Meat meets dosa – The Hindu

In every South Indian home, dosa is the go-to dish for breakfast or dinner — comforting and simple. But in Madurai, this dish takes on a richer, meatier form.

On the sizzling tawa, the batter meets the heat with a hiss as a ladleful is spread into a circle. A cracked egg follows, gently melding into the surface. Then comes the star — a spoonful of tender, spicy mutton curry — spread evenly across the top. A drizzle of oil runs around the edges, and after a few minutes of slow roasting, the dosa emerges perfectly balanced — crisp on the edges, soft at the centre, bursting with flavour.

Served hot on the banana leaf, the kari dosa goes well with a side of spicy mutton offal gravy. The true Madurai way to enjoy it is to tear off a piece of the dosa along with the mutton, let it soak in the spicy gravy, and then take a hearty bite. The crisp edges of the dosa, the soft centre infused with egg, and the rich masala and pepper-laced flavours of the mutton come together in a a perfect balance of heat, texture, and comfort.

This iconic kari dosa traces its origin to Konar Kadai, an eatery in Madurai that began nearly 90 years ago. What started as a simple experiment has grown into one of the city’s most celebrated dishes that continues to define Madurai’s fiery, flavourful food culture.

A plate of the famous Kari Dosa served with spicy mutton gravy at Konar Kadai in Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
G. MOORTHY

When asked about its origin, Sidharthan Rajasekar, the third-generation owner of Konar Kadai, recalls, “My grandfather Manickam once thought of trying something different with dosa for a friend,” he says. “He added a layer of mutton and an egg on top, and his friend loved it. He tried it again, refined it a bit, and that’s how the kari dosa was born.”

Even as cafes and restaurants serving fast-food spread across the city, crowds continue to visit Konar Kadai for kari dosa. Every evening, people of all ages can be seen waiting for a plate of the dish.

Over the years, Konar Kadai has seen families return again and again, bringing along the next generation. “Our customers tell us they grew up eating this with their parents and now bring their children here,” he says. “No matter how many new dishes come and go, this one always feels like home.”

For Sidharthan, the secret to this enduring love is consistency. “We offer the same taste my grandfather created, and never compromise on the quality. People come here because they trust that nothing has changed,” he says

“I’m from Dindigul, but every time I visit Madurai, this is my first stop,” says K Tharun, 27. “No matter how many restaurants I try elsewhere, nothing matches the flavour here,” he adds.

“I come here with my husband and children often,” says Meenakshi, a regular here. “My kids do ask for burgers or fried chicken, but once they taste the kari dosa, they forget everything else.”

When asked about the secret behind the flavours, Sidharthan adds, “The real secret is my grandmother, M Cinnammal. She makes the masala powder that enhances the taste — and she still scolds us if something goes wrong. The way those ingredients blend is what gives our kari dosa its unique flavour.”

On seeing kari dosa featured on the menus of several restaurants today, Sidharthan says, “I feel truly happy and proud. The dish my grandfather created has now become famous across places, and it’s heartening to see so many people enjoying it. It shows how our family’s creation has stood the test of time and continues to attract people even today.”

He adds, “It makes me happy to see customers sharing photos of the dish on social media with kind words. But what touches me the most are the little handwritten notes from children on tissue paper, saying how much they loved it. Those small moments remind us why we continue doing what we do.”

As the tawa keeps sizzling through the evening rush, Madurai’s Konar Kadai continues to serve not just a dish, but a legacy — one that carries the flavours of family, history, and home.

Konar Kadai is located at N Veli St, Arajar Salai, Simmakkal, Madurai Main, Madurai. A kari dosa costs ₹300

Published – December 05, 2025 10:31 am IST