Komala's, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel

I have been searching for a really good Dosa outlet in Mumbai for quite some time and with my meal at Komala's at Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel, that search has officially ended. I have had meals at Madras Cafe, the dosa is very good but is on the smaller side. The dosa at Madras Cafe is also on the home made side in its feel which while I am sure is healthy is not as crunchy as the dosa you get at say Sarvana Bhavan in Chennai. Moreover, Madras Cafe is more about Bisibele Bhaat, Butter Podi Idli and Curd rice than it is about Ghee, Paper and Masala Dosa.

Komala's has a typical South Indian feel to the restaurant decor. The seating is identical rows that can possible seat 6 people each, clean but without any unnecessary decor. The focus clearly is on the food. The typical serving atleast in design seemed to be to take the food from the counter and eat, however as there were not too many customers when we went, we were served at our tables. The waiters were also neatly uniformed in Orange and Black outfits and were very eager to please.

At Komala's we ordered Mango Lassi, two Dosas - One Ghee Dosa, One was a Pesarattu or Moong Daal dosa, a serving of Rasam and two filter coffees. The filter coffees were OK, disappointing as I thought that they would be served in the typical South Indian style with two cups, one fat and one thin to mix it well. Instead the filter coffee was served in a plastic cup and did not taste as great as what you get in Malgudi's. The Pesarattu was not as good as the version at Madras Cafe and seemed to have an excess of chillies and onions on the inside. What made my day however was the Rasam and the Ghee Dosa. The Rasam was very tasty with a strong tamarind flavour that lingered on the tongue long after the Rasam was had. The Ghee Dosa was without doubt the finest, crunchy Dosa that I have had in Mumbai. It was well cooked, lots of ghee and went fantastically well with the chutney that was served along with it. Sooper! In true Chennai style and the dish will not be out of place at a Sarvanna Bhavan in Mylapore. That very statement should be enough to make you want to go there. Do go for a great meal of Dosas! You will not be disappointed!

A meal for two at Komala's without drinks will cost you approximately Rs 300/-

How to get there: Komala's is in Phoenix Mills in Lower Parel. The restaurant is on the Ground Floor. You have to cross the Landmark in Phoenix Mills and the entry to the Palladium Mall. Go straight down the road and turn right. You should be able to see Komala's welcoming you on your left.