to try it. We went there with high hopes and ordered a break-feast. The food had its moments; both good and bad - ragi dosa was good. Pudi dosa, Pongal average. Filter Coffee was nothing south Indian. Vada sambaar was an embarrassment - Vada was terrible - stale and perhaps spent a tad longer in it's bath... And the Sambaar, ouch.. I really am amused they decided to call themselves The Sambar Cafe! :) The two worst of what we tried.

All of this would have still left a decent taste had we not interacted with the proprietor - Ms. Rao. The lady was overbearing and rude. In fact, irrespective of our gastro experience we actually asked her for the menu so we could recommend to others, and perhaps order a b2b rate from her for some of our clients (my friend is connected to a lot of the top 5-star hospitality and for years he ran the top rated TripAdvisor resort in the state). The lady just refuses to offer anything less than retail/menu card rate. Well, that is still her business decision to make, wise or not. The worst is she didn't even have the courtesy to give us a menu. Says, take a photo of what's kept in the reception... Well, the last time am going there, or recommending this place.

P.s. I am south Indian by birth having spent over 30years in three states there. Just some credentials for writing...

I recently visited The Sambhar Cafe in Bhopal, and it was a delightful experience. This restaurant brings authentic South Indian flavors to the city, and every dish I tried reflected the richness of traditional recipes. The taste of their food was exceptional, with perfectly spiced sambhar, crispy dosas, and soft idlis that transported me straight to South India.

The best part is that the rates are very reasonable, making it an excellent choice for quality food without straining your budget. The ambiance was clean and inviting, with a cozy setting ideal for both quick meals and relaxed dining.

The staff deserves special mention for their proactive and friendly service. They were attentive to every detail, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. I particularly appreciated their quick service, which added to the overall satisfaction.

Whether you’re a fan of South Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, The Sambhar Cafe is a must-visit. Its authentic flavors, affordable pricing, and excellent service make it stand out among the many dining options in Bhopal. I’ll definitely be returning to savor their delicious food again. Highly recommended for anyone craving a taste of...