South Indian dosa brings heartwarming flavours and a taste of home. Finding the same magic thousands of miles away from India is not easy until you stumble upon The Madras Diaries in Utrecht.
Known for its authentic South Indian flavours and inventive twists, The Madras Diaries offers a variety of dosas, including Mysore Masala Dosa and Chocolate Dosa. Each dosa is made fresh, served with care and packed with flavour.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the specialties that make this place a home for Dosa lovers.
The Madras Diaries: The Best Indian Restaurant In The City
Located in the heart of Utrecht, The Madras Diaries has become the ultimate destination for anyone longing for authentic South Indian flavours.
The restaurant takes pride in showcasing dishes that go beyond the usual tourist-friendly dishes. Their dosas are a testament to this philosophy.
Each one is prepared with batter that has been fermented just right, resulting in a crepe that is light and crisp but still hearty enough to hold its filling.
The Chutneys and Sambar that accompany the Dosas deserve their own appreciation too. They are tasty, spicy and soul-soothing, just the way they should be.
However, it is their ability to balance authenticity with innovation that makes them stand apart. While you will find timeless classics, the chefs are not afraid to experiment.
Their inventive takes make the menu exciting for both first-timers and seasoned fans. Beyond the dosas themselves, what makes The Madras Diaries special is its atmosphere.
It recreates the sense of home, of gathering around a table, of meals that spark conversations and memories. The service is warm, the menu feels approachable and the food options cater to every mood.
Signature Dosas To Try At The Madras Diaries
Mysore Masala Dosa
If there is a dosa that speaks the language of bold flavours, it is the Mysore Masala Dosa. And, The Madras Diaries does justice to this iconic dish.
On the outside, it looks like any other dosa. Golden, paper-thin and crisp. But, take a bite and the spicy red chutney spread inside announces itself with a kick that wakes up your taste buds.
The potato filling adds a comforting balance, reminding you that heat and comfort can coexist. This dosa is perfect for anyone who enjoys complex flavours.
It is not shy and it certainly does not tiptoe around your palate. Rather, this dosa is a flavourful journey worth taking again and again.
Ghee Dosa
Sometimes, less is more. The Ghee Dosa at The Madras Diaries proves that simplicity means depth. As soon as the dosa arrives at your table, the aroma of clarified butter drifts upward, teasing your senses before you even touch it.
The moment you tear off a piece, you will notice how the ghee seeps into the pores of the crepe.
And, this is the dosa for those who appreciate subtlety. No stuffing, no dramatic spice mixes, just the natural flavour of rice and lentils elevated by ghee.
For diners who might be trying dosa for the first time, this is a safe yet satisfying introduction, providing a peek into why South Indians swear by ghee as the finishing touch to their meals.
Podi Dosa
Podi, often called ‘gunpowder’ in Indian kitchens, is a dry spice mix made with roasted lentils, chillies and sesame. When this fiery powder is generously sprinkled inside a dosa with a drizzle of oil, what you get is a dosa that packs heat and crunch in equal measure.
At first bite, you will taste the nutty flavour from the podi, then the smoky heat creeps in, followed by the earthy comfort of the dosa itself. This is not a mild-mannered dosa. It is bold, unapologetic and addictive.
The crunch of the dosa adds a wonderful contrast to the coarse texture of the Podi, creating a medley of taste sensations you cannot quite put into words.
Once you have had it here, chances are, you will crave this delicious Dosa long after you have left the restaurant.
Chilli Cheese Masala Dosa
If you think dosa belongs strictly in the traditional lane, the Chilli Cheese Masala Dosa will change your mind. The familiar potato filling is now jazzed up with melted cheese and a touch of green chilli heat.
It is the best of both worlds, comforting, yet cheeky enough to throw in a little sting. Cheese lovers will instantly appreciate the gooey texture, which pairs surprisingly well with the crisp shell of the dosa.
The chillies, meanwhile, ensure that the dish does not get too monotonous. Every bite swings between creamy indulgence and spicy zest.
This is the kind of dosa that would win over someone who is not even familiar with Indian food. It feels modern without losing the essence of what a dosa should be, making it a crowd-pleaser for groups with mixed tastes.
Chocolate Dosa
Yes, you read that right. Chocolate Dosa. If it sounds unusual, give it a chance, because this little treat is a delightful surprise, especially for children. This is a fun twist on a traditional favourite.
A kid’s special at The Madras Diaries, the thin, golden dosa is spread generously with smooth chocolate, folded neatly and served as if it came straight from a festive celebration.
The lightness of the dosa balances out the richness of the chocolate. You are sure to realise this is not just a novelty, it is a clever way to turn a savoury staple into a dessert worth talking about.
It tells you that food should sometimes be about joy rather than rules. Order one for the table and watch it disappear in no time. It is playful, it is sweet and it is bound to bring a smile to any child’s face.
Butter Cone Dosa
Few things can rival the satisfaction of tearing into a dosa shaped like a cone, golden and glossy with butter. Tall and crisp, it arrives at your table like a work of edible art.
It catches your eye before you even take a bite, making it especially exciting for the little ones. The cone shape adds a playful twist, turning mealtime into a moment of delight for kids.
Light enough for small tummies but rich enough to feel special, every bite reveals buttery layers that melt instantly, leaving behind a warm flavour.
On the kids’ menu at The Madras Diaries, the Butter Cone Dosa stands out as a beloved food. Perfect for young adventurers who love trying new things, it comes with Chutneys that are absolutely flavoursome.
The Madras Diaries Special Dosa
This one deserves a drumroll. The Madras Diaries Special Dosa is the chef’s special creation, reflecting an inventive spirit while staying true to the soul of South Indian food.
The scrumptious dosa is filled with a blend of cottage cheese and spiced potatoes, served with a range of flavorful dips inspired by different regions of India.
The dosa comes alive with textures of soft cheese, hearty potatoes and hints of tangy, earthy dips that make each bite slightly different from the last.
This tasty dosa is inventive, yet it feels like it belongs on the menu without question. It shows what happens when tradition is respected but imagination is allowed to play. The Special Dosa alone is reason enough for you to visit The Madras Diaries.
So, we warmly invite you to enjoy all these Dosas and much more at our restaurant and experience the culinary richness yourself. Until then, see you!
