What should I order at Ratna Cafe?
Ratna Cafe
Idli Sambar
Most frequently praised dish across reviews for its excellent taste and texture. Idlis are described as soft and fluffy, served generously with flavorful, piping-hot sambar, often with unlimited refills, making it a signature and must-try item.
Filter Coffee
Highly recommended by multiple reviewers for its strong and aromatic flavor, serving as a perfect complement to the traditional South Indian breakfast experience at Ratna Cafe.
Medhu Vada
Mentioned as crunchy and delicious, often enjoyed alongside idli and sambar, adding a great texture contrast to the meal.
Rava Dosa
Noted for its crispiness and great taste, the rava dosa is a popular choice among patrons looking for a savory, crispy South Indian dish.
South Indian Veg Meal (Mini/Full Meal)
Praised for its quality, taste, and authenticity, including a variety of traditional items such as sambar, rasam, poriyal, kootu, vathal kozambhu, curd, buttermilk, and appalam, with unlimited rice, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal option.
Pongal
Recommended for breakfast, evokes nostalgic typical Chennai flavors, often served with sambar and appreciated for its comforting taste.
Rasmalai
Mentioned as a heavenly dessert option to conclude the meal, offering a sweet and satisfying finish.
Banana Chips
Noted as fresh and well-packed dry snacks, good for takeaway and enjoyed as a crunchy treat.
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM to 10:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM to 10:30 PM |
About Ratna Cafe
Classic South Indian fare such as sambar & dosas offered in a casual, traditional setting.
Amenities & services
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- All you can eat
- Coffee
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Vegetarian options only
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is Ratna Cafe known for?
Ratna Cafe is best known for its sambhar idli, where the sambhar is served generously in steel mugs and often refilled. Reviewers also repeatedly praise the rich, flavorful sambhar and the authentic Triplicane-style South Indian taste.
What dishes are most recommended at Ratna Cafe?
The most recommended items are sambhar idli, sambar vada, ghee pongal, dosa, medhu vada, and filter coffee, with some reviewers also calling out ghee jalebi and basundhi. People often mention that the sambar is the standout across these dishes, and that the portions are filling for the price.
What is the atmosphere like at Ratna Cafe?
The atmosphere is described as casual, historic, and old-world, with a traditional feel rather than a polished modern cafe. It suits groups, tourists, and solo diners, and some reviews note both AC and non-AC seating in a busy but comfortable setting.
Is Ratna Cafe good value, and what is the price range?
Yes, reviewers frequently say the food is affordable and worth the price, and the listed range is ₹1–200. That value shows up in filling dishes like idli with sambar, sambar vada, and South Indian veg meals, which many guests describe as hearty and satisfying.
When is the best time to visit Ratna Cafe?
Breakfast is the most celebrated time to go, especially for idli sambar, pongal, dosa, and filter coffee. Reviews also say the place can get crowded around 8:30 pm, so earlier visits are often easier if you want a quicker meal.
Is parking available at Ratna Cafe?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually difficult to find a space is available.
Does Ratna Cafe have vegetarian options?
Yes, Ratna Cafe offers vegan options.
Is Ratna Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes, Ratna Cafe is good for kids.
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