Malgudi Restaurant Delhi Review: Shankar Mahadevan's Veg Venue

Malgudi restaurant Delhi is the newest outpost of Shankar Mahadevan's pure vegetarian South Indian brand. It has opened in Rajouri Garden. Hindustan Times visited the restaurant and came away impressed by its food, drinks and nostalgic look.

Malgudi is an all day resto cafe co founded by the Grammy winning singer and composer. His partner in the venture is his best friend, KS Ramakrishnan. The brand already runs four outlets in Mumbai and two in the UAE. A Gurugram outlet is due to open soon. This Malgudi Rajouri Garden branch is its first in the capital.

Malgudi Restaurant Delhi Feels Warm and Nostalgic

Many new restaurants chase a moody look. Malgudi goes the other way. It feels welcoming and brings back family meals at South Indian restaurants in childhood. It is modern and vibrant all the same.

The room mixes terracotta hues, brass lighting and cane backed chairs. Teak tables nod to coastal homes and temple towns. A traditional wood swing and plush sofas add comfort.

Hand painted murals and Chettinad style tilework fill the walls. Carnatic motifs run through contemporary music. Greenery softens the space, and an open kitchen adds energy.

The Filter Kaapi Barista counter is a highlight. Staff craft coffee based drinks there. They may tempt guests away from a classic filter coffee.

What to Order at Malgudi Restaurant Delhi

The menu leans on regional flavours with a modern view. Familiar staples appear, but each dish has a twist. The dinner menu features the Malgudi Superhits, its most recommended dishes.

The reviewer began with two starters. These were Ghee Podi Thatte Idli and Podi Cheese Balls with a tangy tamarind dip. The cheese balls were crunchy outside and cheesy inside. They were a clear winner, and the plate vanished in seconds.

The idlis were soft but lacked a generous drizzle of ghee. The podi on top underwhelmed. The Anna Style Crispy Lotus Root, served as a side, did not impress either.

The main course is where the kitchen shines. The Davangere Benne Dosa made the reviewer want to return. The Mulbagal Legacy Dosa was just as good, with masala on the side and fine chutneys.

Paneer Chettinad with Malabar Parotta was a show stealer. The reviewer is a true blue non vegetarian and still loved it. The South Khow Suey gives a Thai idea a regional twist. The soup is herby, refreshing and coconut based. It comes with roasted peanuts, crispy garlic and onions and chillies. Grated idiyappam replaces the usual noodles, and a bowl of crispy fried idiyappam sits alongside.

Drinks and Desserts at Malgudi Restaurant Delhi

The Filter Kaapi Barista uses beans from Chikmagalur. Coffee is brewed in classic and new formats. The classic filter coffee hit the right spots.

The signature cocktail is the Malgudi Picante. It is made with guava, pomegranate, Guntur chilli and charcoal. The reviewer found it spicy and sweet in a surprising way.

The Iced Kaapi with Jaggery and Ghee is a must try. It blends the sweetness of jaggery, the richness of ghee and ice cream. The meal ended with a rich Filter Kaapi Panna Cotta and Elaneer Payasam.

Visiting Malgudi Restaurant Delhi in Rajouri Garden

The restaurant is on the Ground Floor, D-4, Ring Rd, opposite Pillar Number 184, Block D, Rajouri Garden, Delhi 110027. The reviewer's picks are Podi Cheese Balls, Davangere Benne Dosa and South Khow Suey. Malgudi Picante, Iced Kaapi with Jaggery and Ghee and Filter Kaapi Panna Cotta also made the list.

The verdict is warm. Malgudi balances creativity and familiarity for Delhi diners who love South Indian flavours. The reviewer was hosted by the restaurant on an editorial invitation.

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