Rathna Cafe, Chennai Restaurant ~ Surving the tastes of time

Some establishments just refuse to be cowed down by the onslaught of modernism, surprisingly. Rathne Cafe at Triplicane, Chennai, is one of them.

An integral part of Triplicane since the past six decades, this restaurant was the haunt of many beach goers, celebrities and diehard 'idli sambar' lovers.

The long paper masalas, filter coffees and steaming hot idlis soaked in sambar are the signature dishes of this place. Perched on the busy Triplicane High Road, this restaurant has been witness to tremendous changes around over the last 60 years.

Highrise structures that came about since the '80s, small businesses that turned this into a business cum commercial area, zipping autos and the descent of students and working professionals turning Triplicane into a bahchelors' paradise, the Chepauk Stadium and the MRTS.

It has also seen the near demise of the cycle rickshaw. While ownership has changed over the recent years, the food remains the same. And oldtimers still swear by the South Indian eats, despite the parking hazzards on this road. It has recently opened a second outlet at GN Chetty Road, Chennai.

The place a bit trendier now, although it still offers the idli podi, ghee and oil for a few rupees. The first floor has been airconditioned to retain clients who would othewise move to more plush eatouts.

Success doesn't mean changing to the new. It means keeping traditions alive despite change. Don't you agree?

Chennai Restaurants, Rathna Cafe, Triplicane.