CANARA COFFEE HOUSE

EK DOUBLE UPMA EK MASALA


Today in the morning after heavy work out and walk my hunger pangs were crying so just straight away went to one of the iconic breakfast eatery at Dandia bazar. It needs no introduction as it is in the list of many food alcoholics of Baroda. It is none other but Canara cafe.

I started with Upma which I usually have and being a regular customer over there from last 30 years even the waiters over there don't ask me what I want as they are aware of my choices. Without placing an order a guy came up with Hot Upma and Chutney. After having done with Upma thought that still I can push something more in my belly so ordered Masala dosa. It was hot served with Sambhar and chutney. Total Damages made Rs.60 but its quite worth. There Poona Misal is also a big hit among the Barodians and it is worth to have it when you are here. While I was having this food it took me down memory lane. Dad used to bring us here on Saturday mornings to have a quick meal after having Darshan at Hanuman Temple at Sursagar. At that time Upma cost Rs. 2.50 and I used to have Double Upma. Same menu card with lights right from ages, no change. Only rates have changed with passage of time. Still quite economical compared to other restaurants of Baroda.

And incidentally, it hasn't changed an inch, so it would make me even more nostalgic. The same paint on the walls. The same menu, the same lit up menu, the same juice tins on the shelves, the same aquariums kind of piece at the entrance, same furniture, same glasses. Nothing has changed.

So what makes Canara cafe so great, what is it that makes it survive for so many years. Its been there for well over 7 decades i know for sure.
Is it the ambience? Could be. Its a roadside cafe, could get noisy at times. U myt not get a table to urself smtyms n wd hv to share it wd smbdy. It doesn't even have an airconditioner and the fan does not help everyone.
So is it the service? I have seen the same folks working there, with the pen behind their ear, you can order a hundred dishes and it would go straight to their brain till they shout it out so the cooks can know. They don't offer takeaways unless u go with your own containers. They don't offer home delivery. Nobody holds doors open for you or smiles and greets when you come in.
So is it value for money? Could be. The most expensive food item on their menu is, i believe, masala uttapam, which costs a good Rs.50! And that's how their prices have always been. A upma plate is Rs.10. For less than Rs.50 you can have so much to eat that you will be totally full. Quantity has never been a problem nor has quality.
And is it taste? Poona misal, perhaps the most popular dish at Canara is a benchmark of sorts. For me personally, so is the upma and the dosa. The taste is good, its definitely more than worth you spend on it and you would never feel bad when you pay the bill.
So what makes Canara Cafe a restaurant that has survived the test of time for as long as it has? Why does it continue to draw in foodies like us each day? So many restaurants don't even survive say five or ten years, what does Canara do differently?
Highly recommended