Ratna Cafe, Kilpauk — Restaurant in Tamil Nadu

This is a fairly new branch of Ratna Cafe. I felt it was one of the best south Indian breakfast we had. Although pricy compared to other places, but worth it.

It has ample parking space for about 20 cars. The restaurant is also very spacious and has tables enough for about 60-70 people in the south Indian restaurant and they have another floor dedicated for north Indian food which looked bigger.

The staff was very courteous and helpful. We were there with 2 toddlers and one infant. The staff arranged tables to accommodate for us based on the kids preference also it was away from the other crowd so that the others are not disturbed by our kids.

Now coming to the food: We started with their signature sambar idly and we're not disappointed. It was served in a curvy plate with a pan of sambar. Once they poured the sambar in the plate we realized that the curvy plate had a practical use. They served coconut chutney and coriander chutney. Both were very fresh and tasty. Usually the chutneys are a bit watery in other places, but here its consistency was good. The staff were constantly changing the sambar pan so that we always had enough of it and it was always hot. The chutney refills were on request, but were quick.

The kids ordered ghee roast dosa, and the loved it. They didn't feel there was too much spices in the chutney and sambar made it easier for us to get them to eat them. The staff protectively cut the dosa in 2 and served then in 2 different plates for both the kids.

Next was Medu Vada, we all felt it was one of the best Medu Vada. It was piping hot and crisp on the outside and fluffy/soft inside. They were cooked to perfection, all of them off the same size and shape.

Then we ordered ghee podi idly and were served with hot idly covered with yummy ghee and podi. Although only few of us offered it, it's fragrance tempted all of us. The podi had the perfect balance of spices including chilly. The kids liked it so much that they scrapped and had all the podi 😊 from the idlies.

One of us felt the salt was on the higher side, but others were fine with the salt levels.

We then ordered onion dosa with ghee, we were all amazed by its taste. It was like the onions were hand picked and had the perfect flavor of onions, not too strong, not too mild.

To end we ordered coffee. I usually don't find coffee tasty in the same restaurant i have food, so end up going to another one (hot chips). So I was a bit hesitant as I didn't want to ruin the experience. Thanks to the so far great experience, I decided to give it a try. I find it hard to get the right level of sugar, so we requested the coffee to be served without sugar and serve get the sugar served separately. The staff didn't show any signs of hesitation and understood it in one go. The milk in the coffee was of good consistency (unlike watery in few other places). The coffee was good as well, some places the filter coffee tends to have a bittery flavor but it was not the case here.

All in all it was one of the best breakfast and a great experience.

In my quest to find good south Indian breakfast, I almost concluded that it was impossible to find the perfect south Indian restaurant. The ones which had great food , would not have good parking, service or ambience. I always felt I had to compromise on one thing or the other based on the situation. But now I feel I found the perfect south Indian restaurant for breakfast -Ratna Café, kilpauk is top in my list for breakfast...

Residing close to such a legendary restaurant, have frequented the place in different occasions.

It has seating for about 50 people in an air-conditioned space with elevator access so is old-age friendly. There are about 3-4 tables with street-view and I like these :)

The service is most of the times decently fast and courteous. Payment can be made via upi, card or cash. Reducing a star here because after our last visit for a quick lunch at about 2.30, my wife told me that she overheard the manager guy (or whoever was with a white shirt shouting at the staff) commenting like “eating for 200rs and staying inside for the AC”. She heard it but didn’t see him pointing to us- and to this element of doubt, the four stars still remain. It was hot outside, agreed, we came in about 2:30, billed out at 2:52, had sambar rice, tamarind rice and a masala pappad, and irrespective of anything, such a comment, if it were for us, and would have been told to my face, it would have created a deep ignorance and hatred for the guy/restaurant. But having employees with that thought process is anyway disastrous from my perspective.

Will update the review of each of the dishes in the review, or post a photo update, but for this review will cover the below items. Sambar rice- my go to lunch from here. Tasty and economical for a quick lunch outing. Tamarind rice- the hit of tamarind was good. Fresh and tasty. Roasted masala pappad- avoid. Had a bit of un roasted portions and isn’t a greatly built dish. Note: the roasted masala pappad in the menu is 50rs, but their billing system had a fault as of 16th May 2023 that it was billing it at Rs.65. Dahi poori- good. Not the creamiest curd, but still tasty. Phulka and paneer butter masala combo- expensive for the portion size. But was tasty. Podi idli- not good- avoidable. This is clearly not what they are good at. Ras-malai- yummy :) Chappathi set- good set of side dishes, good for a light dinner. Paneer tikka- nice succulent paneer, decent masala and well done. Bhatoora- was good. The channa was a bit too spicy (not hotness, but amount of masala) Mini tiffin- a killer deal between 7-9 in the weekdays morning. Impossible value for one’s hard earned money.

To conclude- a well maintained restaurant with comfortable interior and decent amount of covered parking which has expensive as well as economic options for one to go and explore, most of which are tasty and...

Ratna Cafe in Kilpauk is a haven for those who appreciate the rich and diverse flavors of South Indian vegetarian cuisine. With a history that spans decades, this restaurant has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, and it’s easy to see why.

Food Quality and Variety Ratna Cafe’s menu is a celebration of classic South Indian dishes, and every item reflects a commitment to authenticity and quality. The idlis are a must-try, renowned for their soft, fluffy texture that practically melts in your mouth. Paired with their signature sambar, which is rich and flavorful, it's a combination that embodies the essence of South Indian comfort food.

The dosas here are equally impressive, with a crisp exterior and a tender inside, served with a variety of chutneys that are fresh and bursting with flavor. The masala dosa, filled with a well-spiced potato mixture, is particularly satisfying. Another standout is the Pongal, which is creamy and perfectly seasoned, making it a favorite for breakfast or a light meal.

For those looking to explore beyond the staples, Ratna Cafe offers an array of traditional South Indian dishes, including vadas, uttapams, and an assortment of rice varieties, each prepared with care and attention to detail.

Service and Atmosphere The atmosphere at Ratna Cafe is warm and welcoming, with a bustling yet relaxed vibe that makes you feel right at home. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is smooth and enjoyable. The service is efficient, even during busy hours, which is a testament to the restaurant’s well-organized operation.

Value for Money Ratna Cafe offers great value for its food, with prices that are reasonable and portions that are generous. The quality of the food, combined with the affordability, makes it an excellent choice for both quick meals and leisurely dining.

Conclusion If you’re in Kilpauk and in the mood for some authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine, Ratna Cafe is the place to go. With its consistent quality, flavorful dishes, and inviting atmosphere, it’s a spot that never disappoints. Whether you’re a long-time fan or...