Into curry but never tried a dosa? Head down to this popular vegetarian restaurant to sample a few… and get hooked.

The Venue
An eatery opposite Tooting Broadway station (on the thoroughly unglamorous thoroughfare of Tooting High Street) may not be the most desirable place to venture for a meal. Luckily it is well worth making the journey to Zone 5 in order to experience authentic South Indian for a bargain price. The plain tables, bright lighting and simple decor betray a firm focus on food over aesthetics.

The Atmosphere
Despite not being particularly full of character, Sarashwathy Bavans has a loyal following – from local families having dinner together to solitary businessmen devouring dosas. Service may not be the fastest or most attentive but staff are happy to help if requested.

The Food
Although the usual selection of vegetarian mains are well executed, there is nothing particularly special distinguishing them from similar dishes offered in every other Indian restaurant. Where the menu really does come into its own, however, is with speciality items, most notably a great selection of dosas, priced between £3 and £5. Extremely popular in South India where they are eaten throughout the day, dosas are crispy rice and lentil crepes with a variety of fillings. The most commonly seen of these is the masala dosa (£2.95), which has a fragrant mixture of spiced potato and onion.

The only way to eat a dosa is with your hands, scooping the filling in between sections of the slightly crispy shell and dipping it in the accompaniments served alongside it, typically a pot of sambar (spicy lentil soup) and a pot of coconut chutney. With an impressive range of dosas to choose from, it’s also worth trying the onion rava masala dosa. This is made with semolina instead of rice and lentils, giving it a crispier texture and slightly oilier taste that works perfectly with the tang of chopped onion that has been mixed into the dosa batter.

For frankly astounding value for money try a thali. This selection of different dishes served in small amounts is typically offered in other Indian restaurants for around £10 for a five piece vegetarian option. Here a 20 piece thali is available for £7.95 - enough to comfortably feed two people! For those feeling slightly more modest (or just too full of dosas), a seven piece thali is £3.50.

The Drink
No alcohol is available – meaning that those set on the traditional combination of beer and curry may have to look elsewhere. However, the perfect accompaniment to your meal would actually be a sweet lassi (£1.75). A great palate soother when combined with spicy food, this popular yogurt based drink is made with sugar, ice and spices. If you’re feeling brave you can try the salty lassi, which as its name suggests is made with yogurt and salt. A variety of fresh juices and shakes are priced at £1.95 to £3.50.

The Last Word
Compared to some of the overpriced (and frankly mediocre) food in the capital, Sarashwathy Bavans offers more excitement and far better value.

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