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Co-founded by legendary singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan and entrepreneur K. S. Ramakrishnan, Malgudi, The South Indian Resto-Café brings its distinctive blend of culinary heritage, cultural storytelling and contemporary dining to New Delhi with its newest outlet in Rajouri Garden.
Located in Rajouri Garden, New Delhi, the new outlet marks another step in Malgudi’s growing presence across India, bringing its interpretation of South Indian cuisine to the Delhi community. The restaurant is designed around the brand’s philosophy of celebrating authentic flavours while presenting them through a contemporary café experience.
As for future expansion, the brand is stepping up its global expansion, with plans to close the year with at least 13 restaurants worldwide. Also, the brand is aiming to scale its international footprint to 102 outlets over the next five years, as per media reports.
For Shankar Mahadevan, Padma Shri awardee and global music icon, Malgudi is deeply rooted in memories of home, family and the food he grew up with. "The love we've received across our Malgudi outlets has been incredibly heartwarming and has reaffirmed our belief that South Indian cuisine has a truly universal appeal. With our newest outlet in Delhi, we're excited to bring the flavours, traditions and stories that inspired Malgudi to an even wider audience. This brand is deeply personal to me because it celebrates the food and memories I grew up with while presenting them in a way that resonates with today's generation." – Shankar Mahadevan, Co-Founder, Eatopia
"The New Delhi launch is another important milestone in Malgudi's journey. We wanted to create a space that feels welcoming to the community while staying true to our vision of celebrating the richness and diversity of South Indian cuisine. We are excited to bring the Malgudi experience to Delhi and look forward to becoming a part of the city's evolving food culture." – K. S. Ramakrishnan, Founder, Eatopia
The Space: Modern Café, South Indian Soul
The New Delhi outlet carries forward Malgudi’s signature design language, where heritage meets contemporary café culture. At the heart of the restaurant is the Filter Kaapi Barista Station, where the traditional davara pour becomes part of the experience. The open kitchen adds another sensory element, with the sound of sizzling dosa batter and the aroma of ghee creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and theatrical.
Whether it is a quick coffee break, a family meal or a casual gathering with friends, the Rajouri Garden outlet is designed as a space where food, music, design and culture come together.
The Food: Beyond Dosa & Idli
Malgudi’s menu celebrates the diversity of South Indian cuisine through traditional favourites, contemporary reinterpretations and a thoughtfully curated selection of vegetarian and Jain-friendly dishes.
At the centre of the menu is the Mulbagal Legacy Dosa, a 100-year-old recipe exclusive to Malgudi, featuring crisp edges and a soft centre, accompanied by chutneys presented with a contemporary touch.
The menu also features inventive dishes such as Ven Pongal Arancini, golden-fried spheres with molten cheese centres, alongside small plates including Podi Cheese Balls, Anna-Style Crispy Lotus Root and Butter Pepper Garlic Water Chestnuts.
Larger plates explore flavours from across the region, with offerings such as:
- Bisi Bele Bibimbap
- Paneer Ghee Roast with Neer Dosa
- Sri Lankan Tamil Curry with Idiyappam
- Sanchi’s Vegetable Stew with Appam
For guests looking for plant-forward options, Malgudi offers dishes inspired by South India’s naturally vegetarian and culinary traditions, including Uthappam, Curd Rice and Rasam Mini Idli.
The dessert menu brings the same playful approach with offerings such as Elaneer Payasam, Filter Kaapi Panna Cotta and Chocolate Pull-Up Cake.
The Drinks: Kaapi Meets Creativity
The Filter Kaapi Barista Program is a key part of the Malgudi experience, featuring beans sourced from Chikmagalur and brewed in traditional and contemporary formats.
Guests can choose from playful interpretations such as the Kaapiccino, a meeting of kaapi and cappuccino, the Indiano, an Americano with a South Indian twist, and the indulgent Filter Kaapi enriched with ghee and jaggery
The mocktail selection brings South Indian ingredients into contemporary beverages, with The Malgudi Picante combining guava, pomegranate, Guntur chilli and charcoal for a bold and refreshing serve.
Bringing Malgudi to New Delhi
With its newest outlet in Rajouri Garden, New Delhi, Malgudi continues to expand its footprint while staying rooted in its core philosophy of “Authentic Inspiration. Creative Expression.”
The new restaurant aims to introduce Delhi diners to South Indian flavours through a combination of familiar recipes, creative interpretations, contemporary interiors and an immersive café experience.
As Malgudi continues its growth journey, the brand remains focused on creating spaces that bring people together over food, coffee, music and the stories that make South Indian culture so distinctive.
