When people seek an authentic taste of Indian cuisine and want to explore a wide variety of vegetarian options, The Madras Cafe is the way to go. The restaurant’s owner, Ms. Manisha Sheesta, had always wanted to create a restaurant that would stand out from other Indian restaurants and would be welcoming towards everyone in the community. According to themadrascafefl.com, she also wanted locals to get a taste of her mother’s recipes that were taught to her as a young child. Ms. Sheesta always wanted to, “Capture the essence” of many Indo-Chinese and South Indian foods. The owner stated, “With all the restaurants serving a variety of food from all over the world in Dr. Phillips, the restaurant row was missing an all-vegan and vegetarian restaurant.”
In Dr. Phillips, there still aren’t many South Indian vegetarian restaurants that people can enjoy, and the only place residents can go to is The Madras Cafe. This South Indian restaurant has been rated four and a half out of five stars on Google, with many reviews claiming this is the best South Indian restaurant in Orlando. As soon as guests arrive, the restaurant promises every single person an unforgettable and delightful dining experience.
When seated and looking through the menu, restaurant guests will notice the diverse range of appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks. In the appetizer section, the menu offers Idlis, which is described on the menu as, “Steamed rice and lentil cake” and can be served with a variety of chutneys and other dipping sauces. The rest of the appetizers offer more vegetable-based dishes, including Chili Pakora and Onion Bhaji, which are both vegetables, green peppers, and onions, dipped in batter, then fried, and served with sauces. Both provide an explosion of flavor and never lack any spice! For beverages, they provide common drinks, including water, sodas, and tea. However, they also offer different South Asian drinks, including Masala Chai, which is black tea mixed with different types of herbs and spices. Another beverage they offer is Thumbs Up which is an Indian soda and a version of Coca-Cola. Both are delicious and highly recommended by the manager, Mr. Leo Serrao, in the restaurant.
Moving on to the main courses, guests can look at a whole range of different types of Dosa, which are lentil crepes. Depending on which Dosa is ordered, it will be loaded with spices, vegetables, and tasty sauces. Another option for the main course is vegetarian curries or other delicious dishes the restaurant offers. All of their curries are served with rice and include cheese, vegetables, and spices. Once more, there is a wide variety from which to choose, with the option of choosing either paneer (cottage cheese) or tofu in their curry. One of their dishes, Paneer/Tofu Makhani, is described as, “Cubes of Indian cottage cheese or tofu cooked in a tomato-based creamy sauce with spices.” Another one of their dishes, the Vegetable Korma, is also a mouthwatering dish and is served with, “Garden fresh vegetables cooked in spices, cashew paste, and coconut milk.” Of these two dishes, the Paneer/Tofu Makhani is the most ordered, but guests have enjoyed both.
After eating their meals, the next thing guests are excited about is the dessert! The restaurant provides typical Indian desserts, including Gulab Jamun, which is, “Fried dry milk and cottage cheese balls in light syrup and rose water.” Ras Malai is another option that is, “Homemade cottage cheese in a special condensed milk, flavored with rose water and garnished with pistachio nuts.” However, they have also created a dessert recipe of their own that combines a regular American dessert with an Indian topping. This dessert is called a Sizzling Brownie, which is a regular brownie with ice cream topped with Rooh Afza. Rooh Afza, also known as rose syrup, is a red syrup that can be used to make drinks in either water or milk and can used as a topping for desserts. All of the desserts at The Madras Cafe are flavorful and sweet.
Known as the best South Indian vegetarian restaurant in Orlando, The Madras Cafe never fails to disappoint with its delicious dishes, unique flavors, and spices. With a wide variety of vegetarian options for appetizers and main courses, there is a dish for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, guests have loved and enjoyed all of their delicious desserts and drinks. Having an owner, Manisha Sheesta, who is compassionate and driven, everyone is provided with a delicious meal and an unforgettable experience. So if anyone is in Dr. Phillps and looking for a restaurant that captures the essence of delicious South Indian food and beverages, stop by The Madras Cafe!
