Kovai Cafe

Kovai cafe misses the mark on food. I ordered the Thali and promptly returned it after trying the flavorless rices (puliyodarai, tomato rice and curd rice). The chef attempted to redo the rices but it made no difference. I don’t think they know what it should taste like. Millet dosai was good, the chutneys were ok. The tomato and another red chutney tasted raw. Sambar tasted like dal. Service was good but the food was a major disappointment.

Kovai cafe misses the mark on food. I ordered the Thali and promptly returned it after trying the flavorless rices (puliyodarai, tomato rice and curd rice). The chef attempted to redo the rices but it made no difference. I don’t think they know what it should taste like. Millet dosai was good, the chutneys were ok. The tomato and another red chutney tasted raw. Sambar tasted like dal. Service was good but the food was a major disappointment.

The breakfast was very satisfying. I ordered the mini tiffin combo with masala dosa, and the vada and pongal deserve special mention. The vada was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and well-cooked inside, with black peppercorns that elevated the flavor beautifully. The pongal had just the right amount of ghee. Overall, the food was very good. I really enjoyed all three types of chutney, though the sambar wasn’t to my taste as it felt slightly heavy on turmeric. Overall, it was a tasty and great value-for-money meal.

The breakfast was very satisfying. I ordered the mini tiffin combo with masala dosa, and the vada and pongal deserve special mention. The vada was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and well-cooked inside, with black peppercorns that elevated the flavor beautifully. The pongal had just the right amount of ghee. Overall, the food was very good. I really enjoyed all three types of chutney, though the sambar wasn’t to my taste as it felt slightly heavy on turmeric. Overall, it was a tasty and great value-for-money meal.

Food. - Masala Dosa, with masala on the side. Decent sized dosa and it wasn’t oily. It was a bit hard on the ends. I typically prefer a soft dosa it’s easier to bend and I can scoop up sambar/chutney. I only liked the green chutney, didn’t really try the others. Masala wasn’t anything special, no big chunks of veggies or other ingredients and not spicy or salty. Sambar felt like I was eating mainly dal, could’ve used a bit more seasoning. But honestly it felt healthy! Idly(2) vada(2) Vada came out really small, smallest I’ve ever had. It tasted great, loved the flavors. It complimented the “plain” sambar really well. Idly was too soft in my opinion. It would stick to my fingers as I was eating it. Tasted good though! I really enjoyed the Chai! Inside roughly 15-20 tables. Napkins, silverware, sugar at the table. If you ask for water they’ll bring a jug over. It can feel a bit tight inside. It looks like they can move the tables around to accommodate large groups. There is a waiting list you can sign up for. They were definitely packed and busy when I went in. There is a standalone sink, and a bathroom inside as well. Staff is friendly, polite and everyone is running around. Just give them a minute and they’ll give you want you need. outside Parking is tight! They share it with multiple business in the shopping center. I did street parking around the shopping center. Overall. I would visit again! This wouldn’t be my go to spot for dosa/idly. But the food felt healthy, not too salty/spicy or oily which is always a plus. I looked at my neighbor and the Thali looks amazing.