With a number of successful restaurants already under its belt, Dosa Hut recently expanded to the CBD, bringing South Indian cuisine to the city. Though it might be quiet on the streets in this part of town, business is often booming, especially during peak lunch and dinner hour. It’s popular with office workers during the day, and lines are commonly seen winding out the door at dinnertime.

The menu is extensive, and almost overwhelming until I realise that the multitude of dosa items are basically different combinations of various types of dosa and fillings. It may be called Dosa Hut, but they do other dishes too. The Dahi Puri are crisp and puffy hollow balls filled with yoghurt and both tamarind and mint sauce. Eat these refreshing bites in one mouthful or you’ll spill their insides everywhere.

Their meal deals are great value. One such special is ‘deal 2’, which comes with three curries, rice and unlimited roti for $9.95. A lamb, paneer and sweet butter chicken make up today’s curry trio. The curries change up quite often, so regulars will get lots of variety.

One of the highlights is the Chicken 65, a spicy, juicy fried chicken dish that’s packed with flavour and chilli punch. Dosa Hut’s Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani is also delicious. The chicken meat literally slips off the bone when we attempt to pull one of the drumsticks out from under the pile of rice. The flavoured rice is fragrant, and when combined with the nutty and spicy sauce, and tender chicken, it’s something we can’t stop eating.

We also try the Chef’s Special 70mm dosa. This thing is huge – more like 70cm long. But the name isn’t meant to be taken literally, it’s just slang for something that’s really big. No complaints here. My favourite part of dosa is often the bread itself, and because it’s so large, there’s plenty of crispy bread to be enjoyed. The Chef’s Special dosa contains four different stuffings, and today it’s lamb, chicken, paneer and potato. Sambar and peanut chutney come on the side to dress as you please.

Given its popularity, Dosa Hut has plans to expand further, starting in Sydney and possibly overseas. Take away and catering services mean there are many ways you can try their homely and tasty food.

Dosa Hut
209 King St
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
(03) 9642 2482
www.dosahut.net.au
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