TLDR
A beloved casual, all-veg South Indian chain, known for its delicious & affordable dosas [18], [39]. Great for lunch & a reliable spot for authentic flavors [45].
Details
Saravanaa Bhavan is a well-regarded, casual, all-vegetarian South Indian chain originating from India, with multiple Manhattan locations [38], [45]. Praised for its delicious and humble vegetarian fare, it's a go-to spot for classic lunches and offers a wide variety of dishes at reasonable prices [18], [45]. It's particularly noted for its excellent dosas and is a great option for those seeking authentic South Indian cuisine without venturing to Queens [5], [21], [31], [39].
Food Overview
Saravanaa Bhavan is celebrated for its extensive menu of South Indian vegetarian cuisine, with dosas being a standout recommendation [5], [21], [31], [39]. Other popular dishes include thalis, sambhar, and pongal [22], [48]. While generally praised for flavor and value, some users find the quality can be uneven, and there's an ongoing discussion comparing it to other Indian restaurants, with some arguing it's a more affordable and accessible alternative to more hyped establishments [8], [9], [14], [21]. The sambhar served with dosa has received mixed reviews, with some finding it inferior to other restaurants [6].
Highlights / Recommended
"Dosas are consistently recommended, with specific mentions of the Masala Mysore Dosa and cheddar masala dosa being highlights. Thali meals and pongal are also suggested as delicious vegetarian options [17], [18], [48], [52], [53]."
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally have a positive view of Saravanaa Bhavan, often recommending it for its authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes like dosas and thalis, and appreciating its affordability and consistent quality [18], [45]. Some debate its superiority compared to other establishments like Semma, with opinions varying on value and authenticity [8], [9], [14].
Caveats
While generally lauded, some users note that Saravanaa Bhavan's quality can be uneven, and its sambhar might not be as good as at other highly-regarded South Indian restaurants [6], [14]. There is also a mention of a past controversy involving the founder of the restaurant [50].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SARAVANA BHAVAN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: I Ate At The Latest South Indian Standout Kidilum
"This user finds Saravanaa Bhavan to be consistently excellent ('goated') for breakfast, even after experiencing South Indian food in its origin country."
PositiveFrom post: Madras Dosa From Saravanna Bhavan In Kips Bay
"A comment mentions a past controversy involving the founder of the restaurant, suggesting a dark history behind the establishment."
NeutralFrom post: I Ate At The Latest South Indian Standout Kidilum
"This user prefers going to places like Saravanaa Bhavan over some of the newer upscale Indian restaurants."
PositiveFrom post: Madras Dosa From Saravanna Bhavan In Kips Bay
"This comment indicates that the Upper West Side (UWS) location of Saravanaa Bhavan is considered one of the best restaurants in that neighborhood."
PositiveFrom post: Madras Dosa From Saravanna Bhavan In Kips Bay
"The user prefers the Masala Mysore Dosa from Saravanaa Bhavan. They previously favored Chennai Garden by Tiffin Wallah for dosas before it closed."
PositiveFrom post: Madras Dosa From Saravanna Bhavan In Kips Bay
"This user states that Saravanaa Bhavan in NY is good, especially when compared to some of their international branches. They also consider it the best place in Manhattan for South Indian cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Spiciest Vegetarian Dishes In Nyc
"Mysore dosa at SARAVANAA BHAVAN is listed as a recommendation for spicy food."
PositiveFrom post: Need Urgent Reccos For Home Cooked Indian Food
"This user provided a link to Saravanaa Bhavan's website, noting it's not quite Times Square but likely relevant."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Get Rose Milk Indian In Nyc
"The user mentioned Saravana Bhavan as a place that has Rose milk. However, they could not confirm the quality of the drink there."
NeutralFrom post: Indiannepali Food Recommendations
"Saravanaa Bhavan is described as a chain of South Indian restaurants originating from India, known for humble but delicious vegetarian food like dosas and pongal."
PositiveFrom post: Recently Moved To Nyc From Houston So Far Im
"Saravanaa Bhavan is recommended for dosa and idly, especially for those with South Indian partners."
PositiveFrom post: New South Indian Rest Annapurna Bhavan How Is It
"The Saravana Bhavan on Lexington Avenue in New York City is rated as an 'alright' option for South Indian food by the reviewer, who holds the Ganesha Temple in Flushing as the gold standard for authenticity."
NeutralFrom post: Any Good Lunches Around Madison Square Park
"Saravanaa Bhavan is praised for its solid Dosa."
PositiveFrom post: Any Good Lunches Around Madison Square Park
"Saravanaa Bhavan is listed as a good lunch option near Madison Square Park."
PositiveFrom post: Where Do Indians Like To Get Their Indian Food
"This user lists Saravanaa Bhavan as a go-to spot for Indian food."
PositiveFrom post: Is There Such A Thing As Great Mild Indian Food
"Saravana Bhavan was suggested as a good choice for mild Indian food, with a note that flavor should not be mistaken for heat."
PositiveFrom post: Is There Such A Thing As Great Mild Indian Food
"Saravana Bhavan was recommended as a South Indian vegetarian restaurant, suggesting its cuisine is often less spicy and complex."
PositiveFrom post: Kips Bay Just Need A Little Oasis In This Desert
"The user had Saravanaa for the first time recently and found it amazing."
PositiveFrom post: Kips Bay Just Need A Little Oasis In This Desert
"Saravanaa Bhavana is highlighted as a go-to comfort food spot, especially for its sambhar and pods, perfect for cold weather."
PositiveFrom post: Kips Bay Just Need A Little Oasis In This Desert
"Saravanaa is recommended as an Indian food option in the Kips Bay area, known for its dosas."
Positive