Food just like mama made, at Amma's Kitchen

The food at this nondescript joint in Kandivali is sure to remind every South Indian of the aroma wafting from the kitchen, back home

Amma's Kitchen might be a tiny joint, with a few plastic chairs and tables laid outside an open kitchen, but that doesn't seem to detract from its popularity.

We noticed several people hunched over the menu, possibly trying to decipher the tongue-twisting names of some of the dishes.


Open Dosa

The menu, though not very complicated, had a few names in a language most Mumbaikars would be unable to comprehend.

We were curious to know what Nimbe Hanu Panaka, a cold beverage listed on the menu was made of, and were promptly informed that the drink is a lemon cooler, but with a difference.

The long journey to Kandivali had zapped the energy out of us, so we decided to order the recommended Nimbe Hanu Panaka (Rs 25).

The drink a combination of Nimbu Pani and Jaljeera turned out to be quite refreshing. It made us realise that we had been hungry for a long time, and without wasting another minute we ordered an Onion Uttappa (Rs 45) and the Coconut Rice (50), which was listed as the speciality of the day.

The Uttappa was well made and the sambar and chutney were delicious. The Coconut Rice was very close to the home-made version, and we absolutely loved it.

Apart from the Dosas, Idlis and Uttappas listed on the menu, Amma's Kitchen also serves different rice dishes on set days of the week. Mondays are reserved for Tomato Rice and Tuesdays for Methi Rice.

Open and closed

The Open Dosa (Rs 45) was what caught our attention next. The slightly thick dosa was smeared with Molagapodi, a south Indian dry chutney powder made of red chilly powder, chana and udad dals.

In the centre of the open-faced dosa was the potato masala with a dollop of white butter on it.

The combination of butter, chutney and dosa was one we had never tried before, and we were surprised to find that it worked well.

Happy and satisfied, we left Amma's Kitchen thinking about the small joys of life that the tiny joint inspired us to think about.

AT Raj Garden Society, near Pancholia School, Mahavir Nagar, Kandivali (W)
Call 9930084433/ 9619374433
TIMings Open from 8.30 am to 10.30 pm
Amma's Kitchen didn't know we were there.
THE GUIDE reviews anonymously and pays for meals.