In an era where dining trends rapidly evolve, Rameshwaram Cafe has cemented itself as a steadfast tribute to authentic South Indian cuisine and a hub of cultural appreciation. With its beginnings in Bengaluru, this beloved cafe quickly became a sensation, capturing the hearts of food enthusiasts with its unfiltered South Indian flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and nod to the legacy of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, whose birthplace the café's name honors.
Raghavendra Rao and Divya Raghavendra Rao, a dynamic husband-wife duo with a shared passion for South Indian cuisine and an impressive professional background, founded Rameshwaram Cafe. Raghavendra Rao, a former mechanical engineer with over 20 years of experience in the food industry, leads the café’s operations, bringing a wealth of expertise and a hands-on approach. Divya Raghavendra Rao, a qualified Chartered Accountant with an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, heads the Management and Finance department, adding structure and strategic direction to the business. Together, they built Rameshwaram Cafe with a singular vision: to bring the rich, unfiltered taste of South India to the world.
In an interview, Raghavendra Rao shared his humble beginnings, revealing that he once delivered newspapers to earn pocket money, with his first salary being just ₹400. Driven by a strong work ethic, he later started selling food on a tricycle with the support of friends and his hostel warden, quoting, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Though initially inclined toward acting, he ultimately found his calling in the food industry, building Rameshwaram Cafe from the ground up with passion and perseverance.
Despite challenges, the founders launched Rameshwaram Cafe with an initial investment of less than a crore, strategically keeping costs low while focusing on quality and authenticity. Inspired by Dr. Kalam’s life and legacy, the café not only pays tribute to his birthplace but also to his ideals of dedication and authenticity. The founders’ dream took shape in 2021 when the café opened its first two outlets in Bengaluru, and they’ve since expanded significantly.
As of March 2024, Rameshwaram Cafe boasts four locations across Bengaluru and has also expanded to Hyderabad. Plans for international expansion are also underway, with new outlets expected to open in Dubai and Singapore. This move will bring Rameshwaram Cafe’s exceptional South Indian flavors to an even broader audience, establishing the cafe as a global ambassador for South Indian cuisine.
Rameshwaram Cafe has become famous for its meticulously crafted dishes that capture the heart of South Indian cuisine. Traditional recipes, perfected over generations, form the foundation of their culinary approach. The café’s chefs masterfully prepare crispy masala dosas, fluffy idlis, tangy sambar, and creamy coconut chutney, aiming to transport diners straight to the vibrant kitchens of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and beyond. Using locally-sourced ingredients, the café ensures that every meal is fresh, authentic, and supportive of regional farmers.
Rameshwaram Cafe’s journey to prominence was swift, thanks in part to the founders’ dedication and strategic approach. Today, the café reportedly earns ₹4.5 crore per month, accumulating over ₹50 crore in annual revenue. The café’s popularity skyrocketed after Sujeet Kumar, co-founder of B2B startup Udaan, revealed the café's remarkable monthly revenue during a podcast with Zerodha CEO Nikhil Kamath. The attention helped bolster the café's reputation by drawing in even more visitors eager to experience its acclaimed flavors.
Rameshwaram Cafe has also become the go-to choice for high-profile events. The café successfully collaborated by catering the high tea and dinner at the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, which took place at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The high tea menu featured regional delights such as coconut puran poli, pesarattu dosa, thatte idli, bonda soup, and signature filter coffee, all of which showcased the café’s expertise in curating traditional South Indian dishes for prestigious occasions.
In 2024, the Rameshwaram Cafe introduced Rameshwaram Cafe on Wheels, an innovative food truck that aims to enhance accessibility to their culinary delights. With a modern kitchen that can prepare up to 120 idlis at once, the food truck caters to both corporate and personal events. It frequently visits residential communities and tech parks, bringing the flavors of South India directly to neighborhoods across Bengaluru.
Rameshwaram Cafe isn’t just about serving food; it’s about creating a community and preserving cultural heritage. The founders’ commitment to quality, authenticity, and regional pride resonates deeply with patrons. The cafe is a place where people gather to savor traditional flavors, celebrate South Indian culture, and make memories with loved ones. Each meal at Rameshwaram Cafe reflects the founders’ dream, realized through dedication, hard work, and an unwavering belief in the beauty of South Indian cuisine.
With its strong foundation and ambitious expansion plans, Rameshwaram Cafe stands as a tribute to South Indian culinary heritage and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring restaurateurs. As it continues to expand its reach, the café remains committed to its roots, delivering the soul of South Indian cuisine to all who come through its doors.
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