Ratna Cafe, Triplicane
27 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/Chennai·30 comments quoted below
The comments quoted below are a sample of the full tally across 19 threads.
What people say, in short
Ratna Cafe, especially its Triplicane High Road outlet, is a Chennai institution that many recommend for its idli and sambar, with the hot sambar poured over the idli drawing the most praise and a couple calling it a must-try. Commenters single out the Triplicane outlet as the iconic one, though two say it has slipped from earlier days. Several warn it is overpriced or overrated for what you get.
Address
Ratna Cafe, Triplicane High Rd, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005, India
At a glance
- Signature dishes
- Sambar idli, Podi idli
- Best for
- Vegetarian, Visitors, Breakfast
- Opinions divided
- Yes
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
Listed as a South Indian food spot to try for visitors.
Calls it a must-try for idli sambar.
Praises the hot sambar idli at Ratna Cafe.
Recommends the Triplicane branch.
Suggested for vegetarian food
Sarcastically lists Ratna Cafe among Mylapore's best South Indian food spots.
Calls Ratna Cafe quintessential when asked for dosa places.
Recommends Ratna Cafe for Tamil Nadu-style dosa.
Named among famous Chennai eateries for vegetarian food
Listed under must-eat places for visitors.
Recommends it alongside Welcome Hotel.
Calls all branches of these chains overrated.
Recommends Ratna Cafe.
Calls it the most iconic place that will make you drool.
Suggests the sambar idly there as part of a Mylapore experience for the visitor.
Lists it first among recommendations.
Would choose it for idli sambhar
Recommended for its sambar and idli
Says it has the best idli.
Buys often as it's nearby but says it's mid and overpriced for a small box.
Recommends the Triplicane branch.
Recommends the sambar idli here.
Loves their podi idli with steaming sambar; famous for idli.
Wins over Welcome Hotel; first place visited with brother after getting a good job
The Triplicane branch is this commenter's regular go-to spot.
Finds Rathna Cafe overpriced for the quality and taste.
Would pick Ratna Cafe any day.
Recommends the Triplicane branch.
Names Ratna Cafe as overrated.
Says it used to be epic but is not what it used to be.
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to Ratna Cafe, Triplicane, as the crow flies.
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Freshness
Last verified 24/10/2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.