Formerly known as the Mylapore of Mumbai, present-day Matunga still retains some of its southern charm in the form of its South Indian restaurants (udipis). Popular for their breakfast items and filter coffee (and tea), udipis are also known for their efficient, no-frills service and table-sharing during peak hours (breakfast and lunch). Listed below are six of The Culture Trip’s favorites.
Sharada Bhavan
Located close to the Central Line station, Sharada Bhavan — with its marble-top wooden furniture and waiters clad in lungis (traditional sarongs worn by men) — is reminiscent of a bygone era. The staff is friendly, and the simple ambiance only adds to its old-school South Indian charm. Though the menu is limited, the sheer deliciousness of the food makes up for it. Do try the rasam vada, medu wada, and ulundu dosa — and, of course, the filter coffee and tea.
Lakhamsi Napoo Road, Matunga East, Mumbai, India +91 022 24141271
© Jyotsna Gupta
Anand Bhavan
Restaurant, Indian, $$$
Anand Bhavan
Located near the King’s Circle Flyover, Anand Bhavan is hard to miss. Almost always packed, Anand Bhavan is popular for its Mohan halwa, neer dosa, and kadi wada, among other dishes. The service is quick and the food decently priced. Anand Bhavan has a relatively fast-paced ambiance compared to Sharada Bhavan. Frequenters suggest visiting during breakfast, when the idlis and vadas are freshly prepared.
461/A, Ram Niwas, Maheshwari Udyan, Ambedkar Road, Matunga East, Mumbai, India +91 022 24015745
© Jyotsna Gupta
Ram Ashraya Udipi Restaurant
Restaurant, Indian, $$$
Ram Ashraya Udipi Restaurant
Ram Ashraya is the most popular breakfast joint on this list. Located near Matunga station, the queue for its freshly-prepared wadas and idlis begins to form as early as 5am! Highly recommended, this udipi has super-efficient service — the waiters rarely confuse the orders. Not only is the service superbly efficient, the food is delicious and fresh, making the wait worthwhile. The breakfast items, especially the medu vada, are highly recommended.
Bhandarkar Road, Matunga East, Mumbai, India +91 022 24102623/+91 022 24102369
© Jyotsna Gupta
Ayyappan Idli Stall
Located opposite the Bhajana Samaj Temple in Matunga East, this road-side stall does not look as inviting, but is nearly always packed with customers — always a good sign! If you’re visiting for the first time, it takes a bit of hustling to place your order, what with the throng of super-hungry customers standing in your way with their plates in your face. The Dilkhush dosa is just delicious!
384, Dadhabawala Sadan, Telang Road, Matunga East, Matunga, Mumbai, India
Café Madras
Probably the most popular and well-known of the South Indian dining establishments, Café Madras is a foodie’s delight. All of its breakfast and lunch items are worth a try, especially the ragi dosa, mysore dosa, and upma pudi. While waiting in line, make sure to breathe in the wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee, interspersed with the buzzing noise of vibrant chatter.
38 B, Circle House, King’s Circle, Matunga East, Mumbai, India +91 022 24014419
© Jyotsna Gupta
A. Rama Nayak & Sons Udipi
Unlike the other udipis on this list, Rama Nayak Udipi stands out as the only one that is air-conditioned and where sharing tables is not a common practice. If you wish to savor your meal in peace and not suffer from the immense humidity that Mumbai’s weather can churn up, then head to Rama Nayak’s Udipi, which is located right outside King’s Circle. Small and relatively quiet, you can easily catch up with friends or family as you listen to some ambient music. Savor the mysore dosa, veg-grilled sandwich, and thalis (meals). North Indian food is also served here.
2/461 A, Ram Niwas, King Circle, Matunga East, Mumbai, India +91 022 24010571
