Kerala Cafe Since 1962
“ Kerala Cafe Since 1962 in Bhelupur is one of Varanasi's longstanding destinations for vegetarian South Indian food. From crispy dosas and idli-sambar to vada, lemon rice and filter coffee, here's what to try and what to know before visiting. ”
Varanasi may be better known for kachori-sabzi, chaat and lassi, but the city also has a few restaurants that have become institutions in their own right. Among them is Kerala Cafe Since 1962, a long-running vegetarian restaurant at Bhelupur Crossing known primarily for South Indian food.
As its name suggests, the cafe traces its identity back to 1962, giving it a history of more than six decades in the city. Today, it remains a popular choice for dosa, idli, vada and other familiar South Indian dishes, whether you are looking for breakfast, a quick lunch or an inexpensive evening meal.
A familiar name in Bhelupur
Located on Bhelupur Road, the restaurant sits in one of Varanasi's busiest neighbourhoods, not far from areas frequented by both residents and visitors.
It isn't designed as a luxurious dining destination. The appeal is much simpler: familiar food, relatively affordable prices and a menu that works equally well for a quick breakfast or a casual meal with family and friends.
The restaurant is also completely vegetarian and offers indoor seating, takeaway and delivery.
What to eat at Kerala Cafe
The menu extends beyond South Indian food, but dosa, idli and vada remain the main reason many people visit.
Some of the dishes worth considering include:
Masala Dosa – a straightforward classic with a crisp dosa and potato filling.
Paper Dosa – thinner and noticeably crispier, and a good choice if you enjoy the texture of dosa as much as the filling.
Rava Dosa – another popular variation, with the characteristic crisp, perforated texture of a semolina-based dosa.
Idli Sambar – a simple option for breakfast or a lighter meal.
Vada Sambar – crisp on the outside and soft inside, served with sambar and chutney.
Uttapam – thicker and softer than dosa and a good alternative if you prefer something more substantial.
Lemon Rice – one of the rice dishes frequently associated with the restaurant.
Curd Rice – mild and comforting, particularly when you want something simple.
Filter Coffee – a natural way to finish a South Indian breakfast.
Current restaurant listings repeatedly highlight vada sambar, idli sambar, dosa and lemon rice among the popular choices.
More than just dosa
Despite the name, the menu isn't restricted entirely to Kerala or even South Indian cuisine.
You'll also find North Indian dishes, beverages, ice cream and items such as chole bhature. That makes the restaurant useful when you're visiting with a group where not everyone wants the same cuisine.
Still, if you're visiting for the first time, it makes sense to start with the South Indian section rather than treating it as a general multi-cuisine restaurant.
What is the experience like?
Kerala Cafe has the feel of an established city restaurant rather than a modern speciality cafe.
The restaurant can become quite busy during popular breakfast and meal hours. Reviews frequently mention its economical pricing and quick service, although experiences naturally vary depending on how crowded the restaurant is.
For travellers, it is particularly useful if you've spent several days eating heavier North Indian food around Varanasi and want a change. A plate of idli, dosa or curd rice can make for a noticeably lighter meal.
How much does it cost?
Kerala Cafe remains on the affordable side compared with many modern cafes and restaurants in Varanasi.
Online restaurant listings currently estimate the cost at around ₹300 for two people, although what you actually spend will depend on the dishes and drinks you order.
That makes it practical for students, travellers and families looking for an inexpensive sit-down meal.
Best time to visit
Kerala Cafe works particularly well for breakfast.
An idli-vada combination followed by a dosa and filter coffee makes for a satisfying start to the day without being excessively heavy.
It is also worth considering:
Morning: Best for dosa, idli, vada and coffee.
Afternoon: Good for a quick lunch, especially rice dishes.
Evening: Convenient for snacks, dosa or a casual family meal.
The current business listing shows daily hours of approximately 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though restaurant timings can change, so checking before making a special trip is sensible.
Location
Address: B20/44, Bhelupur Road, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Area: Bhelupur Crossing
Cuisine: South Indian, North Indian, vegetarian
Approximate cost: ₹300 for two
Best for: Breakfast, dosa, idli, casual meals
Vegetarian: Yes
Takeaway/Delivery: Available
Because of its Bhelupur location, it can also fit naturally into a day spent exploring the southern side of central Varanasi.
Is Kerala Cafe worth visiting?
If you're searching for an extravagant restaurant experience, Kerala Cafe probably isn't the place to prioritise.
But that isn't really why it has stayed relevant.
Its appeal comes from being a simple, longstanding vegetarian restaurant where you can reliably find familiar South Indian dishes at reasonable prices. The combination of dosa, idli, vada, rice dishes and coffee has helped it remain a recognisable part of Varanasi's food scene for generations.
For someone visiting Varanasi for several days, it is also a useful break from the city's better-known kachori, chaat and rich North Indian meals.
What to order on your first visit
A good first-time order would be idli or vada sambar to start, followed by a masala or rava dosa, and filter coffee at the end.
And if you've already had plenty of dosa elsewhere, try the lemon rice or curd rice instead.
