Vinayaka Mylari – The Original Dosa Corner in Mysuru
Location: Nazarbad, Mysuru, Karnataka Specialty: Mylari Dosa (Only Item Served)
Overview
On a recent trip to Mysuru, I visited Vinayaka Mylari, a small yet legendary eatery tucked away in the Nazarbad area. This humble establishment is celebrated for serving just one iconic item: the soft, buttery Mylari Dosa. And let me tell you—it’s an experience more than just a meal.
Ambience & Setup
The place is tiny, old-school, and modest, with limited seating and a very traditional South Indian vibe.
It’s not about fancy decor or modern presentation—this is a spot that lets its dosa do all the talking.
Seating is quick if you go early, but you may have to wait during peak hours due to the limited space and high popularity.
The Dosa Experience
They serve only one thing—Mylari Dosa—and that’s all they need to.
The dosa is thick, soft, and pillowy, unlike the crisp, thin dosas commonly found elsewhere.
It’s served with a generous dollop of homemade butter melting on top, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
Accompanied by a mild coconut chutney, the dosa melts in your mouth and leaves a lingering, buttery flavor.
No sambar is served, staying true to their traditional preparation—and honestly, it’s not missed.
The consistency, taste, and simplicity make it unforgettable.
Service & Cleanliness
The staff is quick, polite, and efficient, making sure every customer gets a hot, fresh dosa right off the tawa.
The place is clean despite being compact, and the turnaround is fast.
Don’t expect a printed menu or elaborate service—it’s minimalist and focused.
What Makes It Special
Authenticity: This is the original Mylari, not to be confused with the many imitators around Mysore.
Simplicity: One dish, perfected over generations.
Taste: The dosa is uniquely soft and flavorful—a nostalgic experience for many Mysoreans and a revelation for newcomers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Mysuru and want to taste a piece of culinary heritage, Vinayaka Mylari is a must-visit. Come for the dosa, stay for the flavor, and leave with a memory of Mysore that’s as buttery as it is satisfying. Recommended For: Food lovers, dosa enthusiasts, culinary explorers Must-Try: The one and only Mylari Dosa Tip: Visit early in the day to avoid waiting and to get the...
Read moreIf you're visiting Mysore, a trip to the Old Original Hotel Vinayaka Mylari, established in 1983, is an absolute must. This iconic spot is renowned for its mouth-watering masala dosa, and after my visit, I can see why it's so highly recommended. The dosa here is incredibly soft and practically melts in your mouth, offering a unique and delightful experience that stands out even among the best dosas in South India.
One of the charming aspects of dining at Vinayaka Mylari is the way they serve their food. Each dosa is presented on a fresh banana leaf, adding an authentic touch to the meal and enhancing the traditional dining experience. The hygiene standards at the restaurant are commendable, ensuring that you can enjoy your meal in a clean and comfortable environment. The seating arrangement is simple yet adequate, providing a good level of comfort as you savor your meal.
However, while the food and ambiance are exceptional, the service left something to be desired. Despite the restaurant's clear focus on delivering delicious food, the service could use some improvement. I felt that the staff could have been more attentive and responsive, which would have elevated the overall dining experience.
In summary, the Old Original Hotel Vinayaka Mylari is a must-visit for anyone in Mysore. The outstanding masala dosa, served on banana leaves in a hygienic setting, is a culinary delight that shouldn't be missed. Although the service might not be the best, the quality of the food more than makes up for it. If you're in town, make sure to stop by and enjoy one of Mysore's most beloved...
Read moreWe had a breakfast here on a Saturday morning after the hike on the Chamundi hills. We managed to get a parking spot down the lane but it can be difficult to find one.
There was a big queue and we had to wait for almost half an hour. This was expected due to popularity of their dose and the weekend. There is supposed to be first floor seating with the same food being served, but people were skeptical of this and still waited in the queue to be seated in the ground floor seating area. The place is small and tables are shared. It has the old school charm and more of a homely feel than a restaurant. Going with the right expectations is the key.
They only had the dose (no idlis) but we were there for dose so it didn’t matter much. We were served the Benne dose with sagu (masala). It was nice and fluffy. Had a shine from the ghee on the outside with a dollop of butter to be spread. The sagu was tasty but I wouldn’t mind having the plain dose either, both cost the same. The coconut chutney was delicious too. It was mild and wasn’t overpowered by green chilies. We saw a few people ordering the sweet (halwa) and gave it a try. The portion size was good, a small bowl. It was good but not something we will order again. I finished the breakfast with a filter coffee standing outside to free up the table for others.
Overall we enjoyed the meal. It is good that they focus only on items that work and make it efficient to serve people quickly than trying to spread themselves thin by offering variety. We will definitely visit again...
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