We walked in expecting a decent dinner. What we got was an experience that felt both nostalgic and elevated.
The meal began with a plate of mini ghee idlis — soft, buttery, and instantly comforting. Our little one loved them, which is always a good sign. The podi idlis followed, tossed in Raya’s signature spice blend and served with fresh coconut chutney. A perfect balance of heat, ghee, and crunch — bold, but never overpowering.
The thali arrived next, and with it came a spread that spoke of tradition without shortcuts. The Seera Sambaga biryani stood out immediately — light, fragrant, and layered with subtle spices. It didn’t scream for attention, but it didn’t need to. The korma alongside was creamy, coconut-rich, and deeply flavorful — the kind of dish you keep going back to between bites of everything else.
Their Gobi 65 was easily one of the best I’ve had in the Bay — crispy, spiced just right, and not the least bit greasy. The rasam, served as soup, was sharp and peppery, the kind that clears your senses and comforts at the same time.
One of the most memorable parts of the meal was their Maligai-style dosa. It had a soft center, crisp edges, and just the right thickness. Not oversized or oily — just elegant, understated, and satisfying. We also tried their idiappam with kurma, and it was a refreshing change — delicate string hoppers that paired beautifully with the rich gravy.
Dessert was a true surprise — the Karuppu Kavuni payasam. Made from black rice, it was nutty, mildly sweet, and full of earthy texture. A simple, soulful finish that lingered in the best way.
We closed the meal with strong filter coffee, served in a traditional steel tumbler. No fuss, no gimmicks — just the real thing, done right.
What makes Raya stand out isn’t just the food — it’s their philosophy. No added flavors, no artificial colors, no MSG, and no shortcuts. You can feel that honesty on the plate.
This isn’t your everyday “restaurant-style” South Indian food. It’s cleaner, purer, and deeply comforting. We came for a quick dinner. We left with happy hearts, full bellies, and one more favorite to...
Read moreMy spouse and I had the pleasure of dining at Raya South Indian Restaurant last Friday evening. Located along Village Parkway in Dublin, the restaurant offered a truly delightful experience that exceeded our expectations.
We arrived around 7:30 PM to find the restaurant already bustling with guests, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. The interior was brightly lit and spacious, comfortably accommodating the growing crowd.
We were warmly welcomed by the staff and promptly seated. The menu was thoughtfully curated, featuring a well-balanced selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including a variety of appetizers and entrees designed to appeal to a broad range of palates.
For our meal, we chose the Konkanadu Chicken as an appetizer, followed by Madras Masala Dosa, Andhra Pepper Chicken Curry, and a combo set of Prata for the main course. To complete the order, we have to include filter coffee.
The Konkanadu Chicken stood out for its unique preparation—lightly sautéed with garlic and minimal oil—resulting in a flavorful and satisfying start to our meal.
The main dishes were equally impressive. Each dish was rich in flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy, which we appreciated as both of us enjoy moderately spiced food. The Madras Masala Dosa, in particular, was scrumptious, generously filled with finely minced onions and tomatoes that added both texture and taste.
In summary, Raya South Indian Restaurant delivered a wonderful dining experience, with friendly service, flavorful dishes, and a welcoming ambiance. We would gladly recommend this place to anyone looking to enjoy authentic South Indian...
Read moreWe had an absolutely wonderful dinner experience at Raya, Dublin yesterday with a group of 9—five adults and four kids—and everything from the food to the service exceeded our expectations.
Earlier we used to come here when it was Vasantha Bhavan, pure vegetarian food. Now they started non-vegetarian food and changed the name, so we are familiar with the restaurant.
The highlight was the authentic Tamil non vegetarian flavors.We started with the mutton soup, which was rich and comforting, perfect to warm up the evening. The goat sukka was incredibly flavorful and tender, with just the right level of spice. The Pallipalayam chicken was a standout dish—perfectly cooked with a smoky, dry-roast style that packed a punch.
We also tried both the mutton and chicken biryani, which were aromatic, well-spiced, and made with high-quality meat. The chicken kottu paratha was a crowd favorite, especially among the adults—it was fresh, spicy, and incredibly satisfying.
For the kids, the plain parathas were soft and buttery, and they absolutely loved the mango lassis—sweet, creamy, and refreshing. We also ordered a vegetarian combo meal, and it was equally impressive with a good variety of well-seasoned dishes.
Every item felt freshly prepared and made with care, and the service was warm, attentive, and accommodating for our big group. We really appreciated the balance between authenticity and comfort, and it’s safe to say we’ll be back again soon.
Highly recommend Raya for anyone craving authentic South Indian/Tamil...
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