My son and I last Saturday went to dine at the Podi and Poriyal Restaurant off Sturdee Road North (486 Serangoon Rd) and I was very pleasantly surprised that I am vividly reminded of the early days of my youth (late 60s and early 70s) when my father brought my brother and I to savor Dosai (Masala and Rava) at the Komalavilas Restaurant beside the Rex theatre. My palette was wonderfully stimulated and I savoured all the dishes prepared by the chefs in this 20 odd seater restaurant.
I was transported back 55 or more years and all the memories of my Dad and us eating using our fingers with the dosai dished out on a banana leaf no less. The hummus, or chickpea dhal is my all time favourite condiment. I can eat it practically everyday. There are essentially 3 different types of dosai
a) Rava (with potato and vegetables)
b) Masala (I believe its the same as a), but named differently
c) Paper
The fare is South Indian no less, and the dishes are fried for the most part. Rather unhealthy, and the liberal use of butter and ghee makes the fare, rather heavy going.
We ordered the Railway Cutlets, which is I believe fried beetroot with breadcrumbs cover. Its extremely tasty and the picture is shown at the bottom.
My son then had the Butter Dosai which included a Sambar Roast potato set. It had 2 different Rava Dosais and potato on the side. I was so pleased with getting a taste of my old Indian breakfasts back in the 60s and early 70s, that I reminded myself that I would return one other time, at least.
Kanchipuram Idli with Chutney
My 3 course set menu started with the Kovil Vadai with Palakottai Hummus. It was fried to excellence and I dipped into the hummus with great gusto.
My main course was the Kanchipuram Idli and though it is rice patties, I was feeling rather full after just taking one of them.
Railway Cutlets
The final piece in this amazing dining concerto was a chocolatey paste not too sweet and had a hint of licorice. Safe to say it was a suitable end to a totally enjoyable Indian culinary journey, at least for me.
My son had a bottle of Asahi Black. He didn't quite take to the selections of foods but he gamely ate his share.
Total bill price : S$ 115. (or US$ 85) for 2.
My review overall.
Food : 4.5 / 5 (you MUST like Dosai and the fried Vadais, its not for everyone)
Ambience : 4 / 5 (rather small restaurant)
Service : 4 / 5 (informative and helpful waiters)
Overall : 4.25 / 5.
Would I go again : "Yes".
Pricing : Well there are many cheaper South Indian restaurants along Serangoon road probably serving the same fare at 60% of the price. Be prepared to queue for at least 15 to 30 minutes before getting a table.
Once you find seating, be prepared to sit in a rather noisy and confined environment if you venture to those restaurants.
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