Ratna Cafe   

Seven decades old, Ratna Cafe is a fixture in the city’s dining scene. Regulars flock here for their fluffy idlis (steamed rice cake) swimming in a pool of sambar (lentil stew). The flavourful gravy is the real star and it’s poured over generously from a distinctive ladle. Also worth trying are the idlis smeared with podi (lentil and chilli powder) and crisp golden-brown dosas (rice and lentil pancake). Wash it all down with some frothy filter coffee.