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TEMPLE CANTEEN

Last Updated: 19 days ago

Phone: (718) 460-8484

Address: 4557 BOWNE STREET 11355

TLDR

Flushing's beloved South Indian vegetarian gem, known for its top-notch dosas & thalis.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 33 Reddit comments)

61% Positive33% Neutral3% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

indian 24south indian 17dosa 20thali 4indian food 3View All

Neighborhoods

Flushing

Details

This Flushing institution has been serving authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine for decades. Praised for its delicious dosas and thalis, it's a go-to spot for those seeking traditional flavors. While some note the travel time, many agree the quality and affordability make it a worthwhile destination for Indian food enthusiasts.

Food Overview

The restaurant specializes in South Indian vegetarian cuisine, with dosas being a highly recommended and frequently mentioned dish. Reviewers often highlight the quality and affordability of their food, with some even comparing it favorably to more upscale establishments. While overwhelmingly positive, one user noted that the quality may not be as consistent as it once was.

Highlights / Recommended

"Dosas, particularly the ghee roast dosa, are highly recommended. The vegetarian thali is also suggested as a good option."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • ghee roast dosa(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise the authentic and delicious South Indian vegetarian food, with dosas being a standout favorite. While location can be a drawback for some, the overall feedback highlights the exceptional quality and value.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This post discusses various places for dosas, with multiple users strongly recommending Temple Canteen for its excellent and affordable options. One user calls it the best 'regular' dosa that can be eaten everyday.
In a comparison of dosa establishments, Temple Canteen is frequently recommended as a superior and more affordable alternative to Semma and Saravanaa Bhavan. The ghee roast dosa is specifically called out as being excellent.
This discussion about favorite vegetarian spots includes strong recommendations for Temple Canteen (also referred to as Ganesh Temple Canteen) in Flushing. The dosas are highlighted as particularly noteworthy.
Users recommend Temple Canteen as a great option for affordable South Indian thali and dosas in Flushing. Despite the travel, it's considered a good choice for those seeking these specific dishes.
Temple Canteen is mentioned in the context of the NYT's 100 Best Restaurants list. One user describes it as a long-standing cultural institution and expresses concern about it becoming overly crowded.

Recent Mentions

From post: Where In Nyc Can You Eat With Your Hands

"This commenter recommended The Temple Canteen as a place that serves dosas, which can be eaten with hands."

Positive
Oct 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Dosa Semma Or Saravana Bhavan

"This user finds Temple Canteen to be great but notes that its quality is not as consistent as it used to be, preferring Dosa Hutt next door."

Negative
Oct 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Dosa Semma Or Saravana Bhavan

"This user lives in central Queens and mentions going to Saravana Bhavan during night classes, but expresses a desire to visit Temple Canteen."

Neutral
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Dosa Semma Or Saravana Bhavan

"This user specifically praises the ghee roast dosa from Temple Canteen."

Positive
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Dosa Semma Or Saravana Bhavan

"This user believes Dosa Delight is better than Temple Canteen and more accessible for most New Yorkers."

Negative
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Dosa Semma Or Saravana Bhavan

"Temple Canteen is recommended for a normal dosa that can be eaten everyday, contrasting with Semma's elevated experience or Thiru's vibes."

Positive
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Dosa Semma Or Saravana Bhavan

"The author recommends Temple Canteen in Flushing as a better alternative to Saravana Bhavan and Thiru (NY Dosa man), though it requires traveling to Flushing."

Positive
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: An Indian Food Crawlwhats On Your List

"This commenter recommends dosa from Temple Canteen in Flushing, Queens, stating they are delicious and affordable."

Positive
Aug 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Favorite Spot For Every Kind Of Cuisine

"Temple Canteen was recommended for South Indian food."

Neutral
Jul 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Going To Spend 2 Weeks In Ny In August Recs

"Hindu Temple Canteen is recommended as an option for Indian food."

Positive
Jul 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Affordable South Indian Thali Or Dosa

"Considers Ganesha Temple in Flushing to be the closest to good South Indian food, rating Anjappar as better than Saravanaa Bhavan."

Positive
Jun 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Affordable South Indian Thali Or Dosa

"Believes Temple Canteen is good but not as good as Saravanaa Bhavan, considering the travel time from Harlem."

Neutral
Jun 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Affordable South Indian Thali Or Dosa

"Suggests Ganesh temple canteen in Flushing as a good option if willing to travel."

Positive
Jun 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Affordable South Indian Thali Or Dosa

"Recommends Temple Canteen for vegetarian thali or dosa."

Positive
Jun 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Semma Just Won The James Beard Award

"This user states that Ganesh Temple Canteen's dosas are superior to Semma's and half the price."

Positive
Jun 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Semma Just Won The James Beard Award

"This user finds the dosas at Ganesh Temple Canteen to be generally good, though their quality can vary depending on the day."

Neutral
Jun 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Semma Just Won The James Beard Award

"This user recommends Ganesh Temple Canteen as a good option for an affordable and available dosa."

Positive
Jun 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Indian Dosa In Washington Square Park

"In response to a request for dosa recommendations that wouldn't disappoint, the user suggested 'Temple'."

Positive
Jun 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Restaurants To Try In Brooklyn Queens

"Temple Canteen was recommended as part of a general list of diverse food options for Brooklyn/Queens, suggesting it is a good place to try."

Positive
Jun 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Indian Dosa In Washington Square Park

"The user states that Temple's dosa is superior to Semma's, which they find to be average at best."

Positive
Jun 14, 2025View Comment →