Malgudi - Shankar Mahadevan's South Indian Resto-Cafe in Chembur
- Laiba Arif
- Jan 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 17
Written By Laiba Arif
Presented By Delhi Royale
Content
Overview | Ambience | Food | Drinks | Our Recommendations | Average Cost | Timings | Contact | Location
Malgudi
What sets Malgudi South Indian Resto-Cafe apart is its thoughtful emphasis on vegetarian South Indian cuisine through a mix of passion and personal experiences. The venture is jointly founded by famous musician Shankar Mahadevan, who himself talks about his penchant for South Indian cuisine and his wish to introduce true South Indian flavors to Mumbai’s culinary map. As an ode to RK Narayan’s description of a typified small-town life in "Malgudi Days," this restocafe wants to do much more than merely serve as one of the vegan cafes in Mumbai; it wants to relive those comforting moments through its cuisine.
The menu is a testament to the belief that vegetarian cuisine itself doesn't require stripping down to be indulgent. Instead, it celebrates the use of robust spices, varied textural elements, and regional nuances. Traditional South Indian cuisine is treated with dignity, allowing the ingredients to retain their integrity, while the presentation remains elegant. This meal, in one of the best cafes in Chembur to be savored, to share, to talk, to draw out. The food at Malgudi enables the experience, long before the last cup of coffee is poured.
Malgudi South Indian Resto-Cafe Chembur
The Chembur locale of Malgudi establishes its identity by the neighborhood it keeps. Being located in the Inner Circle of the Sindhi Society, the restaurant keeps company in an area famous for its residential tranquility and communal dining traditions. Here, in contrast to areas famous for their food and markets, resides a locality that prefers familiarity, reliability, and quality. The Malgudi, one of the restaurants in Chembur seamlessly merges and becomes a “return-to” destination rather than a “to-discover" one. The clientele here is very eclectic yet rooted – families, professionals, and locals who cherish food that has the touch of completion to it. Mealtimes here are hardly hurried, with tables remaining filled even after the plate has had the final sweep of the cleaning cloth. The reason why the location here has worked to the advantage of Malgudi is that it has made it an anchor point rather than an enroute stop.
Malgudi Review
AMBIENCE
The ambience of Malgudi is established through warmth and not through dramatic visuals. The interior design takes inspiration from South Indian design and heritage, but through the lens of a modern café. Earthy colors, rustic details, brass, and wood come together in a manner that imbues a sense of serenity and familiarity. There is no element of excess. Lighting is soft and gentle, progressing from the bright sunlight of the morning to the warmth of dusk. Music is background music that adds to the atmosphere without dominating it. The decor is conducive to leisurely eating, rather than just eating. The ambience, like the cuisine, is carefully planned, earthy, and subtly enticing.
Malgudi Food
FOOD
The culinary traditions of food in Malgudi showcase not only the quality of patience and skill but also the reverence that the culinary traditions of South India hold. The preparation of the food is more focused on the aspect of flavors of fermentation and sautéing instead of presentation. Every dish on the menu feels comfortable yet finely tuned. There is a certain continuity in the menu. “Mulbagal Legacy Dosa” differentiates itself on the basis of its texture and heritage, and “Ghee Podi Thatte Idli” does so on the basis of aroma and comfort. Regional curries and accompaniments enhance the dish without being cloying on the palate. Servings are ample yet balanced to allow a good sampling of different foods without feeling too full to move.
Malgudi Menu
The menu at Malgudi is very extensive, yet at no point does it tend to become confusing. They have managed to strike the right combination of breakfast items, tiffin items, and main course items without letting one segment overpower the rest. Every dish on the menu seems to have a purpose and a meaning related to the concept of this restaurant. There's no unnecessary fusion, no trying too hard to be on-trend. The portioning is generous enough that it's very easy to construct an entire meal from a number of dishes. The menu is equally useful for dining groups, families, and individuals. Each dish seems to have its proper place within it, so it's all part of a unified dining experience.
Malgudi Drinks
DRINKS
At Malgudi, the beverage offering revolves around ritualistic and comforting concepts. "The Filter Kaapi Bar" is essentially the pivot around which the entire café revolves to offer traditional coffee made of coffee beans. Both traditional filter coffee and innovative iced coffee retain their influence to create room for "flexibility." This is one of the Mumbai restaurants where drinks are meant to go with the meal. This coffee encourages a moment of reflection before moving on to the next course. It also promotes conversation. And as the plates are removed from the table and the conversations continue, the drink menu takes the evening into the next phase.
Cafes in Mumbai
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Malgudi, one of the new restaurants in Mumbai encourages patrons to order in a non-rushed manner. One should begin the meal by starting with the usual tiffin options and then progressing organically. Varying the menus from the nourishing options to the heavier ones ensures an organic pace at the dinner table. One can easily proceed to the next dish to experience, as the flavors blend well together. Some recommended favorites that capture the essence of Malgudi include:
Mulbagal Legacy Dosa
Ghee Podi Thatte Idli
Rava Dosa
Sri Lankan Tamil Curry with Idiyappam
Traditional Filter Kaapi
Malgudi Photos
Malgudi
Average Cost
₹1600 approximately (for two)
Timings
Monday-Sunday
9.00 AM – 11.30 PM
Malgudi Contact Number
Malgudi Location
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Shankar Mahadevan’s Vision Comes Alive At Malgudi South Indian Resto-Cafe Chembur, Where South Indian Flavours Are Treated With Respect And Care. Drawing Inspiration From Malgudi Days, The Menu At Malgudi Highlights Traditional Vegetarian Dishes, Regional Specialities, And Signature Filter Coffee In A Warm, Inviting Space. Recognised As One Of The Good Restaurants In Mumbai, Malgudi Offers A Calm Alternative To Busy Mumbai Restaurants, Making It A Must-Visit Dining Destination In Chembur. Get More Details At Delhi Royale Luxury Lifestyle Blog https://www.delhiroyale.in/luxury-lifestyle-blog
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