Boston-based South Indian restaurant chain Madras Dosa Co. has more locations on the way to Manhattan. After opening its first New York location in Times Square in January and another location at 668 Sixth Avenue in March, the company is preparing to open at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Rockefeller Center in April and at 829 Third Avenue in Midtown East later this spring, according to a release.
“Opening four locations in under six months in the top culinary destination in the world is an incredible undertaking, but it reaffirms our commitment to introducing authentic South Indian cuisine to new audiences,” CEO and co-founder Koushik “Babu” Koganti said in the release. “Our goal is for Madras Dosa Co. to set the industry standard for fast casual Indian cuisine, showcasing how accessible it can be while maintaining our well-known packed flavor profile.”
Chief business development officer Thomas Kim told What Now New York that they have been selecting locations strategically, searching for areas of the city with high foot traffic.
The fast-casual brand, founded in Boston in 2021, has locations in Boston; Cambridge, Mass.; and Princeton, New Jersey. The brand is centered around dosas — thin, crispy, gluten-free pancakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter. Dosas are made in-house and customers can choose from various meat and vegetable options. Sweet dosas are also available.
Madras Dosa Co.’s menu also includes items like chaats, canteen sandwiches, paniyaram (pan-roasted dumplings made of rice and lentil) and idly (steamed rice and lentil cakes served with coconut chutney and sambar).
Locations feature an open kitchen and a unique mural that showcases Indian culture.
Kim said the brand finds its strength in presenting a new, flavorful and healthy option for customers.
“This is a project that our whole team believes in. Personally speaking, I feel like dosas are really underrepresented in the U.S. It’s a staple food for the Indian culture that’s been around for thousands and thousands of years,” Kim said. “I would love to see it be right up there next to CAVA and next to Chipotle as another option for New Yorkers to be able to enjoy.”
Eventually, Kim hopes to expand within Manhattan and to other areas of New York outside of Manhattan, as well. Park Slope, Astoria, Hoboken, Long Island City are areas of interest.
