Jan 06, 2003 10:20 AM
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(Updated Jan 06, 2003 10:20 AM)
The name itself conjures up images of steaming idlis, crisp dosas and dark brown and scalding coffee. You will find all these and more at Madras Coffee House.
How to get there : It is located in Delhi in Connaught Place. It is in the block next to Regal Cinema if you walk the circle clock-wise. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled open coz its such a dark and dungy place that you might easily miss it even thought it is quite big and has a dark brown exterior and a wooden double door. Upon entering it many of you would feel as if you have entered ''the leaky Couldron'' (it is the restaurant which is also the entrance to Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series). Interior : I was half expecting Hagrid or the other magic-folk to loom out of its dark interiors. Anyways from the inside it is in quite a dilapidated condition but I guess that just adds to the atmosphere. It is quite a change from all the flashy-neon lit eateries that otherwise occupy connaught place. Upon sitting on a sofa that I half suspected to collapse under my weight (which it mercifully didn't) , I gingerly picked up the menu. Gingerly because it seemed like such an old and yellowed parchment that I half expected it to crumble between my fingers.
Menu : Boy was I pleasently surprised when I checked out the rate list. My wallet literally started singing out in happiness. The options were endless too and finally I ordered a Paper Masala Dosa along with extra chutney. Extra chutney coz I never touch any other sambhar except that made by my mom. After the food arrived I simply decided to try out the sambhar and I was really taken aback. It was pretty much like the one my mom makes and that's genuine southy sambhar. after demolishing the dosa I couldn't resist ordering more so I called for an uttapam also which was again very good.
Experience : I must say that I had an amazing experience. all you book readers should also visit the place coz you can sink into those sofas in a dark corner and read books for all day long along with coffee at regular intervals. I did the same except without the coffee coz I am allergic to coffee and tea. and I really loved the place and for a change I didn't cringe upon being presented with the bill.
Coming out of the restaurant was a wrenching experience and I really felt like I'd been thrown out back into the mad-mad-world. inside it had been such a cosy and protected experience that I cant wait to go back there again and again and again.
