Saravanaa Bhavan

Saravanaa Bhavan is a globally renowned South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain known for its authentic and flavorful dishes. Founded in Chennai, India, it has expanded internationally and offers a wide variety of traditional South Indian fare, such as dosas, idlis, sambar, and chutneys.

Saravanaa Bhavan is located on St Eriksplan. It’s a small restaurant with a few tables. While the small space provides a cozy setting, the decor feels somewhat outdated and could benefit from a modern refresh to create a cleaner, more vibrant ambiance.

I ordered a rasam soup, vada, and plain dosa.

The rasam soup was spicy, tangy, and packed with a variety of bold spices, offering a warming and flavorful start to the meal.

The vada had a thin, crispy layer with a soft, pillowy interior, mildly spiced but perfectly balanced and delicious.

The dosa was served with sambar and two variations of coconut chutney, one more traditional and the other slightly sweeter. While the dosa was well-prepared and crispy, it lacked the distinct sourness typically associated with fermentation. However, the accompanying sambar and chutneys complemented the dish well and were flavorful.

Sankt Eriksgatan 66, 113 20 Stockholm, Sweden

 

MahaBelly is a South Indian restaurant specializing in Kerala’s rich and diverse cuisine. The lighting inside was somewhat dim, but as soon as I entered, I was greeted by the inviting aroma of Indian spices, immediately setting the tone for a flavorful experience.

The service was warm and welcoming, with the waiter offering a friendly smile and attentive hospitality.

The extensive menu features a wide selection of seafood and meat dishes, biryanis, various dosas, breads, and the traditional Kerala Thali. After hearing about Thali but having never tried it before, I decided to go for the non-vegetarian option. The Thali included an assortment of chicken, fish, and vegetable curries, soup, pickles, and a sweet dessert, all served with red rice and pappad.

Each dish on the Thali was bursting with flavor, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, sour, and spicy notes that complemented one another perfectly.

I also couldn’t resist ordering a masala vada—crispy, deep-fried lentil fritters made with chana dal, onions, curry leaves, and spices. The vada had a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a dense, crumbly inside, delivering a burst of flavors with a subtle hint of spice.

The restaurant is clearly a favorite among the Indian community. By the end of my meal, every table was filled with Indian diners, further testament to the authenticity of the food.

I’m truly glad I had the chance to enjoy such authentic South Indian cuisine right here in Stockholm.

Mahabelly-Taste of Kerala, Hantverkargatan 65, 112 31 Stockholm, Sweden