God bless the hands who created the crispy masterpiece named Dosa! This grand crepe has crossed borders to create milestones in the Indian food history across the globe. Masala Dosa, Fusion Dosa and of course, the traditional Dosa with endless chutneys have become a staple to those who devour Indian food. And FYI, do not fall for the theory of Dosa being the “Indian Pancakes” because Dosa has a royal lineage and identity that would make all other crepes/pancakes fall far behind.
The Origin Story
Rumoured to have originated around 1000 years ago in Tamil Nadu, this dish has travelled across the states of South India with each region adding a little feather to the dish. The popularity of the dish dates back to the British Era and has come a long way in creating history with its taste and texture.
Here are some of the popular varieties of Dosa available right here in the UAE.
1. Dosa GRANDE
In the land of the tallest, grandest, largest and everything extravagant, there had to be something GRANDER on the plate too. Devour this crispy goodness, almost as big as your table. Head to Aryaas restaurant for the much popular “Family Roast” good enough to serve 5-6 people at the least. This dosa is 5ft long, almost as much as a person!! If you are looking to have this one, make sure to take some of your family / friends with you.
Where – Aryaas
Price – AED 90
Location – Multiple Outlets across UAE
2. Dosa Gone West
Fusion exists everywhere. With heavy influences of Chinese, Italian and a multitude of other cultures and its flavours – you can find a Dosa in variants beyond your imagination. Sweet, Spice, Savory – you name it and they have it. Dosa Plaza has created milestones in having over 105 tested varieties of Dosa. From the traditional Masala dosa to the American Chopsuey dosa, the list is almost endless. They even have an Arabian Delight dosa, an ode to the tastes of the region.
Where – Dosa Plaza
Price – AED 9 onwards
Location – Al Nahda, Dubai
3. Nutella Dosa
Nutella has finally made its way to Dosas too. An unofficial recreation of the infamous Nutella Crepe, the buttery goodness of the Nutella dosa takes this dish to another level. Yummy Dosa has been creating several varieties of the classic dosa and this one manages to stand out as a bestseller amongst dessert enthusiasts. We approve!
Where – Yummy Dosa Restaurant
Price – AED 25
Location – Al Karama, Dubai
4. Healthy-licious Dosa
Want to indulge in some guilt-free Dosa goodness? Worry not as MTR 1924 has you covered. From Rava Dosa to Ragi Dosa, the restaurant serves a plethora of options to choose to have them less on carbs yet infused with taste. Of course, the variety of chutneys go well with almost everything too.
Where – MTR 1924
Price – AED 10 onwards
Location – Al Karama / Mankhool
5. Dosa + Maggi = LOVE!
Did you see that and scream? So did we when we finally tried the Cheese Burst Maggi Dosa right here in Dubai. Oozing with the goodness of Cheese, topped with a generous portion of Maggi – this is one dosa we could have every day if the diet calls for it. Rajdhani Street brings together a fusion extravaganza combining popular street foods with recreations beyond your imagination. Tempted already? Go and check out this dish and thank us later.
Where – Rajdhani Street
Price – AED 25
Location – Al Karama / Jumeirah Lake Towers
This article has been contributed to Curly Tales by Sweta Swaminathan. If you wish to contribute your travel story, please drop an email here