Lakshmi Vilas Restaurant

We chanced upon this quiet little Indian coffeeshop while we were driving around the foot of Mount Faber. Located just opposite two busy churches (Grace and Telok Ayer Methodist Churches) on a Sunday, it was rather busy today, according to the cashier.

Still it is difficult to imagine this eatery really crowded, as it is located off the main road, along the quiet Morse/Wishart Road area. Street parking is readily available along this quiet road.

The food was quite standard and at the usual (some say cheap) prices. We tried the plain thosai ($1.20 per piece) and plain prata ($0.80 per piece) to satisfy our peckishness.

The breads are served on traditional pieces of brown paper (like the type we packet chicken rice in) and the servers readily provide cutlery as well as huge containers of accompaniments (coconut, dahl, fish curry) to go with the bread. For a truly authentic feel, do eat with your fingers and dollop a little of every sauce provided on the paper. Use the pieces of crispy prata to sop up the sauces and remember to lick your fingers for absolute satisfaction! Two sinks (with hand soap) are provided for customers' convenience, so get those digits dirty!

The two servings of both thosai and prata were substantial enough to fill our stomachs, washed down with a good swig of teh ahlia (ginger tea).

Verdict: staff were very polite, helpful; food was reasonable and the whole ambience of the eatery was one of comfort, rustic, kampong-vibe. Good to visit after a walk along the Southern Ridges/Mount Faber!