Member
Our experience with the Paneer Dosa at Udupi Cafe in Dehradun left much to be desired, falling significantly short of the expectations set by the cafe's generally positive reputation for South Indian fare. While Udupi Cafe is often lauded for its dosas, this particular rendition proved to be a disappointing deviation. The first indication of trouble was the dosa itself. Instead of the expected crisp and golden-brown crepe, what arrived was a pale and somewhat soggy affair. It lacked the characteristic airy texture and the satisfying crunch that makes a good dosa so appealing. Parts of it were strangely chewy, while other sections seemed undercooked, giving it an unpleasant pasty consistency in the mouth. It felt as though the batter hadn't been spread evenly or cooked at the right temperature. The paneer filling, which should have been the star of the dish, was equally underwhelming. The paneer itself was rather bland and rubbery, lacking any discernible freshness or flavor. Instead of being crumbled or grated and lightly spiced, it appeared to be roughly chopped into uninspired chunks. The promised "filling" was also sparse and unevenly distributed, leaving large sections of the dosa with just the lackluster crepe. Furthermore, the spicing of the paneer was virtually non-existent. There was no hint of the aromatic spices that typically elevate a paneer dish. It tasted as though the paneer had simply been stuffed into the dosa without any prior preparation or seasoning. This lack of flavor made the entire experience incredibly monotonous and unappetizing. The sambar and chutneys, which are crucial accompaniments to any dosa, did little to salvage the situation. The sambar, while possessing a decent tanginess, lacked depth and complexity. The vegetables within were overcooked and mushy. The chutneys, particularly the coconut chutney, tasted somewhat stale and lacked the fresh, vibrant flavors that are usually a highlight of South Indian cuisine. The tomato chutney was marginally better but still failed to impress. The overall presentation of the Paneer Dosa was also uninspired. It arrived looking rather forlorn on the plate, without any garnish or attempt to make it visually appealing. This lack of attention to detail further contributed to the feeling of a rushed and carelessly prepared dish. Considering the generally positive reviews surrounding Udupi Cafe, our experience with the Paneer Dosa was a significant letdown. It lacked the fundamental qualities of a good dosa - the crispness, the flavorful filling, and the complementary tastes of the sambar and chutneys. While we are willing to concede that this might have been an off day, the Paneer Dosa we were served was far from enjoyable and certainly not a dish we would recommend. We hope that this feedback will prompt a closer look at the preparation and quality control of this particular offering.