Madras Idli Kadai - Pleasanton — Restaurant in Pleasanton

Update: 5/24/2024- had upset tummy from this second trip. the place seems to be heading in the same direction as other desi places ignoring the hygiene. That is getting dirty as the newness disappears. The guy cleaning the tables simply let the things fall on the floor using the buss cloth(why not use a plate to grab stuff while cleaning instead of simply rubbing and let things fall to floor?) . Very novice thing. Floor is slippery unlike the first time we were there, one of the reasons is because of this. (Don’t forget the place is very small and packs up next to each other tables & people walk on these food crumbs to get in and out of tables )

The tray’s are now sticky with the corner garbage can leading to toilet where they empty them takes the brunt of this use and throw plates and cups. Instead of this postbox type garbage can why not use an open can garbage so it can help empty the try’s more easily and not splatter it all around doing circuses with the current small opening. Empty it frequently and don’t need a closed can. This garbage can setup usual make the floor and the walls around splattered with the food residuals & possibly leading to the smell there. There is a coffee and tea making setup with every passing personal/workers using their hands to either make coffee/tea to customers or for themselves. I saw the chef from kitchen came in rubbing his head with his hands straight to the milk pot to make a quick cup for himself before disappearing to make more dosas/food( his pant is all full of batter obviously making food all day I guess). The guy helping the plates with food before passing to the servers went inside and came back with a batch of chutney and sambar in an open container coughing and sneezing likely from the pollen allergies going around…yuk

Cleaning and hygiene with personal working there has to go up. Will give another try to check this place. Cause my picky son likes their idly & I want this place to succeed. Please..

Now to food, don’t like Dosa to be super crispy. Appetizer, onion pakoda came last and it’s crispy on top but inside still feels the Chana batter needs little more time . Idly and vada was good.

3/24/2024: Like the taste of Sambar and chutneys, which has the tanginess that pops up when eating . Idly sambar combination is good. Mini idly is liked by my kids. Panner Dosa looks and tastes well. Along with vada. Overall...

TL;DR - Beware of leavening agents if used on their Idlis. Don't expect service. Be ready to eat in miniature inconvenient plates and sample chutney bowls.

Tl;DR - I understand business is for profit and you like to use plant based plates. However, plates and your chutney cups were extra small and inconvenient to eat. Second of all, service (which is not expected anyways). Food quality and price (these days its hyped everywhere). I suspect lot of baking soda or in their idlis. Worst chutney and sambar. I didn't like it. Not going back. Waste of money.

One day my sister took us to this restaurant to try something new in menu called as Benne Dosa. First and foremost, any new restaurant attracts crowds and all these business owners plan to recoup their primary investment in first few months. Everything will be above average for first few months in any new restaurant based on my experience. The challenge is to sustain.

As far as I know and what I have seen, heard - most or some of Indian restaraunts somehow employ students or parttime college folks and never share tips. They work for the state required minimum wage with some minimum required break and they attract them with lodging and free food. So quality and professional service can be hit or miss. In my case, it was a hit one time and total miss second time. Lethargic and oblivious as usual even though I didnt have any expectation.

Food quality - I suspect good amount of baking soda or softening agent or leavening agent or whatever on Idlis. I haven't tried anything except Idlis and dosas. So I can't comment on other items which may or may not be good.

Overall, worthy for one try and when they are new. Down the line, they may go in the same route of any other worst Indian restaraunts who have to compromise on food quality, quantity and service to...

As a Hyderabad native, I'm always on the hunt for authentic South Indian food. So when I heard about Madras Idli Kadai's happy hour dosa deals, I knew I had to give it a try. And let me tell you, this place did not disappoint.

The dosas were an absolute instant hit. I tried the Benne, Masala, and Ghee Nalla Karam, and each dosa was just perfect – crispy, slightly tangy, and exactly how they should be. The Benne Dosa, in particular, was a standout with its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The chutneys and sambar were great accompaniments, especially the coconut and peanut chutney, along with the tangy tomato chutney.

I also tried the thatte idli, which was massive and fluffy, just like the ones back home. It came with a generous helping of ghee and podi, and the nalla karam podi was the perfect amount of spicy.

The poori was another standout. Thin, crispy, toothsome and slightly chewy, it was the ideal vehicle for the delicious Bombay chutney. I could easily eat a dozen of these.

We indulged in their weekend special Thali. The Paneer 65 and Soya Veg Biryani were exceptional highlights. Although not a fan of Okra, the fiery Alu Fry was a revelation. The Sambar, rich and well-balanced, and the Rasam with its invigorating kick, concluded the meal with Rasam Rice, Podi, and ghee. The Roti and Tofu Masala harmonized perfectly, while their refreshing Butter Milk, infused with grated ginger, provided a soothing end to the delightful spice of the meal.

The ambience at Madras Idli Kadai is simple but inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. I hear they even have pani poori on weekends, which I'm definitely looking...