Missing the warm taste of a simple, buttery dosa from their childhood, Akhil Iyer and Shriya Narayan left their well-paying jobs and opened a small cafe in Mumbai that’s now serving hundreds daily, evoking memories for many who visit.
- Quit careers to pursue childhood food passion
- Perfected authentic dosa recipe with traditional tools
- Cafe now serves over 800 dosas daily in Mumbai
What happened
After moving from Bengaluru to Mumbai following their marriage, Akhil Iyer and Shriya Narayan found themselves longing for the familiar comfort of their hometown dosa—a hot, buttery Davangere-style benne dosa that reminded them of childhood memories. Unable to find this authentic taste anywhere in Mumbai, they made the bold decision to leave their established jobs and create it themselves.
They started with a modest 12-seat cafe in Bandra, focused entirely on replicating the dosa they grew up loving. Despite having no background in the food industry, they committed months to refining the batter, chutneys, and cooking methods, opting to use traditional cast iron pans sourced from Karnataka to maintain authenticity.
Why it feels good
The dosa they serve is more than just food—it’s a nostalgic bridge to many customers’ childhoods and family memories. The crispy yet soft benne dosa, finished generously with ghee, evokes warmth and familiarity in every bite, creating a deep emotional connection beyond taste alone.
Their cafe’s growing popularity reflects how food can bring people together, connecting them to their roots and shared cultural experiences. This story celebrates the courage to follow heartfelt desires and the joy that comes from preserving and sharing beloved traditions in a new place.
What to enjoy or watch next
If you’re in Mumbai, visiting this cozy Bandra cafe offers more than just a meal—it’s a chance to taste a carefully preserved piece of Karnataka’s culinary heritage. For anyone intrigued by how passion projects can turn into successful ventures, the couple’s journey is inspiring and encouraging.
Keep an eye on their expanding story as they continue to grow, bringing the taste of Davangere benne dosa to wider audiences while staying true to tradition. Their rise, including visits from celebrities like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, hints at exciting possibilities for regional food heritage gaining new appreciation across India.