Saravana Bhavan — Restaurant in Kerala

Went to this restaurant on the lonely planet recommendation for Munnar and thought it’d be alright. We ate a plain dosa as no aloo filling was vegan and all seemed ok, despite the rude waiter (we ignored it, it happens). I then realised early next morning that I left my cap in the restaurant so waited until they opened and went to enquire. All the staff instantly knew exactly what I was talking about and pointed to where they had left it. A few started to look a bit panicked as they couldn’t seem to find where it had gone and all began asking one another. Important to note: I then sat there for 2 HOURS as a man said they would sort it and I was told to wait until the late staff started their shift. I patiently sat as I really wanted my item back (it was new and on the pricey side) but to my disappointment no one knew where it had gone. I was then told after 1.5hrs that the ‘cleaning boy’ on the late shift must have taken it. The rude waiter I mentioned early found this funny and I’m sure he knew this the whole time as he tried to get me to leave a few times. This made me feel a little more heated. After a few louder requests that I get some information on this, another man told me not to worry and that they would search and pay me the amount lost if not found. I left 3 different numbers to call once they had found my hat. I have had a friend here in India call the restaurant and manager now and they are denying that anything was found. I am aware it was my error, but I’ve never had an item stolen anywhere else when I’ve left something and returned within 24hrs. Absolutely appalled and would not recommend going.

IF YOU READ THIS - you have my number and I expect my item couriered to...

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Munnar, and while our hotel didn’t have an in-house restaurant, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It led us to discover the culinary gem that is Saravana Bhavan, a South Indian eatery that redefines authenticity.

Calling it “authentic” would be an understatement. In fact, the food here felt more authentic than anything I’ve ever tasted before. From the moment we walked in, the restaurant impressed us—not just with its flavors, but with its efficiency. Even with a packed house and a line of eager diners waiting for tables, the service was incredibly quick and seamless.

I opted for the quintessential South Indian Meals, served on a traditional banana leaf. This delightful spread included three flavorful sabjis, tangy pickle, creamy curd, a delectable sweet, and generous servings of Kerala rice accompanied by aromatic sambar and rasam. Each dish was a masterpiece. Initially, I thought my hunger was amplifying the flavors, but no—every bite was genuinely extraordinary. The first morsel was a burst of flavors that left me craving more.

Whether it’s the crispy vada, the perfectly crafted dosa, or even the humble tea and coffee, everything here has a touch of magic. The chef clearly possesses a remarkable talent for elevating simple dishes into unforgettable experiences. If you’re ever in Munnar, don’t miss Saravana Bhavan. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memory...

⭐ Overall Rating: 4/5

🍴 Food – 5/5 The food was excellent across most dishes: • Ghee Roast – 5/5: Crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. • Vada – 5/5: Perfectly fried, crunchy outside and soft inside. • Idli – 5/5: Soft, fluffy, and served fresh. • Coffee – 3/5: Just average, could be stronger and more aromatic. • Chutneys – Excellent: Fresh, flavorful, and paired beautifully with the breakfast items—especially the idli and vada.

👨‍🍳 Service – 5/5 The staff were attentive, quick, and very polite, which really enhanced the dining experience.

🌿 Ambience – 4/5 The atmosphere was clean and welcoming, with a pleasant dining vibe, though not overly fancy.

💰 Pricing The price is on the higher side, but considering the quality of food and service, it feels fairly reasonable.

🅿️ Parking – Limited Parking space is quite restricted, which can be inconvenient during peak hours.

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✅ Pros: • Excellent food quality, especially ghee roast, vada, idli, and chutneys. • Outstanding service. • Clean and pleasant ambience.

❌ Cons: • Coffee was average. • Parking area is limited. • Slightly expensive.

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👉 Final Verdict: A must-visit spot if you want authentic and delicious South Indian breakfast. With mouthwatering chutneys, outstanding service, and high-quality food, it’s worth the slightly higher price. Just plan ahead...