Restaurant India News: Singer Shankar Mahadevan Unveils Two Outlets of ‘Malgudi,’ in Mumbai

Padma Shri awardee and global music icon Shankar Mahadevan has unveiled Malgudi, a South Indian café concept in Mumbai. The brand has launched their two outlets in Borivali and Chembur respectively. Conceived as a tribute to temple feasts, family kitchens, and Sunday breakfasts of his childhood, Malgudi brings together regional flavours and modern sensibilities in a vibrant, immersive space.

Stepping inside, guests are met with an indigo-blue glow paired with playful terracotta-orange accents. Hand-painted murals inspired by coastal life and Chettinad-style tilework anchor the interiors, while an open kitchen fills the room with the aroma of ghee and the sizzle of dosa batter.

Malgudi’s menu highlights the diversity of South India with contemporary presentation. At its core is the Mulbagal Legacy Dosa, a 100-year-old recipe exclusive to the café, served with artfully plated chutneys. Creative small plates include Ven Pongal Arancini, Podi Cheese Balls, Anna-Style Crispy Lotus Root, and Butter Pepper Garlic Water Chestnuts, each designed to transform everyday ingredients into stylish, social-media-ready bites.

Large plates explore regional depth with dishes such as Bisi Bele, Bibimbap, Paneer Ghee Roast with Neer Dosa, Sri Lankan Tamil Curry with Idiyappam, Sanchi’s Vegetable Stew with Appam. Even staples like uthappam, curd rice, and rasam idli receive a contemporary plating treatment. Desserts include Elaneer Payasam, Filter Kaapi Panna Cotta, and a dramatic Chocolate Pull-Up Cake, adding a playful conclusion to the meal.

“Malgudi is not just about food. It’s about stories of family, culture, and creativity. Every dosa, every cup of kaapi is a piece of heritage retold for today,” says Shankar Mahadevan, Founder, Malgudi.

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

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

The beverage menu highlights Chikmagalur coffee through both traditional brews and inventive spins like the Kappuccino, Indiano, and Filter Kaapi with Ghee & Jaggery. Non-coffee drinkers can opt for regional mocktails, including the bold Malgudi Picante, made with guava, pomegranate, Guntur chilli, and charcoal. With its fusion of atmosphere, craftsmanship, and culinary imagination, Malgudi positions itself as a fresh and stylish celebration of South Indian culture.