Munch Café South Indian Kitchen — Restaurant in Leeds

I was planning the next visit before I had even finished dinner. A loving, attentive and considerate service to complement the best South Indian food I've eaten to date.

Food: We ordered the Vazhakai Bajji, Podi Dosa, Plain Idli, and Podi Dosa again. The bhajji stood out on the menu as something new to try. Thinly sliced plantain coated in a well spiced batter which worked really well and was perfectly fried; crispy but not oily. The dosa was perfectly golden and crunchy, with a fragrant and earthy podi coating inside. It was so good we ordered another one immediately. It was an idli craving that brought us to this restaurant. The idli were spongey and firm with an even consistency throughout. All three dishes came with homemade chilli and coconut chutney which were incredible. The chilli was beautifully balanced spicy and savoury, and the coconut was aromatic and fruity. The idly and dosa came with a home style sambar, full of vegetables, dal and whole spices. It was a stand alone dish, a complex range of sweet, sour and salty, harmonising beautifully.

Experience: We were happy with our choice when we saw the restaurant was full. The staff greeted us warmly and took care to seat us, communicating well when a table would be available for us. The place is popular and the waiting staff let us know which menu items were not available, The service was quick and we were eager to try any of the dishes coming out of the kitchen. The place is well lit, warm and played music that complemented the meal. The chef took care to cater everyone's experience as best as possible. Following up on orders and greeting tables at the end of the service. The secret they said, was that everything is made fresh daily and when they run out, that's it for the day.

Needless to say, we'll be back here. Worth mentioning, this all came to under £30 with three drinks.

With...

Thank you for your response. I appreciate you taking the time to reply in detail.

While I understand the importance of managing bookings, I believe it's the restaurant’s responsibility not to accommodate more guests than you can handle. If I arrived later than my original slot and you were truly at capacity, it would have been more professional to simply let me know and not seat me at all—instead of doing so and then rushing the entire experience.

I also noticed walk-ins being accepted during that time, which makes the claim of tight scheduling confusing. If honouring my reservation was such a priority, it could’ve been managed better much earlier.

More importantly, my food and drinks were not even finished when your team member approached me. The moment I was told about the upcoming reservation, I stood up and left—because it was clear I wouldn't even have five peaceful minutes to wrap up. I genuinely didn’t want to create a scene, so I left quietly, but let me be clear: no one goes to a restaurant to eat on a timer. If that was the goal, I would’ve joined a competitive eating contest.

I’ve chosen not to attach the photo of the unfinished food left behind or the payment time from that evening—but I could easily do so to prove my point. I’ll spare you that here out of courtesy.

I’ve supported your business in the past and would have continued doing so—but I also believe in speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. I hope you’ll reflect on this and improve the experience for future guests.

Kind...

A Taste of Home: Authentic South Indian Delights

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a Munch Cafe that truly embodies the essence of this vibrant cuisine. The moment I stepped in, I felt like I was walking into a home away from home. The warm ambiance, coupled with the aroma of freshly prepared dishes, immediately set the tone for a memorable meal. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the Podi Thatte Idly. This classic dish was prepared to perfection, with the idlis steamed to a fluffy softness and served with a generous sprinkling of podi. The combination was nothing short of magical, with each bite transporting me to the bustling streets of South India.

But what truly stole the show was the sambar, a delicious lentil stew that perfectly complemented the idlis. Paired with these dishes, the meal was elevated to new heights. To complete the experience, I enjoyed a cup of "South Indian Filter Coffee", known for its strong flavor and aroma. This traditional coffee is typically served in a brass or stainless steel tumbler. The combination of the rich coffee and the authentic South Indian cuisine made the dining experience feel like a warm embrace from home. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just discovering the wonders of South Indian cooking, this place will make you feel...