Never Miss a Headline!

Southern detour

Updated On: 28 July, 2021 09:53 AM IST | Sukanya Datta

Capitalising on Mumbai’s love for South Indian fare, a new deli offers an innovative menu that pays homage to the culinary diversity of this region

Chef Rahul Desai whips up mini idlis with Sri Lankan curry at his Lower Parel kitchen. Pic/Bipin Kokate

From the power brekkie of idli, medu vada and uthappam that cycle-top stalls offer, to the filter coffee-laced addas and rice plates at the many udupis dotting the city, Mumbai has an intimate relationship with South Indian food. One that’s built on subsistence, feeding the working-class Mumbaikar. Hailing from a Jain family, Bandra-based chef Rahul Desai, too, grew up on a diet of South Indian breakfast fare. Banking on Mumbaikars’ soft spot for this cuisine, the former chef of Indigo, Taj and Masala Library has started his delivery venture, Vanakkam Cafe, which serves both OG staples from various parts of South India, as well as thoughtful twists to the same.

Born amid the second wave, the deli is a re-invention of his Malad restaurant by the same name that had to shutter due to the pandemic. The 2.0 avatar came to life under The Taxi Incubator programme, started by Lower Parel-based restaurant London Taxi’s managing partners, Pawan Shahri and Dhaval Udeshi. The programme aims to give a leg-up to small entrepreneurs looking to open a cloud kitchen. “I’ve worked with Shahri and Udeshi for a while now [Desai is also the executive chef at London Taxi], and they had eaten the food at Vanakkam. They knew that it held the potential to become a 100-chain brand. So, I pitched the idea to them for the incubator project,” shares the 29-year-old. With the cloud kitchen, Desai hopes to spread the word about the diversity of South Indian food and its roots in the five states. “The idea is to also redefine South Indian flavours,” he adds.

Trending Stories

Skand Thakur: We have to prove ourselves even for a one-minute role

India thrash Japan 5-1 in Asian Champions Trophy

"The rise of ...": Khawaja feels this has boosted Australia to defeat India

Murali worried about Test cricket’s future

"The kind of cricket Bangladesh have played is impressive": Shubman Gill

Apple iPhone 16 launch: Know the features, prices and availability in India

Up and about: Bye bye Bappa!

Have you heard? Powerful combo

Latest Web Stories

Kim Kardashian turns into a soccer mom

1 years ago

5 reasons Sargun Mehta is a boss lady!

1 years ago

Aadar and Alekha's loved-up pics

1 years ago

Ananya Panday with her late dog Fudge

1 years ago

Latest Photos

17 December, 2025 11:56 AM IST | IN PHOTOS: MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan during Maharashtra Legislative Council polls

Asif Ali Sayed

09 September, 2024 09:32 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: People in Mumbai celebrate Gauri Puja during Ganeshotsav

Asif Ali Sayed

09 September, 2024 09:13 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: Mumbai witnesses sunny weather as rains take a break

Asif Ali Sayed

09 September, 2024 01:53 PM IST | In Photos: Amit Shah attends Ganeshotsav 2024 festivities in Mumbai

Divya Nair

Latest Videos

Putin's BLOODIEST Kyiv Blitz | 27 Dead, 52,000 In Bunkers As Zelenskyy Swears Revenge | WATCH

Iran's 5-day State FUNERAL For Ayatollah Ali Khamenei | 100 Nations Arrive For Historic Farewell

Israel Plot To KILL Iran's Negotiators? US Feared Secret Strike Could Trigger All-out War | WATCH

Syria Cafe Blast: Bomb EXPLODES Inside Cafe Killing 5 in Damascus, Syria Launches Investigation

Mumbai Rains HORROR: 55-year-old FALLS Into Open Manhole in Sakinaka, Dies; BMC Suspends Four

Mid-day Fast

Entertainment

dsadsdsadsd

Entertainment

Deepika & Ranveer's daughter is boon to her parents, predicts astrologer

Lifestyle

The art of accessorising traditional attire for Ganesh Chaturthi

Latest Headlines

Kindly mail us your feedback

Follow Us:

Home

Photos

E-Paper

Videos

MD Fast