Saravana Bhavan: A True 'Bhavan'[Abode] of Veg Food?!

Temple Palace Saravana Bhavan Review

Mushroom Idly. Mushroom Masala Dosa. 
Interested? Read on!
Driving down the highway on our way back to Kochi after a holiday, we noticed this place for the first time. The brightly lit display and name caught our attention. This was how we entered the new restaurant with the old world charm, called Temple Palace Saravana Bhavan. As mentioned, they have the advantage of being located beside the highway. Like most places that 'share' the name, it may not match the famous Saravana Bhavan in Chennai but they do a decent job, as you will read below.

When you first drive up to the place, you will be relieved to know that you won't struggle to find a place to park: they have ample space outside. 
Stepping inside provides a welcome change from the run-of-the-mill budget restaurants. At the entrance, they have a counter with sweets on display and a small seating area. The main restaurant is spacious, with comfortable seating featuring upholstered furniture and generally adequate privacy. The ambiance is pleasant, with decent lighting and the walls feature paintings of a few traditional dance forms. We are pleased to report that the Tamilian staff were attentive and helpful. 


Suggested Reading: Not familiar with  South Indian food? We have just the right article to get you up to speed: South Indian Breakfasts!

Onion Rava Dosa

As usual, we ordered an onion rava dosa, with the usual instructions [telling them to make it crisp]. The onion rava dosa was as you would expect, no different from other places in the city. 

It had the standard complement of spicy green chillies, onion, aromatic black pepper etc. On a positive note, it was reasonably crisp. 

Mushroom Masala Dosa

While browsing through the menu, we had to do a double take when this one came up. When we assured each other that our eyes weren’t messing with us, we proceeded to order it. 

Sure enough, it was exactly as described: the standard-issue masala dosa with spiced potato, only this time also accompanied by button mushrooms…! Texturally, the dosa was not crisp but that may be expected thanks to the moisture in the mushroom and potato filling. Thankfully, the mushrooms were actually present in the dosa itself, not just in the name! It was a welcome change from a bog-standard masala dosa. Without the mushroom however, we could not find anything to help it stand out. 

Uzhunnu Vada

We were happy to receive a plate of uzhunnuvada that were at least lukewarm. 

A quick bite revealed that they were soft and spongy. They featured the usual black pepper and onion but also added jeera [cumin], giving it a distinct flavour and an additional bite. 

The chutneys and sambhar were a mixed bag for us; spanning both ends of the spectrum. As such, we decided to summarize the accompaniments for the above dishes here:

Sambhar

We had high expectations for the sambhar as the place seemed to offer Tamil Nadu style/Chettinad food. Disappointingly, the sambhar was just average: it was not very tasty; being too light in texture and lacking its usually characteristic sweet and sour flavour. It lacked any resemblance with Tamil Nadu style sambhar.

Green chutney

The green coconut chutney was not mind-numbing spicy which was a good sign. It was reasonably dense too; putting it a spot above some other restaurants.

Garlic chutney

Also served was some white chutney. This was exceptionally good as it had a noticeable but not overpowering hint of garlic in it. In our opinion, it got the balance just right and we enjoyed it the most. 

While still not up to the mark of real Tamil Nadu dosas, we found a few [saprophytic!] nuggets in a clean, airy but otherwise ordinary joint serving good, if mostly common South Indian vegetarian food. We probably will not go out of our way to go there and grab a bite but certainly would not hesitate to drop in if we happened to be in the general vicinity.


Type of Cuisine: South Indian Vegetarian
Location

Opposite Atlanta Cafe and Restaurant, Amrita Nagar, SH66, Edappally

Parking: Lots of place right in front, should not be a problem.

Ambience: Good

Service: Good

What we liked/Recommended for:

• Above average interiors for a veg. restaurant. 
• Good chutneys. 
• Ample parking space. 
• Value for money. 

Potential Shortcomings:

• Sambhar needs work.
• Dosas are just alright, just not as great as one would expect. 

Taxes: Included in price, no fat tax applicable.

Phone Number: +91 484 280 2585

Timings: 09:00 - 21:40

Website: saravanabhavan.com