Madurai Modern Cafe

We've lived in this neighborhood for years and this is an easy Cafe to miss. It's the same parking lot as 7 11 facing Wolfe Avenue. There was just one worker that we could see when we have been here. He took our order at the register, let us pick our seats, brought our chai immediately and then our masala dosa's out in less than 10 minutes, two at a time. Dosas were hot and crisp, each flavor for the accompaniments were distinct, tomato, coconut & green (not sure) and the Sambar was hot. Tables and chairs were clean. Silverware, napkins, stir sticks and sugar on a counter in the back. Chai was not sweetened. It's not crowded like Madras Cafe and UlavacharU Tiffins. There was a couple, a family and a few individuals eating when we have been here. My family are happy to come here for the convenience, taste and masala dosas. We've had the masala dosa and mysore masala dosa. We may try some others on the menu.

A hidden gem that has slowly become my family's go-to spot for homely, vegetarian South Indian food. While there's no shortage of Dosa-Idli places in the Bay Area, I keep coming back here because the food is just as good--if not better--than some of the more well-established spots like Madras Cafe and Saravana Bhavan. The ambience here is quiet and cozy and the focus is on the food. One note: don't confuse this place with its namesake, Madurai Idli Kadai, which is also just five minutes away. What draws me here is that it's less crowded, the food is always freshly prepared (my test is the Idli and Vada combo). Many places tend to pre-make these and serve them warm or even cold, but I've consistently had them hot and fresh here, no matter the time of day I order.Be sure to try their three-flavor dosa, featuring Mysore, Malli, and Kara chutneys, all in a single dosa topped with some podi and onions. I loved it! Definitely worth a visit--you won't be disappointed.

Love this little south indian place! Its tucked in a corner, lowkey but the food is delicious. They got their sambar and chutneys right! The mysore masala dosa is my fav over here.. do give it a try! Food is not too spicy which is great! The taste and flavors are very authentic south indian and seems like they use good quality ingredients (ghee was amazing in the dosa). The service is pretty quick as well.

I gotta start off this review saying the 5 stars is purely for their food! The service is pretty slow and the place definitely needs a bit of maintenance but once you taste their food, you'll know why they are always crowded despite their issues :)Their sambar is one of THE BEST I've had in the bay. You can try any combination of dosai and you won't be disappointed - everything is delicious but especially ghee rava, do not miss this! If you love a bit of heat, try their kara malli dosai. Idlies are fantastic and vadai is crissspy (a bit too oily for me though) & the Poori channa is made the South Indian way which needs a special mention cause got don't get this at all Indian restaurants.

Good vegetarian options and tastes good! Call ahead of time in case you want to order togoRecommended for South Indian breakfast.

Poor hygiene. Some food is authentic. But I will not go here again.Dishes triedSambar vadaVada is not good, sambar was okCurd vadaVada is not good, curd was tangy and spicySchezwan veg noodles Madurai malli masala dosa.Nice spicy and tasty, too.Kal dosa with korma Kal dosa was thin and should be thick. Korma was very good.Poori masalaMasala, no spice, very bland. Less onions mostly potatoes.All the chutneys were authentic.

Always hot and fresh food, comes out quick, clean eatery. We like this more than other similarly themed restaurants :). Less cramped for space, not crazy crowded. I hope more people visit this place than waiting at other places. Dosas are crispy, idlis are soft and pillowy, vadas are crispy, they do all dishes well. This is our go-to spot for south indian breakfast foods. Home cooked style, modest, totally affordable for everyone. Coffee is always strong and delicious. Remember this is small business, they operate with minimal staff, so have patience and wait at the counter. You can ring a bell if you need things urgently (Dont be that person!). Please remember to clean up after yourself.

This place serves south indian breakfast items, which are very much like home made and are unassuming. It runs in a self-serve style, where you have to wait on a single person at the counter to place your order or ask for any more items. The menu is very affordably priced. My favorite breakfast combo is - Idli, Vada, Pongal. Amongst the sides, sambar was very well-made, although I would have really appreciated had the chutneys not been very cold (as if they just took it out from the fridge).

You enter and you instantly get the feels of a local Indian south Indian food joint. They have a board for 'unlimited dosas coming up' since at least 4 months but it hasn't started yet. You place the order on the counter and then they assign a number to you. During lunch/dinner times the place is really crowded.Also you have to wait atleast 25 mins (i have visited 4 times and every time waited for 30 mins). But maybe its a good sign they are making it from scratch I ordered dosa and idli. Both come with three chutneys and a small portion of sambar. The chutneys are very limited and they don't instantly give you more if you ask. It's apparently supposed to be enough for the amount of dosa/idli in one plate. I only eat coconut chutney and i asked them if they can give that to me in all 3 compartments instead of the other two which i waste they said no.The dosas are crisp and tasty so is the sambar. Idlis are really soft and they just melt in the mouth. Filter coffee is the winner. Dont miss it.The place is NOT clean. Washroom is dirty. I wish they pay more attention to cleanliness!

Best to try if you wish vegetarian meal. Simple menu and fresh prep can be sensed. Must try their veg kothu parotta, idli always they are soft to the core very impressive Neat restaurant Service and staff are good !!!!