Over the years, it has been managed by his sons, Jagdish Kamath and Suresh Kamath, and later by their own sons, Devavrat Kamath and Jaiprakash Kamath. Established by Gopal Purshottam Kamath, the café was initially a modest eatery with a mission to deliver genuine South Indian flavours to Mumbai. Join us and discover why Cafe Madras is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of heritage, flavor, and community.
We are also widely known for our Halal & Indian (Desi) chinese food. Next time your train pulls into Matunga Station, make sure to visit Cafe Madras and treat yourself to a truly authentic slice of Mumbai’s culinary legacy. Skip the modern, flashy restaurants and immerse yourself in a culinary tradition that has nourished generations of Mumbaikars. This unpretentious restaurant not only offers authentic South Indian cuisine but also provides a glimpse into the city’s storied past. For those seeking a genuine taste of Mumbai’s rich culinary heritage, Cafe Madras is a must-visit destination. More than just the food, the friendly service and welcoming atmosphere add a personal touch that keeps patrons coming back time and again.
Clearly, people were ok with it as it was the only way to get their hands on the awesome food. Sharing tables with complete strangers was the norm in the restaurant. The buzzing yet functional interiors of Cafe Madras The café was readily serving water and filter kaapi to patrons asking for it while waiting to get a seat. The perpetually Cafe Madras crowded facade of the legendary South Indian restaurant. Café Madras is an institution when it comes to South Indian food in Mumbai.
The drowning of the idli in chutney made it even softer. When we dug into the idli, we realized it was one of the softest we have ever had. Podi is a grainy hot dried ground masala. The Butter Idli Podi came dunked in coconut chutney and slathered on top with Podi. Once you ordered, it almost seemed like the blink of an eye before the waiters were right there with the piping hot food (reminded us of the elves in Hogwarts).
Tender lamb cooked in a traditional cast-iron karahi with tomatoes, onions, chillies, and aromatic spices. This dish boasts a thick, rich gravy, brimming with intense spices. A speciality from rural India, this dish has a distinctive mix of fresh Indian vegetables tumbled with crushed spices, peppers and herbs. Chickpeas prepared with rustic spices in the traditional Punjabi style with onions and tomatoes. A labour of love, this dish has soft paneer dumplings, deep-fried, coated with cheese and drenched in a delicately spiced creamy tomato sauce.
