Benne Review: The Morning I Finally Tried the Most Hyped South Indian Restaurant in Mumbai

⏱ 7 min read

You know how every city has that one place everyone keeps talking about? The one that somehow sneaks into every conversation “Oh, have you been to Benne yet?” That was Benne, the South Indian restaurant that somehow became the spot for anyone craving crisp dosa, ghee-soaked idlis, and authentic filter coffee.

And this time, it wasn’t just Benne in Bandra there was a new Benne dosa Juhu outlet, and I had to try it.

A Jet-Lagged Morning and a Spontaneous Plan

After my Japan trip which was mostly me drinking matcha, eating food at odd hours, and pretending I understood every Japanese vending machine I came back craving something Indian. Something warm, buttery, and nostalgic.

Also, there’s this strange post-travel feeling, right? You come home after a trip thinking it was short, mine was just 15 days but suddenly you miss your friends, your usual routines, even the local café down the street. It’s like your body’s back but your rhythm still belongs somewhere else.

So, when my friends suggested a chill morning at Juhu Beach, I was all in. The plan was simple:

• sit by the beach,
• watch the waves roll in,
• gossip a little,
• and grab breakfast later.

But honestly? Plans never really go as planned.

We were supposed to meet at 6:30. Reality check we rolled in closer to 7:30. And by then, hunger had fully taken over reason. (I don’t usually feel hungry in the mornings, but thanks to Japan’s time zone living three hours ahead my stomach had other ideas.)

So there we were: a bunch of mildly sleep-deprived, very hungry friends trying to decide what to eat first. And then I said

Let’s go Benne

That was it. Destination changed.
Hello, Benne, the new South Indian restaurant in Mumbai that everyone and their foodie friend was talking about.

1. Benne Podi Masala Dosa: Thick, Golden, and Comforting

Let’s start with the star the Benne Podi Masala Dosa.

Thin, crispy dosas are my weakness. But Benne’s version was different thicker, almost like a hearty pancake meets dosa hybrid, stuffed with generous potato masala and coated in podi (spiced lentil powder) and ghee.

Every bite was a perfect mix of spicy, nutty, and buttery. The masala wasn’t overpowering, and the podi added this beautiful crunch.

Also side note if you’re the type who likes your dosa paper-thin, this one might surprise you. It’s filling, not flimsy.

Would I order it again? 100%. It’s the kind of dish that hits harder on an empty stomach.

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2. Benne Ghee Podi Idli: The Underrated Winner

Now, let’s talk about the Benne Ghee Podi Idli and let me say this clearly: if you try one thing at Benne, let it be this.

Here’s the thing I’m not a ghee person. Not even an idli person. I’m that person who orders dosa and skips idli every single time. But this one? Game changer.

The idlis were soft, perfectly steamed, and soaked in ghee and podi, giving them this melt-in-the-mouth texture with a spicy edge. The chutneys (especially the coconut one) were chef’s kiss.

Honestly, I didn’t expect to like it more than the dosa but I did. And if you’re visiting Benne Restaurant Juhu for the first time, this has to be your starter.

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3. Iced Filter Coffee: My First and Maybe Last?

Now this one’s controversial.

I’m not a huge coffee person, but I do love a good South Indian filter coffee. The aroma, the warmth, that foamy layer on top it’s comfort in a cup. But Benne’s Iced Filter Coffee? It was… interesting.

It wasn’t bad, just not my thing. Something about filter coffee feels like it should always be hot and frothy, not chilled and poured over ice. But hey, if you’re into iced lattes and cold brews, you might enjoy this twist.

Would I order it again? Probably not. But I’m glad I tried it once. Also, if you ever do, tell me your verdict.

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4. Filter Kapi Ice Cream x Indu: Sweet Ending

This one had me excited because Indu Ice Creams has been popping up everywhere lately, and I’ve tried their standalone flavors before and they’re honestly yum.

At Benne, they served a special Filter Kapi Ice Cream Sundae, topped with what looked like Kissme chocolate syrup. It sounded heavenly on paper. But in reality, the toppings slightly overpowered the actual ice cream flavor.

The ice cream itself smooth, rich, coffee-forward was great. But I’d say skip the sundae version and just try Indu’s regular tubs next time.

Still, as far as collaborations go, I love that Benne is experimenting beyond just dosas and idlis. It keeps the experience fresh.

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Is Benne Worth the Hype?

Short answer: yes but with the right expectations.

Benne isn’t about fine dining; it’s comfort food with a nostalgic South Indian soul. It’s where Bangalore’s Benne Dosa legacy meets Mumbai’s café energy, and somehow, it just clicks.

The Juhu outlet has that easy morning charm cozy, friendly, and refreshingly simple. If you’re hunting for the best South Indian restaurant in Mumbai, Benne deserves a spot on your list.

It’s the modern Gen Z version of your classic filter coffee joint clean, digital, a little experimental but still rooted in tradition.

Of course, nothing beats the OG Ram Ashraya the chaos, the idlis, the smell of fresh filter coffee. Benne’s just the polished cousin keeping the tradition alive.

So yes, it’s worth the hype just in its own modern way.

Read: Aahara Restaurant in Borivali Review

My Personal Takeaway

Walking out of Benne Juhu that morning, I felt two things full (obviously) and happy. There’s something comforting about discovering a place that lives up to the buzz.

If you ever visit, try Benne Ghee Podi Idli. Even if you’re not a ghee person, even if idli has never been your go-to, just try it once. You’ll get it.

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