With finger-licking South Indian dishes, Thambi in Matunga may soon become popular with the Tam-Brams in the area. But patrons might want to stay away from the Misal and Usal on offer
With finger-licking South Indian dishes, Thambi in Matunga may soon become popular with the Tam-Brams in the area. But patrons might want to stay away from the Misal and Usal on offer
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It's an accepted fact that Matunga wears the tag of the South India of Mumbai rather comfortably. So, the opening of another South Indian restaurant was no surprise. But, with restaurants like Manis Lunch Home and Rama Nayak's in the vicinity, both heavyweights with loyal patrons, we were slightly sceptical whether this small new joint called Thambi would be able to make a mark. 
Masala Dosa,PICS/SAYED SAMEER ABEDI
A two-minute walk from Matunga Central Railway Station towards Ruia College led us to a bright green board with Thambi proudly displayed on it. We walked in hoping to see a Tamilian owner with Tamilian attendants, but to our surprise we found no such regional appearances at the restaurant. A look at the menu made us apprehensive, since apart from idlis, dosas and uttappas, we also spotted varieties of misal, usal, pav bhaji as well as sandwiches.
Our doubts were cleared immediately after our first order arrived. The Sambhar Rice (Rs 35) was delicious and authentic (take this from a South Indian who has been fed on this staple since she was two). Accompanied by Applam (deep-fried papad), which is how South Indians eat Sambhar Rice, it was yummy.
Buoyed by this winner, we were confident and ordered the Coconut Rava Masala Dosa (45). It was delicious; the accompanying sambhar and chutney was authentic.
Convinced that the South Indian food scored full marks, we decided to step away from the usual and opted for the Misal Pav (Rs 30). Soon, we realised our folly. The Misal tasted odd. It wasn't spicy enough minus sufficient rasa (the liquid poured into the misal).
We decided to end our meal in a traditional style, with filter coffee. In South India, coffee (pronounced as Kaapi) is served in two small steel vessels (called Davaras). Before drinking it, it is customary to pour it from one vessel into another from a certain height, so that it gains adequate froth. Being familiar with this, when our filter coffee arrived, we wanted to perform this ritual, but were a little hesitant. The attendant immediately came to our aid and did the needful with practiced ease. It was awesome.
Happy and satisfied, we left the place hoping that despite the popular South Indians haunts in Matunga, customers give Thambi a thumbs up.
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At Balkrishna Niwas, LN Road, near Matunga Station (CR);
Call 32267877
Thambi didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals
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