Is there really anyone out there who can say with confidence that they don’t like thosai? How can you not love these crispy crepes, so often overshadowed by roti canai. That said, if you love all things thosai, you are going to love Thosai Cafe.
Welcome to Thosai Cafe
This cafe, located in Petaling Jaya’s The Curve, has been around for seven years now. Previously, it operated out of a repurposed shipping container placed in an open outdoor area within the mall’s grounds. Now, it has an actual lot within the mall, air-conditioned and all.
Over 100 types
While Thosai Cafe’s appearance may be simple (and comfortable), the menu is anything but simple. Did you know that here, you can get over 100 different types of thosai? This sounds completely nuts, but it really is true.
The owner’s thosai passion
You see, Mithun Mohan, the 34-year-old running the show here is a self-proclaimed thosai addict. He learnt everything about making thosais as a child living with his mother in Bangalore, India. That childhood knowledge has since turned into a lifelong passion via his little cafe.
Forget the usual thosais you can find at the typical mamak place. Mithun’s thosais are more akin to the thosais you will find in India, with all sorts of fillings and toppings. Interestingly, Mithun makes his thosais with semolina, instead of the more conventional lentils.
With so thosais available on the menu, it’s super easy to be lost for choice. MFT is here to help, of course!
Ghee Podi Masala
So, what should be on your plate first? One great thosai to start with would be the Ghee Podi Masala Thosai. You know how masala thosai is stuffed with potatoes and onions? Toss in a secret spice mix like Thosai Cafe does and poof, you are now an addict.
It is hard to tell exactly what’s in the spice mix, though Mithun just might be willing to share his recipe. Either way, the addition of spice gives the delicious thosai an extra flavourful kick. Don’t hesitate licking the spice mix bits off your fingertips!
Chinese Noodles Thosai?!
The most outlandish menu item at Thosai Cafe has to be the Chinese Noodles Thosai. This thosai comes packed with a serving of fried noodles inside, giving the thosai a rather “plump” appearance. It looks weird, but will it taste weird?
Looks can be deceiving, as the first bite will tell you. The noodles are chewy and spicy, giving the thosai both great flavours and textures. A word of warning, the noodles are legitimately spicy, so ask Mithun to turn down the heat if you can’t take it.
Paneer Mysore Masala Thosai
The Paneer Mysore Masala Thosai is unlikely to miss your attention. Its deep red colour will draw eyes from miles away. This thosai gets its colour from the liberal use of beetroot, the vegetable used as a key ingredient here.
In terms of taste, the sweet beetroot blends perfectly with the cottage cheese which is the thosai’s second key ingredient. While the beetroot gives the thosai an extra crunch, the cottage cheese is flavourful but not overwhelmingly so.
Mac and Cheese Thosai
If you want something a little outlandish like the Chinese Noodles Thosai, the Mac and Cheese Thosai is also worth a try. As you can tell, this thosai is stuffed with a generous helping of American-style Mac and Cheese.
So, how does this meshing of Italian and Indian flavours go? Well, surprisingly good, with the gooey cheese and chewy macaroni being a great replacement for the usual potato filling. This particular thosai is also not spicy, so it’s a good introduction for a cautious diner.
Open Fry Cheese Masala
Last but not least is the Open Fry Cheese Masala Thosai. If you love cheese, this is the thosai made specially for you. It is not so overly indulgent though as it comes with a special red chutney and fresh vegetables. Oh, speaking of, did you know Thosai Cafe is vegan-friendly?
Honorary mentions
As to be expected, Thosai Cafe also has several offerings other than thosais. Worth a mention is the saccharinely sweet Shahee Dukada and the truly impressive Masala Cheese Bao. For refreshments, there are plenty of unique coolers like the Aam Panna, Kala Khatta and Pulpy Tamarind.
Worth your time?
Whether you adore thosai or just want to have some variety, Thosai Cafe is a place definitely worth spending your money. With so many options, it’s likely something will be up your alley at least. So, next time you have a hankering, head on over and tell Mithun MFT sent you!
Thosai Cafe
Address: Lot GZF 4, Ground floor, Opposite IKEA, The Curve mall, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: 10 am – 10.30 pm on weekdays | 8.30 am – 10.30 pm on weekends
Contact: 011-51464853
Halal Status: Pork-free
You should also check out: Got Indian lok-lok meh? Got…Just go to Brickfields & you’ll find over 40 items on their menu
