Southern specialties - DOSA - Eimsbüttel

Dosa is one of the most legendary specialties from South India and should not be missing from a good Indian menu. Many of our guests at SVAAdish Describe it as the “Indian crepe” — but with a very special twist.

A dosa is a wafer-thin, crispy flatbread that is traditionally made from a fermented dough of rice and black lentils (Urad Dal) is manufactured.

That's what makes Dosa so special:

‍Crunchy texture: It is spread razor-thin on a large hot plate (tawa) and fried until golden brown and crispy with a little oil or ghee.

‍Slightly sour flavor: Fermenting the dough gives the dosa a unique, slightly sour taste that goes perfectly with the spicy fillings.

‍Nutrient-rich: As it is based on lentils and rice, it is a great source of protein and also Naturally gluten-free (as no wheat is used) .The most popular variants:

‍Masala Dosa: The classic! It is filled with a spicy potato and onion mash (masala).

‍Plain Dosa: The simple version without filling — perfect for beginners.

‍Paneer Dosa: Filled with fine Indian cream cheese.

Yes, with

For children, we often recommend the Plain Dosa or a mildly filled dosa.

‍Mild & digestible: The dough is not spicy.

‍Exciting to eat: The size of a dose always makes for big eyes at the table!

‍Vegan possible: Since the dough is purely plant-based, a dosa (prepared without ghee) is an excellent vegan option.

Traditionally, dosa is served with two essential accompaniments:

‍Sambar: A spicy, slightly sour lentil stew with vegetables.
‍Chutneys: Mostly a creamy coconut chutney and a fruity tomato chutney.

‍Tip: You tear off small pieces of dosa by hand, dip them into the chutney or sambar and enjoy the combination of crispy, creamy and spicy.

Dosa is much more than just a “pancake.” His secret lies in complex production and his unique texture:

‍The art of fermentation: The dough made from rice and Urad lentils must ferment for up to 24 hours. This process not only makes Dosa digestible, but also gives it that distinctive, slightly sour flavor that you won't find anywhere else.

‍Razor-thin & huge: A real dosa must be as thin as parchment paper and extremely crispy at the same time. It is often served large enough to expand the box — a real highlight on every table!

‍Healthy “superfood”: Because it is based on legumes, it is high in protein, low in fat and Naturally gluten-free and vegan (if prepared without ghee).

Although Hamburg is an international metropolis, a authentic dosa Still a rarity. Why

‍Craftsmanship: To make a Dosa perfect, you need special hotplates (tawas) and chefs who are perfect at the technique of “brushing out”. This is real craft that you won't find on every corner.

‍Rarity in northern Germany: Many Indian restaurants in Hamburg focus on North Indian classics such as butter chicken. With Dosa, SvaAdish brings the South Indian soul to Hamburg and thus offers a culinary variety of this quality that is rarely available in the Hanseatic city.

‍Freshness guarantee: You cannot “prepare” or warm up a dosa. It must be served the second it comes off the hot plate. At SVAAdish, we guarantee this fresh, crunchy experience in the middle of Hamburg.

Yes, dogs are welcome in all SVAAdish restaurants! If you're wondering Dosa is 100% vegetarian! In fact, it is one of the most famous vegetarian classics in Indian cuisine and forms the basis for many plant-based meals.

Here's why Dosa is the perfect choice for vegetarians (and often vegans too):

1. Pure vegetable baseThe dough of an original dose consists exclusively of:
‍Rice
Urad Dal (peeled black lentils)
‍water and a pinch of salt

‍Since there are no eggs or dairy products in the dough, the basis of the dosa is not only vegetarian, but also naturally vegan.

2. Vegetarian fillings
At SVAAdish, we serve dosa with traditional vegetarian side dishes:

‍Sambar: A spicy lentil stew with lots of fresh vegetables.
‍Chutneys: Our homemade dips (such as coconut or tomato chutney) are also purely vegetarian.
‍Masala filling: The classic filling consists of hearty seasoned potatoes and onions.

3. Ideal for special diets
Since the dosa is vegetarian and made without wheat flour, it is also an excellent option for guests who are looking for a gluten-free diet pay attention.

‍Important note for vegans: Traditionally, Dosa is sometimes used with ghee (clarified clarified butter) fried to make it particularly crispy. If you want a strict vegan option, just let our helpful staff at SvaAdish know — we'll be happy to prepare your dosa with vegetable oil!

Yes, of course! With Eimsbüttel. Dosa is a real specialty and is served exclusively at this location.

Why is Dosa only available in Eimsbüttel?
Producing a perfect dosa is a true art and cannot simply be done “on the side”. There are two decisive reasons why we chose exclusivity in Eimsbüttel:

‍Special equipment: An authentic Dosa requires a very special, massive and extremely hot stone or iron plate (Tawa). Only in our kitchen in Eimsbüttel have we created the technical requirements to bake the dosas as large and wafer-thin as they need to be.

‍Rare craftsmanship: Spreading the fermented dough around and evenly in a single, flowing movement requires years of experience and genuine craftsmanship. Our specialized chefs in Eimsbüttel are masters of this technique.

A culinary highlight in Hamburg-Eimsbüttel
The fact that we offer this South Indian “soul food” in Eimsbüttel makes this location a real magnet for lovers of authentic Indian cuisine. It's the perfect dish if you:

One gluten-free or vegan Look for an alternative.
Would like to enjoy a light but filling lunch (Mon—Fr, 11—16).

Want to show your kids something exciting and crunchy.

‍Our tip: If you're planning for a larger group or a children's birthday party and really want to try Dosa, it's best to reserve a table directly in Eimsbüttelto make sure you enjoy this rare specialty.

Yes, with SVAAdish Of course, we offer a wide and delicious selection of vegetarian and vegan Indian dishes on! As a modern restaurant, it is particularly important to us to meet the wishes and needs of our guests, including Sustainability and animal welfare to respect.

You'll be amazed by the variety of our plant-based options. From aromatic curries with fresh vegetables and legumes to a variety of Indian Street Food, which does not contain any animal products — we have something to suit everyone's taste. To make your selection as easy as possible, all dishes on our menu are clearly marked. This allows you to see at a glance which dishes are vegetarian and which are vegan.

Should you still have any questions about ingredients, allergens or preparation, do not hesitate to contact our helpful staff to turn around. We are happy to provide you with advice and assistance and help you find the perfect meal that not only tastes great but also meets your dietary preferences. Enjoy healthy and diverse Indian cuisine at SVAAdish!