Mumbaikars, your favourite South Indian destination by the iconic singer and composer is taking an international plunge. Yes, Malgudi is expanding, and they have touched the UAE ground. For all the Indian expats in Dubai & Abu Dhabi, feeling the fomo or simply missing out on the authentic South Indian dishes from the Mumbai outlet of Malgudi, your time has finally come, and you’d better rush!
Mumbai’s Malgudi Makes Its First International Debut In Dubai & Abu Dhabi
For many people, Shankar Mahadevan is known for music. But food has long been one of his passions as well. Last year, he stepped into the restaurant business with Malgudi, a South Indian dining concept inspired by the fictional town created by author R. K. Narayan. The restaurant first made its mark in Mumbai before expanding further.
Mahadevan has often spoken about his love for cooking and sharing meals with family and friends. That interest eventually turned into a restaurant brand that focuses on South Indian recipes, including dishes that aren’t always easy to find outside the region.
One of the standout menu items is the Mulbagal Dosa, a recipe said to date back around a century. Alongside that are classic comfort foods such as idlis, vadas and filter coffee, all of which have become staples for South Indian food fans.
The menu remains fully vegetarian and focuses on flavours from across South India. Guests can expect everything from different styles of dosa and uttapam to regional breakfast dishes and traditional desserts.
Familiar Food With A Few Surprises
What seems to set Malgudi apart is its mix of tradition and experimentation.
While diners can order the classics they already know, the restaurant also introduces lesser-known regional dishes and modern twists on old recipes. The idea isn’t to completely reinvent South Indian food. Instead, it’s about introducing people to flavours they may not have tried before.
For UAE residents who grew up eating these dishes, the restaurant offers a taste of home. For others, it could simply be a new spot to discover what South Indian cooking is really about.
Either way, Malgudi’s arrival adds another interesting name to Dubai’s already busy food scene.
Where: Motor City, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Cover Image Courtesy: Malgudi UAE/Instagram
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.