Our South Indian Menu
Our South Indian menu is built around the dosa — a thin, golden rice-and-lentil crepe cooked crisp on the griddle and folded around fillings, then served hot with sambhar and coconut chutney. Pick the classic Plain Dosa, a Masala Dosa with spiced potato, a Ghee Podi Dosa with fiery podi powder, a gooey Cheese Dosa, or our fusion Pav Bhaji Dosa. Prefer something softer? Our Idli Sambar brings steamed rice cakes with a hot lentil-and-vegetable stew.
$8.99
$9.99Pav Bhaji Dosa
Fusion dosa filled with a spicy, buttery mashed vegetable bhaji. Served with fresh chutneys and sambhar.
$9.99
$9.99Masala Dosa
Crispy rice crepe filled with spiced potato masala. Served with hot sambhar and chutneys.
$9.99Cheese Dosa
Crispy rice crepe loaded with melted, gooey cheese. Served hot with traditional sambhar and flavorful chutneys.
$6.99Idli Sambar
Soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes served with hot, flavorful lentil-based vegetable stew.
The Story of South Indian Food
South Indian cuisine comes from the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where rice, lentils, coconut, curry leaves, tamarind and mustard seeds shape almost every meal. It is known for being light, tangy and full of texture, and it is one of the most loved regional cuisines in the world. At Masala Memories in Amherst, NY we bring the best-known street and breakfast dishes of the south to your table: the crispy dosa and the soft, pillowy idli.
If you have been searching for South Indian food near Buffalo, Amherst, Tonawanda, Williamsville or Niagara Falls, our menu gives you a simple way to start. Every plate comes with sambhar and chutney, the two sides that make South Indian food complete.
What Is a Dosa?
A dosa is a thin crepe made from a fermented batter of rice and urad (black gram) lentils. The batter is left to ferment so it develops a mild tang and a light, airy texture. It is poured onto a hot griddle, spread into a wide round and cooked until the edges turn golden and crisp. Because the batter is fermented, a dosa has a flavor that is hard to compare with any other flatbread.
The dosa can be eaten plain, or filled and folded. Each of our dosas is served with hot sambhar, a tangy lentil and vegetable stew, and cool coconut chutney. Tear off a piece of the crisp dosa, dip it in the sambhar and chutney, and enjoy the contrast of hot, cool, tangy and mild flavors.
What Is Idli Sambar?
Idli are soft, round steamed cakes made from the same rice and lentil batter as dosa. They are steamed, not fried, which keeps them very soft and light. Served with hot sambhar, our Idli Sambar is a comforting dish that Indian families eat for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner. At only $6.99 it is one of the best-value items on our menu.
Our South Indian Dishes Explained
| Dish | What You Get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Dosa | A crispy rice crepe served with flavorful sambhar and coconut chutney. A simple classic. | $8.99 |
| Masala Dosa | A crispy crepe filled with spiced potato masala. The most popular dosa in India. | $9.99 |
| Ghee Podi Dosa | A crepe smeared with aromatic ghee and spicy podi powder for a nutty, fiery flavor. | $9.99 |
| Cheese Dosa | A crepe loaded with melted, gooey cheese. A favorite with kids and first-timers. | $9.99 |
| Pav Bhaji Dosa | A fusion dosa filled with spicy, buttery mashed vegetable bhaji, served with chutneys and sambhar. | $9.99 |
| Idli Sambar | Soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes served with hot lentil-based vegetable stew. | $6.99 |
Which Dosa Should I Order?
- First time trying South Indian food? Start with the Masala Dosa or the Cheese Dosa. Both are mild, filling and easy to love.
- Like bold, spicy flavor? Go for the Ghee Podi Dosa. The podi powder adds a spicy, nutty kick.
- Want something different? Try the Pav Bhaji Dosa, which combines Mumbai street food with a South Indian dosa.
- Want a lighter meal? Pick the Idli Sambar, or the Plain Dosa with extra chutney.
How to Enjoy Your Meal
The traditional way is to eat a dosa with your hands. Break off a piece, scoop up some chutney or dip it into the sambhar, and eat it while it is still crisp. If you are taking your food home, eat the dosa soon after pickup for the best crunch. Dosa is best enjoyed within a short time after cooking.
South Indian Takeout in Amherst, NY
Masala Memories is at 3355 Sheridan Dr, Amherst, NY 14226. You can order South Indian food online for pickup through our Toast ordering page, or call us on 716-259-9640. We serve families, students and office workers across Amherst, Buffalo, Tonawanda, Williamsville and the Niagara Falls region. Also explore our Kathi Rolls and the full menu.
Why You Will Love Our South Indian Food
Authentic recipes, fresh ingredients and honest prices from your neighborhood Indian kitchen in Amherst.
Made to order
Every dosa is spread, crisped and filled when you order, so it reaches you hot and crunchy.
Sambhar & chutneys
Served with hot sambhar and coconut chutney, the traditional way to eat South Indian breakfast classics.
Dosa for every taste
From a simple plain dosa to cheese, ghee podi and pav bhaji fusion, there is a dosa for every craving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about our south indian.
What is a dosa?
A dosa is a thin, crispy South Indian crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It is usually served with sambhar and chutney.
What is the difference between plain dosa and masala dosa?
A plain dosa is the simple crisp crepe. A masala dosa is filled with spiced potato masala.
What is ghee podi dosa?
It is a crisp dosa smeared with aromatic ghee and spicy podi, a South Indian chutney powder.
Where can I order South Indian food near Buffalo and Niagara Falls?
Masala Memories is at 3355 Sheridan Dr, Amherst, NY 14226. Order online for takeout or call 716-259-9640.
Is South Indian food spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on the dish. A Plain or Cheese Dosa is mild, while Ghee Podi Dosa has more heat from podi powder. Let us know your preference when ordering.
What is sambhar?
Sambhar is a tangy South Indian lentil and vegetable stew flavored with tamarind and spices. It is served with every dosa and idli.
What is the best dosa for beginners?
Masala Dosa and Cheese Dosa are great first choices because they are filling and not too spicy.
Do the dosas come with chutney?
Yes, our dosas are served with sambhar and coconut chutney as described on our menu.
Hungry? Order South Indian Now
Order online for pickup or call us. Serving Amherst, Buffalo, Tonawanda and Niagara Falls.