Our experience with the Paneer Dosa at Udupi Cafe in Dehradun left much to be desired, falling significantly short of the expectations set by the cafe's generally positive reputation for South Indian fare. While Udupi Cafe is often lauded for its dosas, this particular rendition proved to be a disappointing deviation. The first indication of trouble was the dosa itself. Instead of the expected crisp and golden-brown crepe, what arrived was a pale and somewhat soggy affair. It lacked the characteristic airy texture and the satisfying crunch that makes a good dosa so appealing. Parts of it were strangely chewy, while other sections seemed undercooked, giving it an unpleasant pasty consistency in the mouth. It felt as though the batter hadn't been spread evenly or cooked at the right temperature. The paneer filling, which should have been the star of the dish, was equally underwhelming. The paneer itself was rather bland and rubbery, lacking any discernible freshness or flavor. Instead of being crumbled or grated and lightly spiced, it appeared to be roughly chopped into uninspired chunks. The promised "filling" was also sparse and unevenly distributed, leaving large sections of the dosa with just the lackluster crepe. Furthermore, the spicing of the paneer was virtually non-existent. There was no hint of the aromatic spices that typically elevate a paneer dish. It tasted as though the paneer had simply been stuffed into the dosa without any prior preparation or seasoning. This lack of flavor made the entire experience incredibly monotonous and unappetizing. The sambar and chutneys, which are crucial accompaniments to any dosa, did little to salvage the situation. The sambar, while possessing a decent tanginess, lacked depth and complexity. The vegetables within were overcooked and mushy. The chutneys, particularly the coconut chutney, tasted somewhat stale and lacked the fresh, vibrant flavors that are usually a highlight of South Indian cuisine. The tomato chutney was marginally better but still failed to impress. The overall presentation of the Paneer Dosa was also uninspired. It arrived looking rather forlorn on the plate, without any garnish or attempt to make it visually appealing. This lack of attention to detail further contributed to the feeling of a rushed and carelessly prepared dish. Considering the generally positive reviews surrounding Udupi Cafe, our experience with the Paneer Dosa was a significant letdown. It lacked the fundamental qualities of a good dosa – the crispness, the flavorful filling, and the complementary tastes of the sambar and chutneys. While we are willing to concede that this might have been an off day, the Paneer Dosa we were served was far from enjoyable and certainly not a dish we would recommend. We hope that this feedback will prompt a closer look at the preparation and quality control of this...
Read moreReview of Udupi Café, Malai Road, Dehradun - 30th June, 2024 I recently visited the Udupi Café on Malsi Road, Dehradun, a restaurant I assumed was part of the well-known Udupi chain that serves authentic South Indian cuisine. Unfortunately, my experience was quite disappointing.
Takeaway: Paper Masala Dosa, Two Vadas, One Idli, Filter Coffee The coffee was served with premixed sugar. While this might have been an oversight on our part for not specifying our preference, it's generally expected that the staff should inquire about sugar preferences or offer it separately, especially in a renowned chain. Only one type of chutney, the white coconut variety, was provided. Most South Indian restaurants typically offer at least a red chutney along with the coconut chutney for items like idli, dosa, and vadas. The idli was stale, sweet in taste, and disfigured. This was quite surprising and disappointing, considering the expectations from a South Indian restaurant. The sambar was sweet and lacked vegetables, failing to meet the standards of authentic South Indian sambar. No major complaints with Vadaa, although the overall experience was not up to par. Paper Masala Dosa was a major letdown. It appeared crumpled, resembling a tiny bhatura. Despite specifically requesting that the masala be packed separately to avoid sogginess, this request was not fulfilled. The waiter, Kuldeep, seemed to have overlooked our specific request regarding the dosa. In conclusion, the overall experience was ordinary and forgetful, far below the standards I expected from an Udupi establishment (i.e.If this restaurant is part of the reputed...
Read moreUdupi is a South Indian restaurant that I had the pleasure of visiting recently, and I must say that I was thoroughly impressed by my experience. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the warm and welcoming atmosphere, which was complemented by the beautifully decorated interiors.
The menu at Udupi is truly a culinary delight for lovers of South Indian cuisine. They have an extensive selection of vegetarian dishes, ranging from traditional dosas and idlis to more exotic delicacies like kothu parotta and vegetable stew. I tried their signature Udupi masala dosa, which was crispy, flavorful, and simply delicious. The accompanying sambar and chutneys were equally flavorful and added an extra zing to the dish.
The service at Udupi was prompt and friendly, and the staff were very knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The prices were also very reasonable, considering the high quality of the food and service.
One thing that stood out to me about Udupi was the attention to detail that went into each dish. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the presentation was impeccable. You can tell that the chefs take great pride in their craft, and it shows in the quality of the food.
Overall, I would highly recommend Udupi to anyone looking for an authentic and satisfying South Indian dining experience. The combination of great food, welcoming ambiance, and excellent service make it a true gem in the world of South...
Read more