Savour the taste of South India in a heritage home
Our Story
Welcome to The Malleswaram Cafe, where we invite you to indulge in the rich and diverse flavours of authentic South Indian cuisine. Nestled in a charming heritage building in Varanasi, our cafe serves a variety of signature dishes not readily available.
Our masalas come directly from the heart of South India. The recipes represent a blend of tradition and evolving tastes.
The property the Cafe stands on is many decades old. It was built by a family of refugees who arrived in Varanasi with little more than the shirts on their backs. They built a life in this city that has so much to give. With the passing of generations we didn't want to forget those that laid the foundations of our current lives.
The Malleswaram Cafe for us is a dedication to those who have long gone and a heritage to those who are yet to become members of our family.
Mission
The Malleswaram Cafe caters to locals and pilgrims alike to authentic, hygienic and affordable South Indian food. Every effort is made to meet the highest quality standards so that customers leave not just with a memorable experience but with the lingering taste of signature South Indian food.
It is our mission to take the brand to every pilgrim center in North India. The Malleswaram Cafe will be the destination of choice for locals and pilgrims for South Indian comfort food. This location in Varanasi is our flagship restaurant with others planned in the region.
Tales from Undivided Panjab
(pre-1947)
Fond memories
When the Kapurs left Lahore just around Partition, they brought with them memories that we have preserved for generations. There are graduation certificates, old coins, letters and a bunch of miniature clothes stuck to original British Chart Paper that we have now framed and decorated the Cafe with. When you visit us, please take a moment to check these out. Go back to an era where girls were taught clothes-making in school. Mrs Kapoor Senior (as they got to be known in India) carried these some 1200 kms to cherish a life she was forced to leave. This exhibit is dedicated to her and to all those who faced the brutality of partition...
Clothes and Embroidery
Girls were taught this in school in undivided Panjab
Close up of embroidery patterns