A Matunga institution since 1940 credited with inventing the rava idli, still one of the neighborhood's most popular South Indian breakfast spots.
Cafe Madras opened in Matunga, Mumbai's traditional South Indian enclave, in 1940 and is widely credited with inventing rava idli after a rice shortage during the Second World War forced the kitchen to substitute semolina. The dish became a permanent fixture and remains the restaurant's calling card, alongside crisp dosas and strong filter coffee. The dining room is simple and functional, and mornings are consistently busy with neighborhood regulars.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM |
| Dress code | Casual |
| Reservations | Not accepted, walk-in |
| Address | 271, Bhandarkar Road, Matunga East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019 |
Signature dishes
- Rava Idli
- Masala Dosa
- Filter Coffee
Good to know
- Known for
- Rava idli, said to have originated at this restaurant
Location
271, Bhandarkar Road, Matunga East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019
19.0270, 72.8555 View on map
Highlights
- Widely credited as the birthplace of rava idli
- Located in Matunga, Mumbai's South Indian cultural hub
- Filter coffee served in traditional steel tumbler and dabarah
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning for the freshest idlis and dosas
- Combine with a walk through Matunga's other South Indian eateries nearby
- Cash payment is still preferred here
Accessibility
Ground floor, step-free entrance
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Did rava idli really originate here?
It is widely reported and locally believed that Cafe Madras created rava idli during a 1940s rice shortage, though exact culinary origin claims are difficult to verify definitively.
What does breakfast cost?
A full breakfast with coffee costs around INR 150-250 (approx $1.60-2.65 USD) per person.