Malgudi, the South Indian resto-café co-founded by Padma Shri awardee and global music icon Shankar Mahadevan and Eatopia Holdings, has expanded its presence in Mumbai. The café blends authentic South Indian roots with modern global expression, creating a space that feels warm, creative, and inspired by culture.

Step inside Malgudi and the atmosphere immediately shifts into an indigo-blue and terracotta-orange glow. Brass elements catch the light, hand-painted murals reflect coastal lanes, and Chettinad-inspired tilework guides guests toward the open kitchen. The Filter Kaapi counter adds to the experience, where the barista performs the signature davara pour, filling the room with the aroma of fresh kaapi. The soundtrack carries Carnatic motifs woven into contemporary rhythms, making the space feel both familiar and new.

For Shankar Mahadevan, Malgudi is a personal tribute to temple feasts, Sunday breakfasts, and the kitchens that shaped his early years. “Malgudi is not just about food. It’s about stories of family, culture, and creativity,” he says. “Every dosa, every cup of kaapi is a piece of heritage retold for today.”

The café’s interiors reflect this philosophy, bringing together natural materials like cane-backed chairs, polished teak tables, and brass detailing. The open kitchen adds warmth and intimacy, with the sound of dosa batter sizzling and the aroma of ghee welcoming guests. Music also plays a central role, blending tradition and modernity to create an inviting dining atmosphere.

Malgudi’s menu celebrates the depth of South Indian cuisine with a creative edge. At the centre is the Mulbagal Legacy Dosa, a 100-year-old recipe available exclusively at Malgudi. The Ven Pongal Arancini brings a playful twist with molten cheese at its core. Small plates such as Podi Cheese Balls, Anna-Style Crispy Lotus Root, and Butter Pepper Garlic Water Chestnuts offer innovative takes on familiar ingredients.

The café also highlights regional dishes through large plates like Bisi Bele Bibimbap, Paneer Ghee Roast with Neer Dosa, Sri Lankan Tamil Curry with Idiyappam, and Sanchi’s Vegetable Stew with Appam. Even classics such as Uthappam, Curd Rice, and Rasam Mini Idli are presented with thoughtful modern touches. Desserts like Elaneer Payasam, Filter Kaapi Panna Cotta, and the dramatic Chocolate Pull-Up Cake bring a playful finish to the meal.

The drinks menu showcases Malgudi’s creative approach to kaapi. Beans from Chikmagalur are brewed traditionally or reimagined for today’s tastes. Choices include the Kappuccino, the Indiano, and the indulgent Filter Kaapi with Ghee & Jaggery. For non-coffee drinkers, the Malgudi Picante, made with guava, pomegranate, Guntur chilli, and charcoal, adds a bold and refreshing option.

“At Malgudi, authenticity isn’t nostalgia, it's our foundation,” says CEO Chandrashekar. “We’ve reimagined South Indian cuisine for today, without losing the soul that makes it timeless. That balance of heritage and innovation is what defines us.”

“Our vision is to make Malgudi the global benchmark for modern South Indian dining culture,” adds K. S. Ramakrishnan, Founder, Eatopia Holdings; and CEO & MD, DEI. “With Malgudi, we’re combining scale with soul, and authenticity with innovation.”

Malgudi continues to bring its philosophy of “Authentic Inspiration. Creative Expression.” to a wider audience, redefining how South Indian cuisine is experienced in a contemporary café setting.

About Malgudi:

Malgudi – The South Indian Resto-Café is co-founded by Shankar Mahadevan and Eatopia Holdings, founded by K. S. Ramakrishnan. The café celebrates authentic recipes, creative reinterpretations, and a warm, modern café setting.

Note: Malgudi is an original brand with no association to the literary or television series Malgudi Days.

Factsheet:

● Open Now: SV Road, Borivali West, Mumbai, Lower Parel & Chembur

● Timings: Mon–Sun, 9:00 am – 11:30 pm

Accessibility & hospitality: Step-free access; child-friendly seating; Jain options available; reservations recommended at peak hours.