Get a dose of dosa: South Indian cuisine is having an Irish moment
The current Indian population in Ireland is estimated by the Government to amount to more than 80,000 people, making it the third largest immigrant group in the Republic (after Polish and UK citizens). It is driving a groundswell opening of South Indian restaurants around Dublin and the country, disrupting the dishes we have come to know over the years as Indian food. Praveen Madire, owner of Andhra Bhavan restaurant, wanted to showcase South Indian food and culture in Ireland, and provide an alternative to the restaurants with northern cuisine. “We don’t change the taste of our dishes from what you would get in India. We don’t use butter or cream unless specifically required.” If a customer is a little hesitant about spice levels, the staff have been trained not to tone down the dishes, but instead guide them to gentler options that will still give an authentic taste of South India.
