Murugan Idli Shop — Restaurant in Zone 13 Adyar

I am writing to share my feedback following my visit to your Besant Nagar branch on 12th May 2025, between 8:00 PM and 9:20 PM.

Firstly, I want to commend your team for maintaining the food quality Murugan Idli Shop is known for. The idlis and accompanying items were delicious, retaining the authentic taste that has made your brand beloved. The traditional banana leaf service is a beautiful nod to Dravidian culture, which I truly appreciate.

However, my experience was overshadowed by several critical concerns that I believe do not reflect the standards your brand is known for:

Hygiene and Cleanliness

The bathroom facilities were in a shocking state—standing water on the floor, a strong unpleasant odor, peeling paint, and clear signs of water leakage. This reflects poorly on hygiene practices and needs urgent attention.

Ambience and Presentation

While seated in the central dining hall, I had a direct view of the stockpile of water bottle cartons, stored openly in guest view. This created a disruptive and uninviting atmosphere, more akin to a warehouse than a hospitality setting. Dining should be a comfortable and calm experience.

Service and Staff Behavior

The service style felt unmotivated and mechanical. Staff interactions were transactional—“You want idli, take it”—lacking warmth, attentiveness, or hospitality. While I understand that staff may be overworked, it’s important they receive adequate training and inspiration to uphold customer service standards that reflect the brand’s legacy.

Serving Practices

While the banana leaf is culturally respectful, pouring sambar directly onto the leaf seems unhygienic and disorganized. Using traditional brass bowls or katoris for sambar and chutneys would enhance both presentation and hygiene, making the dining experience more dignified and structured.

Summer Hospitality

To my surprise, no cool or filtered water was available. Guests were expected to purchase bottled water, which gives the impression of profit being prioritized over basic hospitality. Offering at least cool drinking water in summer should be a basic courtesy.

Final Thoughts :

This experience reflects the pitfalls of unchecked franchise expansion—where quality control, ambience, and brand values may get diluted. Murugan Idli Shop has built its name on authenticity, affordability, and customer respect, and I hope that spirit is not lost at the ground level.

I sincerely hope you take this feedback in the spirit of constructive improvement. Your food is excellent—but a great dining experience goes beyond just taste. I trust you will act to preserve and elevate the legacy of your brand.

Warm...

On a rainy morning, we made our way to Murugan Idli in Besant Nagar for breakfast, and it turned out to be a delightful and serene experience. The heavy rain had kept the usual crowd away, allowing us to enjoy the meal in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.

The cozy interiors provided a comforting refuge from the rain, and the sound of raindrops outside made the experience even more special. The food, as always, lived up to its stellar reputation.

We started with their signature idlis, which were perfectly soft and fluffy. The accompanying chutneys—coconut, tomato, and mint—were fresh and packed with flavor, complementing the idlis beautifully. The sambar, served piping hot, was a true delight and the perfect companion for the rainy weather.

The dosas were crisp and golden, with a generous drizzle of ghee adding to the richness. We also tried the medu vadas, which were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—simply irresistible.

What made the experience even more memorable was the finale. Instead of the usual filter coffee, we opted for their famous Jigarthanda, a unique and indulgent South Indian dessert drink. It was the perfect ending to our meal—refreshingly sweet, creamy, and absolutely satisfying.

The combination of delicious food, the charm of the rain, and the quiet ambiance made this visit truly unforgettable. Murugan Idli Shop at Besant Nagar is not just about great food; it’s about the wholesome experience that comes with it. Whether it’s for their comforting idlis or the indulgent Jigarthanda, this place is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic South Indian flavors. Highly...

Our family always loves going for lunch and tiffin time to Murugan's. The meals are delicious, wholesome with extra large portions. So if you're planning to go for lunch make sure to have a light breakfast, because even though your tummy gets full, you can't get enough of their scrumptious meals. Whether it is their idli, vada, or the podi idli, or the meals that include, Curd, 1 big bowl of rice, applam, 2 types of vegetable preparations, lip smacking Sambar, the rice podi with huge dollops of ghee, and a dessert, today it was kesar sheera. Our stomachs got full but not our hearts. Keshav Anna and the servers also serve so lovingly, asking every few minutes if we needed a refill for anything and on asking would immediately go running to the kitchen to get us whatever we asked for. The service was prompt, attentive and served with love and care. Would recommend to try their podi idli or dosa, which is a bit on the spicier side, but worth every bite. Their chutneys too are fresh and the piping hot Sambar can cure any ailment in a jiffy. It is soul food for any South Indian food lover. If you've come to Chennai and haven't had Murugan, did you really experience Chennai? It's a must try for the food and the service. And don't forget to have the filter kapi to end it all on a sweet...