Dosa and Idli arrive in Shanghai

Let the “Good Times” roll! Yes, Shanghai *finally has dosa (at least 10 types) and idli served with coconut and tomato chutney. With Vedas, Bukhara, Indian Kitchen, Masala Art and other Indian establishments here for years, you would expect these South Indian delights to have landed in Shanghai long ago, but to our knowledge this is a first.

Wikipedia says this is how they are made…

“Regular dosa batter is made from rice and split, skinned urad bean (black lentil) blended with water and left to ferment overnight. A modified form of the same batter can be used to make idlis."

But, to be honest, we don't really care how these heaven on earth morsels are created. We only want to know how it tastes…..and it’s delicious. For those who haven’t tried it, dosa and idli, have a subtle sourdough-like flavor, similar to the Ethiopian bread, injera, but softer. (Which reminds us, we heard Beijing has a newly opened Ethiopian restaurant called Ras. When is Shanghai going to get one?!)

Good Times is the sister restaurant of Masala Art and located just two doors down. The menu prices are fair and feature other South Indian specialties and a mish mash of Western dishes. Idli (28rmb) and dosa (38-48rmb) are often eaten for breakfast in India, but if you don’t have the stomach for it, the restaurant also has a good value for money western-style breakfast for 58rmb with coffee.

This restaurant will definitely be added to our list of favorites!

* Good Times was first reported open online in December 2007, but we never heard about it until recently. We think all those in the know were trying to keep it a secret for themselves and we can understand why.

Good Times, 401 Dagu Road, near Chengdu Rd. 5375-1275

Photo by my hovercraft is full of eels