I have been visiting Kerala Cafe in every visit to Varanasi since 2002. It used to the only authentic south indian food restaurant there. Over the years the authentic flavor of food r has gone to worst (rather confused what it is) and the service is just ok.
Today an incident occured. I ordered a cold coffee after the regular idli and dosa. Sadly the sambar was no more an authentic one nor the chutney. I could understand this because when you try to localise.
The came the cold coffee. One glass full of JUST froth and little coffee. So I asked the waiter to check if there was a mistake, he refused to listen. Later I went to the owner sitting at the counter. His son ( I guess) was preparing the coffee. told me this is the way its done at kerela cafe. so I asked only this much coffee for Rs.30??? He said yes and was unwilling to listen.
This is what happens to good restaurants and bad and greedy new owners. They cut corners (chindhi chor) to make a small extra buck and lose a customer who is loyal.
Recommendation... Aiyer Cafe at Gadholiya... good service positive people... still some authentic flavour leff...