Whether you are a devoted fan of idlis or a passionate lover of vadas, Kolkata’s Lake Market area, often referred to as ‘Mini South India’ is the place where you’ll find the eateries that will give you the taste of authentic South Indian Cuisine and surely leave your taste buds wanting more. Below is a compiled list of the Top 20 eateries serving delicious South Indian delicacies.
1.Prema Vilas
This eatery is one of the oldest and most well-known in the city for its South Indian cuisine. It is the place to be if you are craving some crispy ‘masala dosas’ or an aromatic filter coffee. The cosy setting of this place offers a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Their idlis and sambhar are a must-try.
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2.Rao’s Udipi Home
Rao’s Udipi home is a local favourite as it captures the essence of South Indian Cuisine. The menu is well curated, consisting of the classics, such as Dosas, Idlis, filter coffee, vadas and more. Udipi is known for its wide selection of dosas and chutneys which are served with the dosas and are equally delicious.
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3.Flavours Of South, Coffee Shop
This is a small eatery situated in Kalighat. Besides offering some of the nicest filter coffees in town, it is also well known for its soft and tasty Idilis and other vegetarian South-Indian dishes. The reasonable prices of each item do not affect their quality.
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4.Vaango
Vaango is a renowned international food chain serving authentic South Indian vegetarian food. It has numerous outlets in the city, one of which is situated in Lake Mall. Their menu also features dishes like wraps, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. Their juices smoothies and other beverages are also quite nutritious.
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5.Banana Leaf
One of the most popular joints in the city serving exquisite South Indian food with a menu ranging from various thalis to small meals, each having a distinct taste that will make you want to visit this place again. Despite having several outlets in the city, the one in Lake Market is particularly quite well-known. Their ‘Uttapam platter’ is a must-try out, according to a reviewer.
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6.Tamarind Restaurant
This restaurant offers a wide range of delicious dishes from various regions of southern India, including Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra and Tamil Nadu. The diversity of their menu lets you savour the best dishes from each cuisine. For instance, their soup selection includes options like Andhra’s non-veg ‘peethala charu’, Tamil Nadu’s ‘vegetable alisa’ and rasam among others. When it comes to starters, there are plenty of options to choose from as well as for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. You must visit this restaurant to experience the varied tastes of South Indian cuisine.
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7.Ramakrishna Lunch Home
Besides being famous for its South Indian platter, this eatery is known for the reasonable rates at which you get food. The place opens at 6 a.m. and is often visited by locals for their breakfast spread which gets sold out fast. The eatery again reopens for lunch later in the afternoon.
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8.Ranimar South Indian Food Centre
A small pure veg south Indian and marathiyan joint, serving delicacies such as chole bhature, Pav Bhaji, Dosa, Idilis. Due to the seating area being compact, people generally order from here or visit the place for its Idlis and pav bhaji.
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9.Ammini
There are only a handful of restaurants in Kolkata serving good Keralite cuisine and Ammini secures a spot among those few. The food here is served fresh on a banana leaf with appam and Kerala-style curries. Their ‘Kozhi Roast’ is highly recommended according to a reviewer. As the place gets crowded during lunchtime, it is wise to reserve a table beforehand.
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10.Pappadam Coastal Delicacies
Situated near Mudiali, Pappadam is a hidden gem that promises an enticing dining experience with its extensive menu featuring diverse coastal dishes ranging from the Malabar Coast to the Konkan Coast. Each dish is unique like the Konkani Prawn masala, the Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast or the soothing Sol Kadhi (a traditional Konkan drink made from kokum and coconut milk). The authenticity of each coastal dish on their menu is what makes this joint worth visiting.
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11.Kurry Patta
This well-known eatery has gained a stellar reputation for its diverse menu which includes various Indian dishes from all over the country, and an enjoyable dining experience with their ‘ DIY batter kits’ comprising of freshly ground batter, coconut chutney and more. Some of the items on their menu are the Chicken Malai Kebabs, Paneer Tikka, Cheese Chili Dosa and more.
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12.North And South
Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Kolkata, this restaurant on Sarat Bose Road is well known for its menu which provides a blend of North And South Indian Cuisines, each dish of standard quality at pocket-friendly rates. Some of their North And South Indian delicacies include – flavourful butter chicken, paneer tikka, Chettinad chicken curry, Vadas and more.
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13.Ramanee- The Soul Of Dakshin
Ramanee is a culinary gem that stands out for its food. With its interiors that remind of a traditional South Indian home and menu that captures the essence of Dakshin, Ramanee tries to bring you the entire experience of Southern India. Some must-try items on their menu are- The Rava Dosa, Filter Coffee, Mysore Pak, Onion Chili Uttapam and many other delicacies
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14.Surfire- The Coastal Café
Surfire is another such joint, well known for its various coastal dishes with an ambiance that echoes the coastal charm. The café also succeeds in adding its own twist to the dishes. Some items that are a must-try – Thattukuda mutton, Ham and Cheese appam, Butter-garlic crab and Chocolate Mint Pot, a special dessert served by the café.
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15.Oceania
Located near Lake Market, this is a multicuisine restaurant and is the perfect place for an outing with your friends and family. Their North Indian dishes and seafood platter, among others, are delicious. The food is also reasonably priced.
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16.Anna’s In
It is a small South Indian eatery which serves some of the tastiest dosas and Idlis. It is a roadside eatery; therefore the prices are pocket-friendly. Other than the usual fare, the place also has some delicious beverages on its menu like the Masala Lassi.
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17.Raj Restaurant
A quaint little outlet that serves tasty veg cuisine along with South Indian food and chats as well. The place opens at 8 a.m. and serves lip-smacking breakfast like their ‘Raj Kachori’. The special chutney that they serve with the South Indian Food is delicious and are willing to serve you unlimited coconut chutney and sambhar.
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18.Chennai Square
Another South Indian joint which serves fresh South Indian food but with a twist. Their menu consists of elaborate dosas ranging from Hakka Chow Dosa to their special Cheese burst Dosa. They also serve the traditional dishes cooked in coconut oil.
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19.The Chutney.co
The joint is an ideal place to take a break after your morning walks and enjoy some flavourful South Indian food. They serve the usual Idlis, Vada, Uttapams and more. They also offer some tasty coconut chutney to complement your dosa.
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20.Garden Café
This South Indian café is a local attraction, known for its vegetarian cuisine. It is often crowded due to the variety of food the café offers at reasonable rates. Their sambhar and vada along with kulfi make the perfect combo.
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