The Madras Diaries - Amsterdam — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Talk about a find! This restaurant is situated on a street full of restaurants. The entrance is a tiny narrow stairway leading up into the venue. Despite the small space, the restaurant has what seemed to be a full service bar, where patrons enjoyed drinks while waiting for their table. We had 7:00 pm reservations; when we walked in, the restaurant seemed half full, but busy. We were seated immediately since our table was ready. They have used every inch of space to provide maximum seating, so be ready to sit tight! By the time we were situated and had ordered drinks, the restaurant was packed! Once we were seated, we were served complimentary papad and chutney. Because it was a chilly/rainy day, we decided to order masala chai. We were pleased with the chai since it had a homemade flavor. For appetizers, we ordered paneer ghee roast and onion pakoras. Both of these appetizers are considered house specialties, and we now know why. The paneer ghee roast is a spicy dish, including the side of the green chutney that it is served with. The paneer is sliced very thin and is marinated with ghee and various spices. It’s very tender and flavorful. The onion pakoras are tempered with curry leaves and served with coconut chutney. These were amazing! Because each slice of onion was separated before battering and frying, the pakora were perfectly crispy! For our entrees, we ordered maysore masala dosa and butter paneer masala (comes with rice) with roti. The dosa was traditional and tasted authentic. The butter paneer masala was a mild dish and good portion. We did feel the gravy was a little on the runny side but worked well for eating with rice. Our cousin ordered the Kori Gassi dish with Malabar paratha. He enjoyed his dish. For dessert, we had to try the kulfi, which was also considered a house specialty. This was probably the best served kulfi we have had. It looked like a parted chocolate bar, like you can break off a piece to eat. It was also well made, with perfectly balanced crushed nuts and cardamom on top. It did not have the icy texture but rather maintained the creaminess of a traditional malai kulfi. The restaurant is kept up well and appeared very clean. The staff were all pleasant and were ready to serve you. They also have a fun but embarrassing birthday celebration if anyone in your party is...

Authentic flavours, centrally located, friendly staff and a broad selection of food from across the country.

Location & Ambience: (5/5) This place is right next to Leidseplein, very easy to get to. It’s located on the first floor. There are multiple options for table sizes. Recommend booking a table during peak hours as this is certainly a favourite for many.

Food: (5/5) I had 2 dishes there and also recently picked up a fish curry. (1) Chilli fried in batter (Milagai Bajji): this is a common street food snack in southern india. Perfect for those rainy days and pairs well with some tea. The ones here are smaller in size, but the quantity made up for that. The flavours were spot on. Absolutely loved the fact that they provided a coconut chutney as a dip. These go really well together as the spice of the chilly is balanced well by the chutney. (2) Mutton Curry: this was really great. I must admit that it was not as spicy as I expected it to be. But nonetheless, the flavours were all there and the meat was cooked to be quite tender. Went really well with the rice. Would be nice if they also had an Indian bread option rather than just rice. (3) Fish curry: I picked this up as a delivery. But the quantity was fantastic. It was packed really well and did not leak. It tasted fantastic. I would highly recommend the fish curry in this place. The right amount of tangy flavour paired with the hint of chilli. Loved it.

Service: (5/5) The staff are incredible. Very kind and also strike up a conversation regularly. This makes the who experience quite enjoyable.

Summary: (5/5) All in all a top Indian restaurant in the city. The flavours were great and the selection was extremely broad. I would certainly recommend this place to anyone looking for an authentic...

Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, Madras Diaries is a true haven for South Indian cuisine enthusiasts. From the moment I stepped in, the inviting aroma of spices and the warm, welcoming atmosphere set the tone for an exceptional dining experience.

The ambience is nothing short of delightful—elegantly designed with a modern yet traditional touch, it creates a relaxing vibe complemented by soothing music. It’s the perfect setting, whether you’re stopping by for a hearty breakfast, a mid-day lunch, or an indulgent dinner.

Madras Diaries boasts an impressive menu featuring a wide array of authentic South Indian dishes. From crispy dosas to fluffy idlis, fragrant biryanis, and comforting sambar, the options are endless and impeccably crafted. The flavors are vibrant, and the ingredients taste fresh and high-quality. For breakfast, the steaming hot filter coffee is an absolute must-try!

What truly sets this restaurant apart, however, is the service. The staff is incredibly welcoming and attentive, making sure every guest feels valued. They go above and beyond to cater to individual preferences, taking special care to accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions by customizing dishes accordingly—a rare and commendable touch!

Whether you’re a South Indian cuisine aficionado or a curious first-timer, Madras Diaries is an absolute must-visit. The combination of delicious food, outstanding service, and an inviting atmosphere makes it a top-tier dining destination in Amsterdam.

Bravo to the team at Madras Diaries for creating an authentic and memorable experience! I’ll definitely be...