Watch Radhakrishnan sprinkle water on the hot iron dosakal, take a davara full of batter, pour it over the hot pan and rub it in circular motion with a flourish.
He then splashes oil over the dosa, takes out a pinch of podi (spice mix) from a plastic box, sprinkling it evenly, and allows the dosa to get crisp.
He transfers it to a stainless steel plate, layered with a plantain leaf, and quickly pampers it with spicy coconut chutney, tangy tomato chutney and a generous dose of sambar.
At any given time, there are ten customers holding up their plates, anxiously waiting their turn to be served a dosa.
Located in Second Avenue, Indira Nagar, this thattukadai is one of the most popular in Adyar and has been in the same location since 1996. Radhakrishanan came to Chennai in 1988 from Rajapalayam and was recruited by Adyar Ananda Bhavan in LB Road. “In 1996, I expressed my desire to set up my roadside shop to my bosses, and they immediately gave me Rs. 3000 and supported my venture wholeheartedly,” he says. It is the quality and taste that brings customers repeatedly.
“Even when costs are escalating, I maintain quality without any compromise and ensure that customers do not feel the pinch.” Radhakrishnan says he uses 15 kilos of rice, five kilos of atta, eight kilos of maida and 300 eggs per day. “Be it provisions or vegetables, I go for the best,” he says.
The menu here comprises of ildy, dosa (podi dosa, plain dosa, mutta dosa, onion dosa), chapathi, parota and egg omelette.
“The egg omelette that Radhakrishnan makes with finely chopped onion, and a dash of salt and pepper, is very popular,” says Ram Prashanth, a regular customer of the thattukadai.
Another egg specialty is the kalakki muttai, which is whisked away from the tava before it is cooked entirely, and served hot. Podi dosa, the most popular item in the menu list, is made to perfection here. “I prepare the podi with essential ingredients like urad dal, channa dal and red chillis.
All other items are prepared in a hygienic kitchen closeby and transported to the spot.”
Thattukadai is open all days of the week, from 7.30 p.m. to midnight.
As Radhakrishan also takes up outdoor catering orders for setting up dosa stalls at parties and functions, the shop may be closed on those days.
A sumptuous meal for four costs Rs.150 to 200. Families can park their car nearby and also have their food served in the vehicle.
This thattukadai is located near the Adyar bus depot, Second Avenue, Indira Nagar. Call 9710113026.
