Shankar Mahadevan is a renowned name in the Indian music industry, winning not just National Awards but also going on to bag a GRAMMYs! However, now the music director is set to enchant his fans not with his voice but his entrepreneurial skills! The music maestro has opened his brand-new chain of restaurants called Malgudi that are inspired by the iconic Indian show ‘Malgudi Days’. The renowned Indian artist will provide a taste of authentic South Indian food in this restaurant chain that has opened its doors in two major neighborhoods in Mumbai already!
Malgudi: How Shankar Mahadevan Is Bringing Authentic South Indian Flavors On A Plate
Inspiration Behind Malgudi
The new restaurant chain is directly inspired by R. K. Narayan’s iconic fictional town of Malgudi Days. While both the book and the original television show (1986) were a hit, the music maestro is set to revive the charm of this evergreen work in Indian literature.
The idea behind connecting his restaurant to the charm of Malgudi Days stems from his childhood. The award-winning music director was born in a Tamil family from Palakkad living in Chembur. In a way, Malgudi is like a homecoming venture, an ode to his native place and flavors of the South.
The restaurant will serve authentic South Indian cuisine that will definitely remind many of their childhood comfort meals, the homely vibe attached to the food, and a vibe that will take you on a trip down memory lane.
Currently, the restaurant has opened two outlets, one in Borivali and other in Lower Parel. They are planning to open a third outlet soon in Chembur as well! Even the selection of these neighborhoods is strategic – opening a restaurant in these three neighborhoods will make their food more accessible to most Mumbaikars, whether they live in the Southern city area or the Northern suburbs.
Celebrities Who Visited Malgudi By Shankar Mahadevan
Many celebrities were invited to savor the delicious food served at Malgudi. Among them were Bollywood veterans Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar. The couple visited Malgudi and took to Instagram to express their delight as they complimented the food served here. Bollywood music composer Anu Malik and world-renowned Masterchef Sanjeev Kapoor too paid a visit to Malgudi, and the smiles on their faces clearly say that they loved the food here!
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Besides that, Shankar Mahadevan was also recently seen with Bollywood director and choreographer, Farah Khan. The two were seen cooking together, where Mahadevan cooked lesser-known delicacies from South India for Farah Khan.
One of the several dishes that he cooked for her was the Mulbagal Dosa, a delicacy that has a 100-year-old recipe! Surprisingly, this dish is also part of the menu at Malgudi, so even fans and foodies can get a taste of this centuries-old food item from the South.
Food At Malgudi: A Taste Of South India
We just mentioned that the menu at Malgudi includes a 100-year-old recipe of the Mulbagal Dosa. But besides that, the menu will feature many popular as well as lesser-known delicacies from South India.
These include the classic benne dosa, thatte idlis, and rasam vada – all of them soft, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious! And if you’re craving for a drink, you must definitely try out their Kappiccino – a delightful South Indian twist that marries the flavors of filter kaapi and cappuccino. The restaurant will also have an extensive selection of delicious, vibrant mocktails to pair with the comforting South Indian food.
Speaking of the new venture, Shankar Mahadevan expressed his joy as he stated, “Food has always been close to my heart. I’ve loved cooking and sharing meals with loved ones just as much as I’ve loved music. After years of nurturing this passion, it gives me immense joy to finally bring Malgudi to life.”
Summing Up
There are plenty of South Indian eateries in Mumbai – both old and new. However, what makes Malgudi truly stand out is how it takes inspiration from a hit television show from the 80s. Shankar Mahadevan has impressed fans with his soul-stirring musical compositions, but whether this music maestro can serve us delicious food is something that you’ll have to figure out after visiting Malgudi! So, if you haven’t fixed your weekend plans yet, here is your sign to visit Malgudi, enjoy the South Indian food, and let us know if it’s worth the hype!
