76 Years of Matsya: How a Chennai restaurant keeps Udupi food traditions alive
Matsya, a long-standing restaurant in Chennai, is celebrating its 76th anniversary by highlighting its traditional Udupi roots. The family-run business is reintroducing heritage menu items to connect with younger generations.
Why it matters
It highlights the preservation of regional culinary heritage amidst the modernization of urban dining landscapes.
One sunny afternoon in October, we step into Matsya Restaurant, where the cosy interiors and friendly staff immediately make us feel at home. We order our favourites from the menu — items that have not changed in years — rasa vada and chilli cheese toast.
As we wait for our order, Ram Bhat, a partner in the family-run establishment, walks in.
The establishment marks 76 years since its beginnings as an Udupi home and the occasion is prompting the family running the restaurant to look back at its roots and bring its heritage menu back into focus. “We want the current generation to enjoy the Udupi fare that we are known for,” says Ram, before insisting that we try their ven pongal served with fruit pachadi.
Rasa vada | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
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