Dosa n Chutney

Rarely have we seen such a perfect dosa: crisp on the outside, moist and rice-fragrant on the inside, a perfect oval bent over in the shape of a curling leaf. The accompanying sambar (spicy lentil dip) is rich and sweet, in the Chennai style, the coconut chutneys fresh (though only in two variants: red or green). It’s true that this South Indian and Sri Lankan café might not have the most alluring of interiors – it is lit like a Tamil truck-stop, with furniture the colour of Sunny Delight – but at least you get to see movies on the flatscreen TV by way of diversion. On our visit, we watched a portly hero wiggle his moustache through enough song-and-dance routines to have us begging for some masala chai as a fortification. Although the vegetarian choice is exemplary, the non-veg options are OK too: mutton and chicken, mostly. But we suggest sticking to the meat-free meals, as this is Dosa n Chutney’s forte; the classic breakfast and snack dishes are beautifully rendered.