New Delhi is a city that thrives on its rich culinary traditions, offering a blend of North Indian, Mughlai, street food, and South Indian delicacies. Among the most loved South Indian dishes, dosa stands out. This crisp, golden-brown crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes and served with sambar and coconut chutney, has captured the hearts of many. Whether you crave the traditional masala dosa or want to experiment with variations, Delhi has plenty of places to indulge.
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Here are the top 8 places in New Delhi where you can enjoy some of the best dosas the city has to offer:
1. Sagar Ratna
When it comes to South Indian food in Delhi, Sagar Ratna is a household name. Known for its authentic preparations, this restaurant has multiple outlets across the city. The dosas here are crispy, well-flavored, and served with a generous helping of tangy sambar and various chutneys. Their Masala Dosa and Rava Dosa are particularly popular. Sagar Ratna’s consistency in flavor and service has made it a go-to for many South Indian food lovers in Delhi.
Location: Multiple outlets, including Connaught Place and Defence Colony.
Must-try: Masala Dosa, Rava Dosa.
2. Carnatic Café
If you’re looking for an authentic South Indian dining experience with a slightly modern touch, Carnatic Café in Greater Kailash 2 and New Friends Colony is the place to go. This small, cozy café is famous for its distinct South Indian flavors, especially the dosas. Their Malleshwaram 18th Cross Dosa is a fan favorite, slightly thicker than the usual dosa, with a perfect blend of spices. The Benne Dosa, known for its buttery flavor, is also a must-try.
Location: Greater Kailash 2 and New Friends Colony.
Must-try: Malleshwaram 18th Cross Dosa, Benne Dosa.
3. Saravana Bhavan
Saravana Bhavan is an iconic name in the world of South Indian food, and its Delhi outlets carry forward this legacy with grace. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dosas, all prepared with utmost authenticity. Their Ghee Masala Dosa and Onion Rava Dosa are particularly sought after. Saravana Bhavan is also known for maintaining a high level of hygiene and using fresh ingredients. It’s an excellent spot for anyone craving a traditional dosa experience in the heart of the city.
Location: Connaught Place, Janpath.
Must-try: Ghee Masala Dosa, Onion Rava Dosa.
4. Andhra Bhavan Canteen
For a no-frills, authentic South Indian meal, the Andhra Bhavan Canteen is a hidden gem. Located in the Andhra Bhavan complex on Ashoka Road, this canteen serves some of the best dosas in the city at very affordable prices. The dosas here are simple yet incredibly flavorful, with the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior. The atmosphere is humble, but the taste is extraordinary. Sunday breakfast at Andhra Bhavan is a treat for dosa lovers, where they serve an array of dosas alongside unlimited sambar and chutneys.
Location: Ashoka Road, Andhra Bhavan Canteen.
Must-try: Plain Dosa, Masala Dosa.
5. Naivedyam
Naivedyam offers a fine dining South Indian experience with its serene ambiance and a wide range of dosa varieties. Located in Hauz Khas Village, this restaurant is well-known for its authentic preparations and lavish thali options. Their Ghee Masala Dosa is especially popular among the regulars, with a golden-brown, crispy texture and a generous filling of spiced potatoes. Naivedyam’s dosas come with an assortment of chutneys, which enhances the overall flavor.
Location: Hauz Khas Village.
Must-try: Ghee Masala Dosa, Mysore Masala Dosa.
6. Rama Krishana Lunch Home
Located in the bustling streets of Mandi House, Rama Krishana Lunch Home is a South Indian eatery known for its pocket-friendly prices and delicious dosas. It’s a favorite spot for college students and office-goers in the area. The restaurant may not have the fancy ambiance of other South Indian joints, but it makes up for it with its amazing dosas. The Plain Dosa and Butter Masala Dosa here are served with piping hot sambar and coconut chutney that will leave you wanting more.
Location: Mandi House.
Must-try: Plain Dosa, Butter Masala Dosa.
7. Lakshmi Coffee House
Lakshmi Coffee House is one of those lesser-known gems that deserves more recognition. Located in the lanes of Kalkaji, this eatery offers a basic but authentic South Indian menu, with dosas that are as crisp and flavorful as any you’ll find in the city. The Rava Dosa here is particularly loved by the locals for its light and crispy texture. Lakshmi Coffee House may not boast a fancy setting, but the food more than makes up for it.
Location: Kalkaji.
Must-try: Rava Dosa, Plain Dosa.
8. Madura De Café
If you want to try South Indian cuisine with a dash of contemporary flair, Madura De Café is worth visiting. Tucked away in Green Park, this café offers a modern twist to the classic dosa, with inventive fillings and toppings. Their Cheese Masala Dosa and Paneer Dosa are popular choices for those looking to experiment. Madura De Café is perfect for a casual meal, with a fun and quirky ambiance that complements its creative menu.
Location: Green Park.
Must-try: Cheese Masala Dosa, Paneer Dosa.
Wrap Up
Delhi may be a city known for its rich North Indian and street food culture, but the South Indian delicacy of dosa has firmly made its place in the hearts of Delhiites. From budget-friendly canteens like Andhra Bhavan to more refined dining experiences at Sagar Ratna and Naivedyam, these eateries offer the best of both worlds.
Each place has something unique to offer in terms of flavor, ambiance, and authenticity, making them the top destinations for enjoying dosas in the capital city.
Next time you’re in the mood for some crisp, savory dosas, head to any of these spots for a truly satisfying meal!
