Saravana Bhavan Menu Prices, Dosas, Idlis & Locations (2025 Guide)
Looking for authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine? The Saravana Bhavan menu is the global standard for crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and traditional thalis. Since opening in 1981, this restaurant chain has grown to over 100 locations worldwide, offering a consistent, high-quality vegetarian experience.
Whether you are craving a spicy Masala Dosa or a comforting cup of Madras Filter Coffee, this guide covers the full Saravana Bhavan menu with updated prices, calories, and ordering information. We’ve organized everything you need to know about their popular dishes, delivery options, and nutrition information so you can order with confidence.
🍽️ Saravana Bhavan Menu Categories
Saravana Bhavan is famous for its extensive variety. While prices may vary slightly by location (especially between US states like Texas, California, and New York), the estimates below reflect current Saravana Bhavan prices for 2025.
🥞 Dosas (Crepes)
The dosa section is the heart of the menu. These large, crispy crepes made from fermented rice and lentil batter are served with three types of chutney (coconut, tomato, mint) and sambar.
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masala Dosa ⭐ | $13.25 – $15.50 | Golden crispy crepe filled with spiced mashed potatoes and onions. | ~450 |
| Ghee Roast Masala Dosa | $14.95 – $16.50 | Roasted with pure ghee (clarified butter) for a rich aroma and taste. | ~550 |
| Paper Roast | $16.50 | An extra-large, paper-thin crispy crepe (approx 2-3 feet long). | ~400 |
| Cheese Masala Dosa | $17.50 | A fusion favorite filled with melted cheese and spiced potatoes. | ~600 |
| Mysore Masala Dosa | $14.50 | Spread with a spicy red chutney inside before adding the potato filling. | ~480 |
| Rava Dosa | $15.00 | Made from semolina batter (no fermentation), includes onions and peppercorns. | ~420 |
| Onion Rava Masala Dosa | $16.50 | Semolina crepe topped with onions and filled with potato masala. | ~500 |
🥟 Idlis & Vadas (Steamed Cakes & Donuts)
These items are perfect for breakfast or a light snack. They are naturally steamed and generally lower in oil compared to other menu items.
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idli (2 Pcs) | $8.50 | Steamed rice and lentil patties, soft and fluffy. Served with chutneys. | ~120 |
| Medhu Vada (2 Pcs) | $9.00 | Crispy, savory lentil donuts deep-fried to perfection. | ~280 |
| Sambar Idli | $9.50 | Mini idlis immersed in a bowl of flavorful lentil soup (sambar). | ~200 |
| Mini Ghee Idli (14 Pcs) ⭐ | $10.75 | Tiny idlis tossed in ghee and gun-powder (spicy lentil powder). | ~350 |
| Rasa Vada | $9.50 | Vada soaked in spicy, tangy Rasam soup. | ~250 |
| Idli Vada Combo | $10.50 | One Idli and one Vada for the best of both worlds. | ~200 |
🍛 Thalis & Meals (Lunch & Dinner Specials)
For the best value, combo meals and Thalis offer a complete tasting experience of South Indian cuisine.
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saravana Special Meal | $18.95 | A massive platter including sweet, chapati, rice, sambar, rasam, kootu, poriyal, curd, and pickle. | ~900+ |
| Mini Tiffin | $14.50 | A sampler of breakfast items: Mini Idli, Mini Dosa, Rava Kichadi, and Sweet. | ~600 |
| Quick Lunch | $15.50 | A streamlined meal with rice, two vegetable curries, and bread. | ~700 |
🥘 North Indian Specialties
While famous for South Indian food, Saravana Bhavan also serves excellent North Indian curries paired with naan or roti.
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paneer Butter Masala ⭐ | $16.00 | Cubes of cottage cheese in a rich, creamy tomato gravy. | ~450 |
| Chana Masala | $14.50 | Chickpeas simmered in a spicy onion-tomato gravy. | ~350 |
| Aloo Gobi | $14.50 | Stir-fried potatoes and cauliflower with cumin and turmeric. | ~280 |
| Malai Kofta | $16.50 | Vegetable and cheese dumplings in a cashew-cream sauce. | ~500 |
| Vegetable Biryani | $14.00 | Basmati rice cooked with mixed vegetables and aromatic spices. | ~400 |
☕ Beverages & Desserts
Don’t leave without trying the famous coffee.
| Menu Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Madras Filter Coffee ⭐ | $4.50 | Authentic South Indian coffee, frothy and strong. |
| Masala Chai | $4.00 | Spiced tea with cardamom and ginger. |
| Mango Lassi | $5.50 | Sweet yogurt drink made with mango pulp. |
| Gulab Jamun | $6.00 | Fried milk dumplings soaked in rose-sugar syrup. |
| Rava Kesari | $6.00 | Semolina pudding cooked with ghee, sugar, and saffron. |
⭐ Most Popular Saravana Bhavan Items
If you are new to the Saravana Bhavan menu, these are the customer favorites you must try.
1. Masala Dosa
This is the dish that put them on the map. The batter is fermented perfectly to give the crepe a slight tang, which pairs beautifully with the savory potato filling. It is a filling meal that works for lunch or dinner.
2. Mini Ghee Idli
A favorite for kids and adults alike. These button-sized steamed cakes are drowning in aromatic ghee (clarified butter) and sometimes dusted with “podi” (spiced lentil powder). They melt in your mouth instantly.
3. Madras Filter Coffee
Served in the traditional stainless steel “davara and tumbler,” this coffee is brewed strong with chicory and mixed with hot milk. It is frothy, sweet, and the perfect finish to a spicy meal.
📍 Saravana Bhavan Locations & Hours
Saravana Bhavan operates over 85 locations globally. In the United States, they have a strong presence in Texas, California, New York, and New Jersey.
Typical Operating Hours:
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Note: Many locations close briefly between lunch and dinner service.
Key US Locations
| City | Address | Phone | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | 8350 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77063 | (713) 789-7755 | 4.6 ★ |
| Sugar Land, TX | 11929 University Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479 | (281) 565-7755 | 4.3 ★ |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 1305 S Mary Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 | (408) 732-7755 | 4.5 ★ |
| New York, NY | 81 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016 | (212) 684-7755 | 4.4 ★ |
| Edison, NJ | 149 Wood Ave, Edison, NJ 08820 | (732) 767-0033 | 4.2 ★ |
For a full list of Saravana Bhavan locations, check their official website or Google Maps for “Saravana Bhavan near me.”
🚀 How to Order
You have several convenient ways to enjoy these menu items:
- Dine-In: Experience the traditional service where waiters often serve chutneys and sambar directly from buckets at your table. It is the best way to eat dosas while they are hot and crispy.
- Takeout: Call ahead to place an order. Note that dosas may lose some crispiness during travel.
- Delivery: Most locations partner with major platforms. You can find Saravana Bhavan delivery on:
- Uber Eats
- DoorDash
- Grubhub
- Catering: They are a top choice for vegetarian catering for weddings and corporate events.
Tip: If you are ordering for a group and need variety, check out other diverse menus like Amaravati Indian Restaurant or for a fusion twist, Desi Chowrastha. If you have non-vegetarian friends in the group, you might need to split orders, as Saravana Bhavan is strictly meat-free.
🥗 Nutrition & Dietary Information
One of the biggest benefits of this menu is its health profile.
- Vegetarian: The entire menu is 100% vegetarian (lacto-vegetarian).
- Vegan Options: Many items like Plain Dosa, Idli, and Vada are naturally vegan. Important: You must specify “No Ghee” or “Oil Roast” instead of Ghee Roast, and avoid items with paneer or yogurt.
- Gluten-Free: Idlis and Dosas are made from rice and lentils, making them generally gluten-friendly. However, always ask about cross-contamination or if semolina (wheat) is used in the batter preparation at that specific location.
- Allergies: Nuts (cashews) are used in many curries and desserts. Dairy is prominent in sweets and beverages.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Saravana Bhavan hours?
Most locations open for lunch from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and reopen for dinner from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Weekend hours may be continuous. Always check your local listing.
Is Saravana Bhavan 100% vegetarian?
Yes, Saravana Bhavan is a strictly vegetarian restaurant chain. They do not serve meat, fish, or eggs.
Do they serve alcohol?
Generally, no. Most Saravana Bhavan locations do not serve alcohol, focusing instead on traditional beverages like juice, lassi, and coffee.
What is the best value item on the menu?
The Idli Vada Combo (~$10.50) is excellent value, providing a filling mix of textures. For a large meal, the Saravana Special Meal (Thali) offers the most variety for the price.
Can I get vegan food at Saravana Bhavan?
Yes. Idlis, Vadas, and Plain Dosas are vegan if cooked with oil instead of ghee. Be sure to request “vegan preparation” to ensure no dairy products are used in the finishing process.
Does Saravana Bhavan offer delivery?
Yes, most Saravana Bhavan locations participate in online ordering via third-party apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Disclaimer: Prices and menu items are subject to change and may vary significantly by country and state. The information provided here is estimated based on data available as of December 2025. Please consult the specific restaurant location for the most accurate pricing.
Found this helpful? Bookmark this page to stay updated on the latest Saravana Bhavan prices and menu additions. For more dining guides, check out our review of Longhorn Steakhouse prices if you’re looking for different cuisine options.
