South Indian delicacies at pocket-friendly prices

One of the three types of ‘Chetty’s Combo’ offered at the eatery.

If you are looking for authentic South Indian food at reasonable prices, head over to Chetty’s Coffee. Apart from the regular idlis and masala dosas, you can try out some offbeat delicacies and rare varieties of dosa too.

With a seating capacity of about 20, the place is quite crowded in evenings and weekends, being a favourite haunt of local residents and the office crowd.

Started by the catering company ‘Narmada Hospitality Services’, this Quick Service Restaurant doesn’t cut corners when it comes to the ghee used in the dishes — everything has a pleasant taste of ghee.

We started off with the ‘Ghee Upma’ which, obviously, had a nice taste and smell of ghee. The Upma is a little spicy, which is different from what we are used to.

Next came the ‘Tomato Chutney Dosa’, which combined the crispy tangy taste of tomatoes with a thick dosa base. It is quite filling. The ‘Avalakkai Dosa’ is soft and fluffy and it is served with two types of chutneys (go with the onion chutney). The ‘Chilli Cheese Dosa’ is a unique dish where the spiciness of the chilli is balanced by the cheese.

The ‘Bisi Bele Bath’ has retained its authentic taste while the ‘Ghee Podi Idly’ is soft and feels like it is dipped in ghee. The ‘Shavige Bath’, ‘Vegetable Dosa’ and ‘Open Butter Masala Dosa’ are the other popular dishes here.

Try the flavourful ‘Mango Pudi Dosa’ made with mango pulp and dosa rice if you are in a mood for something tangy. Chetty’s ‘Mango Pickle Rice’ is another delightful option while the ‘Pickle Dosa’ is yet another traditional recipe with a spicy twist.

In beverages, there are options like ‘Caramel Filter Coffee, ‘Choco Filter Coffee’, ‘Dry Fruit Milk Shake’, ‘Anar Moosambi Juice’, ‘Anar Amla Juice’ and so on. Since no South Indian worth his salt will give up on the iconic ‘Filter Coffee’, you could also try out the coffee there, which is served in the traditional ‘davarah’ for the authentic ‘kaapi’ experience.

Lastly, do leave space for the ‘Anjeer Halwa’, made with figs and almonds, which is a perfect way to end your meal.

There are three different combos as well as a lunch menu with staples like ‘Rasam Rice’, ‘Curd Rice’, ‘Aloo Paratha’, ‘Roti Curry’, ‘Gongura Rice’ and so on.

Prices start from Rs 15 onwards and everything is less than 100. Chetty’s has three other outlets on New Bel Road, Kamanahalli and Dickenson Road. Timings are from 7 am to 1 pm and from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Chetty’s Coffee is located on 2nd Main Road, 13th Cross, Indiranagar 2nd Stage, next to the BDA Complex.