Anoop Kamath
Google
Back in 1986, Sagar Ratna dropped its first branch in Delhi’s Defence Colony. Fast-forward almost 40 years, and they’ve multiplied across India like hot dosas on a tawa. Even today, there’s still a queue outside—proof that the hype is real.
They’re all about Udupi/Karnataka-style vegetarian food, but on my latest visit, I noticed the menu’s had a glow-up. Think Thatte Idli (the thick, plate-sized idli that’s trending all over India), specials like porotta, idiappam, set dosa, and even some funky fusion dosas.
Our lunch lineup? Mini idlis dunked in sambar, a masala dosa, and poori sabji. The masala dosa was basically 10/10 chef’s kiss. The potato sabji, sambar, and chutneys—especially that peanut chutney—were peak Kannadiga flavor. The poori set comes with potato sabji, vegetable kuruma, and sambar—five fluffy pooris that are perfect to share. Oh, and we threw in an appalam for that crispy crunch.
Props to them for seriously upping their sambar and chutney game. And the service? Lightning fast and super attentive.
If you’re anywhere near Defence Colony and craving fresh, hot, legit South Indian food—Sagar Ratna is still the spot.