Food: Good
Ambiance: Relaxed
Service: Self
Cost: Reasonable
Verdict: 2/4

For this writer, who has spent the college (best) years of their life surviving on hygienic, fast, affordable yet top-class Udipi restaurants of Matunga, the benchmark to judge any new South Indian restaurant is relatively high. Factors such as sugary sambhar or the absence of pure benne or butter on the menu are deal-breakers. So, when we see Idlay Cafe pop up with melting benne on many Instagram reels, it tempts us to take a ride on the Metro to their two outlets that are conveniently located near Chakala and Western Express Highway stations, respectively.

A prominent board, and palm and plantain fronds greet us when we drop by on a Thursday night for an anonymous visit. The rains have taken a breather, and the small al fresco area of their JB Nagar outlet is occupied, so are the tables indoors. The self-service café has a relaxed vibe, and we don’t feel claustrophobic despite them serving full capacity. We ask for a takeaway, and wait on one of the high stools for 20 minutes while the order is freshly prepared. They offer options ranging from different kinds of idlis, dosas, thalis, as well as Mangalorean buns, all of which grace the tables that were occupied for dinner time.