Ishtaa | Pure Vegetarian — Restaurant in Gujarat

Little did a family know that their style of making Dosas in a humble town of Mulbagal, Karanataka will be a rage almost a century later. Early in the 1930s a family started serving a different style of Dosa that is roasted first and steamed later to have crispy edges and a fluffy centre. Mulbagal Dosa is a close cousin of an Appam from Kerala which is fluffy at the centre. The appearance of the Dosa too is a sight to behold. Made on a special cast-iron pan, Mulbagal Dosa is a new favourite of the 'gram family.

After knowing about this style of Dosa, I was quick to turn my heels towards Ishtaa that is serving Mulbagal Dosa. Boy, oh boy!! This one hits you right at the spot where you will not forget the taste of it. It is literally best of both the worlds - crispy Dosa and a fluffy Dosa. I fell in love with Ishtaa's Mulbagal Dosa. DO NOT MISS THIS FOR ANYTHING!

Yerra Karam Dosa - Their another signature Dosa is for spicy lovers. Slathered with spicy red chutney, this Dosa is paired perfectly with their sweet coconut chutney. A balance of sweet & spice will be needed if your spice appetite is low.

Any place from Hyderabad that opens in Ahmedabad will surely find a Paneer 65 lover in me. Because Paneer 65, just like Chicken 65 is an emotion that a Hyderabadi will relate to. If you were to ask my opinion, Hyderabad serves better Chicken 65 than Chennai (where Chicken 65 is touted to originate from). There I said it! Coming to Paneer 65 at Ishtaa, it did not take me back to Hyderabad. It tasted more like Paneer Chilli. Could have been better. Paneer 65 has a hint of extra sourness that Paneer Chilli does not have. The sour kick was missing at Ishtaa.

Taking a break from all thing South Indian, we ordered a portion of Dahi Ke Kebab. Thick hung curd stuffing with chillies & cardamom was on a sweeter side. Felt like a less sweetened Elaichi Srikhand was fried in a kebab. Now, this was expected and it delivered exactly how it was supposed to. But if you are not a fan of even a little thing sweet, this is not for you. Better avoid it.

Ishtaa is located on Rajpath Rangoli road in a huge setup. The interiors are done in good taste. Absolutely a place to take your family to. It serves South Indian, North Indian and Chinese too. There is something for everyone. But if you trust me, go for their South Indian.

All the tables are ladened with 8 types of Chutneys that will make it difficult for you to decide where to dunk your Dosa. Each one gets better than the previous one. You are spoilt for choices when it comes to Chutneys. Keep ordering Mulbagal Dosas one after the other and keep mopping up those chutneys. At the end of a hearty meal, Filter Coffee shall come to...

Our recent visit to Ishtaa | Pure Vegetarian Restaurant was nothing short of delightful. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance exuded a clean, calming, and culturally rich vibe. The staff were courteous, well-informed about the menu, and very accommodating, especially with our specific Jain dietary requirements.

🥢 What We Ordered: Hakka Noodles (Jain Style) The Jain version of Hakka Noodles was an absolute winner. Often, the challenge with Jain adaptations lies in balancing flavor without using garlic or onion—but Ishtaa nailed it. The noodles were perfectly stir-fried with a medley of crisp vegetables and subtly spiced, allowing the natural flavors to shine. Light, yet satisfying. Jain Masala Dosa The dosa was golden-brown, crisp on the outside with a beautifully soft interior. The Jain masala (without onion/garlic) had a comforting, home-style taste—flavored just right, with a gentle spice level. Served with coconut chutney and a mild sambar, it hit all the right notes. It’s rare to find a Jain masala dosa that feels so complete. Rayalaseema Yerra Karam Dosa This dosa brought the heat and flavor of Andhra cuisine straight to the table. The yerra karam (spicy red chili paste) was bold, smoky, and full-bodied, offering a fiery kick without overpowering the dish. The dosa was stuffed generously and remained crispy throughout. This dish is a must-try for those who love regional spice blends with an authentic touch. Munakkaya Karivepaku Soup This was perhaps the most unique item we tried. A soothing broth made with munakkaya (drumsticks) and karivepaku (curry leaves), it was both earthy and aromatic. The flavors were balanced, herbal, and comforting—almost medicinal in a good way. It’s a brilliant example of how traditional South Indian ingredients can be elevated in a modern presentation.

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🌟 Overall Experience:

Ishtaa stands out for its dedication to authentic vegetarian cuisine with an inclusive approach to dietary needs, including Jain options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. The quality of ingredients, attention to detail, and regional diversity in the menu truly impressed us. It’s clear that the chefs know their craft and care deeply about both flavor and tradition.

Highly recommended for both casual dining and special occasions—especially if you’re looking to explore beyond the usual South Indian fare. We’ll definitely be returning to explore more from their innovative yet...

I recently visited Ishtaa Restaurant with my family, and we had an absolutely amazing dining experience! This place is well-known for its South Indian, Punjabi, and Chinese cuisine, and they truly excel in all three!

🍽️ Delicious Food & Variety

We ordered a mix of South Indian and Chinese dishes, and every single item was bursting with flavor.

✅ Rava Masala Dosa – Crispy, well-cooked, and perfectly spiced. The chutneys and sambar complemented it beautifully. ✅ Mysore Masala Dosa – Had the perfect balance of spice and crispiness. The red chutney inside added a delicious kick! ✅ Idli 65 – A unique twist on classic idlis, fried to perfection with a flavorful seasoning. It was crunchy yet soft inside. ✅ Podi Idli – Soft idlis coated with aromatic podi masala, making every bite a delight. ✅ Burnt Garlic Fried Rice – The highlight of our meal! It was perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of burnt garlic flavor and seasoning. One of the best fried rice dishes we’ve ever had!

The food was served fresh and hot, and the portion sizes were generous.

🛎️ Exceptional Service

The service was just as impressive as the food. The staff was courteous, attentive, and very accommodating. They helped us with recommendations and ensured we had everything we needed throughout our meal. The food arrived on time, and the overall dining experience was smooth and enjoyable.

🏡 Ambiance & Cleanliness

The restaurant had a warm and welcoming ambiance, with a comfortable seating arrangement. The place was clean, well-maintained, and had a family-friendly atmosphere.

💯 Overall Experience

Ishtaa Restaurant exceeded our expectations with its delicious food, great variety, excellent service, and pleasant ambiance. If you're craving authentic South Indian flavors, flavorful Punjabi dishes, or tasty Chinese cuisine, this place is...