Kerala Café is a solid option for anyone craving authentic South Indian cuisine with a touch of nostalgia. I visited this café recently, and overall, it was a pleasant experience, though it had its highs and lows.
First off, the café has a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, perfect for families or small groups. I noticed that it tends to get quite crowded, especially on weekends, but thankfully, there's a comfortable waiting area to relax in while your table gets ready. The décor is simple, with a focus on Southern Indian culture, which adds a nice touch of authenticity.
Now, let's talk about the food. While the menu isn’t as extensive as I expected, especially considering it’s a Kerala Café, the focus is mostly on popular South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, and uttapam. I would have liked to see more traditional Kerala options like appam or Malabar parotta, but they stick to a simpler menu. The food is light and easy on the stomach, and it seems like they use healthier ingredients like coconut oil in their cooking, which I really appreciated.
During my visit, I tried a few items:
Masala Dosa: 4/5 – Definitely the highlight of the meal. The dosa was crispy, the filling was flavorful, and it came with unlimited sambhar and coconut chutney. The chutney was a bit spicier than expected, so be cautious if you can't handle too much heat.
Uttapam: 3/5 – It was decent but nothing to write home about. It could have been a bit crispier, and the flavor profile was pretty average.
Idli: 3/5 – Soft and fluffy, but again, fairly average in terms of flavor. I’ve had better idlis at other South Indian restaurants.
One thing to note is that while the sambhar and chutney are unlimited, the chutney was quite spicy, so I couldn’t enjoy as much of it as I would have liked. Also, a major downside was the water they served. I recommend sticking to bottled water, as I had some issues after drinking their regular water.
The pricing is very reasonable. You can easily enjoy a full meal without breaking the bank, and that’s always a plus. For instance, a meal for two people, including a dosa, uttapam, and some beverages, came out to around ₹600, which is great for a pure vegetarian café in Varanasi.
Service was prompt and efficient, and the staff were polite and attentive. Hygiene is also well-maintained, with staff following proper protocols like wearing hair caps and aprons.
All in all, Kerala Café is a great spot if you're looking for affordable, authentic Southern Indian food with a simple, nostalgic vibe. While there are some areas where they could improve, like expanding the menu and ensuring better water quality, it's still a place worth visiting, especially for their masala dosa and...
Read moreNestled in the heart of Varanasi, Kerala Cafe stands out as a sanctuary for those seeking authentic and flavorsome vegetarian cuisine. As a connoisseur of South Indian flavors, I recently had the pleasure of experiencing their renowned dosas, and I must say, it was an absolute delight for the taste buds.
The ambiance of Kerala Cafe exudes warmth and simplicity, offering a serene escape from the bustling streets of Varanasi. The restaurant's focus on pure vegetarian fare from the southern region of India is commendable and evident in every dish served.
However, it was their dosas that stole the show. Crispy on the outside and delectably soft on the inside, each dosa was a work of culinary art. The menu boasts a diverse range of dosa options, from classic Masala Dosas to innovative variations filled with unique blends of spices and vegetables. Every bite was a burst of flavors, perfectly complemented by an array of chutneys and sambar that accompanied the dish.
What truly sets Kerala Cafe apart is the authenticity of their flavors. The dosas were prepared with finesse, staying true to traditional recipes while adding a touch of innovation that elevates the dining experience.
Moreover, the service was exceptional. The staff members were welcoming, attentive, and well-versed in guiding patrons through the menu, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
In conclusion, Kerala Cafe in Varanasi is a haven for vegetarians and enthusiasts of South Indian cuisine. For anyone craving a gastronomic journey through the flavors of Kerala, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Whether you're a dosa aficionado or simply seeking quality vegetarian fare, Kerala Cafe surpasses expectations and delivers an unforgettable dining experience that tantalizes...
Read moreKerala Cafe is my go to place for Southern Indian food and cozy vibes. This place also has a special connection to me and my family, most of it being Nostalgia.
Back when this was established my Father used to go there at the age of 12 with his friends to celebrate on occasions. Back then, this place was nothing but a food stall in an alleyway but today it's a massive cozy restaurant themed with Southern Culture.
Now you may ask how's the Food?
The Food is awesome, healthy and light on your tummy. You can easily find all the cuisines here but the most famous is mostly the Southern Cuisine, made in healthy coconut oil, it's tasty as well. Cold Coffee with Ice Cream is another famous item here. You have the option to eat a Single Chole Bhature as well which is great for people with low appetite.
Crowd:
It's mostly crowded most of the time but luckily you have waiting areas as well, Saturday and Sundays are rushed mostly all day and night. You can bring your entire family as there are a lot of seating patterns according to family size.
Expenses?
The food you see in the pictures are all combined into a bill of 605. 3x Cold Coffee with Ice Cream, Single Chole Bhature, Veg Chowmin and Uttapam.
Behaviour & Cleanliness?
The staff is polite, patient and friendly as well. Cleaning is taken care of as well, waiters wear hair caps and aprons for maintaining utmost hygiene.
Conclusion: 10/10 place, must try. A big Kudos to the owner for keeping this place alive since 1962. Takeaway Options are...
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