Madras - Cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in Ladakh

A Deep Disappointment 😞 When a restaurant claims to specialize in South Indian cuisine, there are certain expectations that diners naturally have. Unfortunately, Madras Café failed to meet even the most basic ones during my recent visit. I ordered the Masala Dosa, and it was nothing short of a disaster. The dosa itself was soft and soggy like a pancake 🥞—completely lacking the signature crispiness that makes dosas so delightful. The filling, which should have been an aromatic blend of spices and potatoes, was just a bland, unseasoned mashed potato purée 🥔. Where was the masala? It felt as though they had never even tasted a proper dosa before serving this sad imitation. The chutneys and sambar, which are the essential accompaniments to a dosa, were equally uninspiring. The chutneys lacked freshness and flavor 🌿, while the sambar was mediocre at best, leaving me disappointed with every bite. I could hardly believe this was a place that purported to serve South Indian food. This restaurant seriously needs to reconsider its name because it is doing a disservice to the rich culinary traditions of South India. If they can't make a basic dish like Masala Dosa, what hope is there for anything else on the menu? 😤 I would not recommend Madras Café to anyone looking for an authentic or even decent South Indian meal. It's clear that they need to go back to the basics, or at least taste their own food before serving it to paying...

The Madras Cafe & Restaurant is a new eatery opposite the Moravian Church on Zangsti Road, occupying two spacious rooms on the first floor of a newish building. The entrance on the ground floor is a work in progress, the eatery with its bare walls but pretty metallic hanging lamps too has a just-opened look. The menu is limited to a small variety of idlis, vada, dosas and flavoured rice, including tamarind rice. It makes amends to North Indian tastes and offers three varieties of teas along with filter coffee. To say I'm pining for South Indian cuisine is an understatement. The moment I espy a sign proclaiming "Exquisite South Indian Cuisine", I make a beeline to the restaurant. It being lunchtime, I order a masala dosa and filter coffee. The dosa has a pretty triangular appearance and accompanied with a tiny bowl of tasty sambhar and absolutely bland coconut and red chutneys. The coffee doesn't taste like the real McCoy, and the dosa is paper thin and crisp. Nevertheless, I'd like to give the owners high marks for their entrepreneurial and risk-taking flair. The food over time, I'm sure, will taste genuinely South Indian, maybe even better than in Bangalore. I look forward to seeing old favourites like pongal. I wish the Madras Cafe all the best...

Madras Cafe, Leh is an absolute gem for anyone craving authentic South Indian flavors in the mountains! The moment you step in, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and the comforting aroma of fresh dosa and filter coffee. Their crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and perfectly spiced sambhar taste just like they’re straight out of Chennai – which is a delightful surprise in a place like Leh. The chutneys are fresh and bursting with flavor, especially the coconut chutney which pairs beautifully with everything.

What makes this cafe special is not just the food, but also the care they put into service. Despite being in such a high-altitude town, the quality and authenticity are top-notch. The prices are very reasonable, the portions are generous, and the ambiance is simple yet welcoming.

If you’re in Leh and looking for comfort food that warms both the heart and the stomach, Madras Cafe is a must-visit. It’s the perfect place to recharge...