Madras to Malaya Cafe Taman Universiti is a charming Indian restaurant nestled in the heart of Skudai, Johor Bahru, offering a genuine taste of Indian cuisine with a Malaysian twist. Celebrated for its comforting and authentic dishes, this cafe invites diners into a vibrant ambiance buzzing with traditional flavors and the warmth of home-cooked meals.
The menu beautifully showcases a variety of Indian staples and local favorites. Start your culinary journey with their signature Cutting Chai, a spiced Indian tea blend served steaming hot in a traditional glass, setting a cozy, soul-soothing tone for your meal. For a hearty start, their range of Roti Canai stands out — from the classic flaky Roti Canai and buttery Roti Planta, to the uniquely topped Roti Tampal with a golden, crispy egg plastered on top, each bite delivers layers of flaky, buttery goodness that meld perfectly with curry or dhal.
Among the star dishes, the biryani comes highly recommended, bursting with authentic Indian spices that are both aromatic and rich, praised by patrons for its depth of flavor. The pumpkin and chicken curries are notable as well, with tender meats and velvety sauces that linger on the palate with a gentle warmth. Complement your meal with refreshing drinks like Sirap Lychee, a chilled, fruity-sweet concoction that cools and refreshes, or opt for the Hot or Cold Ginger Milk Tea, delivering the perfect balance of spice and sweetness to soothe and energize you.
Dining here exudes a casual, lively atmosphere. It’s a place where the ambience is as authentic as the food, often bustling with the chatter of eager patrons and the clinking of glasses. Parking is plentiful and complimentary, an added convenience for visitors. While some diners note the service can sometimes be a bit slow during busy periods, the staff’s warm and friendly nature shines through, making for welcoming hospitality. True devotees of robust Indian coffee will appreciate the consistently excellent filter coffee, a perfect companion to breakfast or afternoon tea.
While cash is the preferred mode of payment and certain specialties like thosai and biryani are dinner-only offerings, Madras to Malaya Cafe remains a beloved destination for those seeking quality Indian cuisine without breaking the bank. The slight variations in saltiness reported by some customers serve as a gentle reminder of its home-cooked authenticity, adding character rather than detracting from the overall experience.
For those craving a flavorful adventure rooted in tradition yet infused with local charm, Madras to Malaya Cafe Taman Universiti is a delightful find — where every sip of chai and every morsel of roti carries the rich cultural heritage of India, nestled comfortably in the heart of Johor Bahru.
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Karthik Raj
18/11/2025
Food is ok, compare others competing restaurant in this area. Need to less salty in the food . Observe most of the time the foods are slightly salty which is bad for health .
Kunjeeboi Gomez
08/11/2025
Our first time here. The food here tasted okay. The prices were reasonable as well. My banana leaf meal with fish cutlet and iced tea cost RM 14.30. Ambience was nice as well. My only complaint is that the workers are a little slow. It took 5-10 mins of waiting to just get the rice. Waiters also brought inji Puli instead of achar when we requested it. No more molaga also.
Palani Thangaveloo
06/11/2025
Madras to Malaya Cafe offers amazing food! Their biryani is absolutely superb, packed with authentic Indian flavors. A must-visit for anyone craving delicious and genuine Indian cuisine!
Leong
10/10/2025
Nice, yummy Indian food, especially the pumpkin and chicken curries and rice. Very disappointed that they only sell thosai and biryani during dinner, not lunch. No credit nor debit cards payment, cash only. The lemon and lime drinks come with free refill of ice especially on a very hot lunchtime.
Kow Seelia Arumugam
04/09/2025
Had breakfast, food is good service standards changes depending on how busy it is. Food is worth the price which is cheaper than most places with the same ambience. Plenty of parking. Which is free. Filter coffee is always excellent. One of the best coffee around. Service staff are nice , but some of them need to be more service orientated. Be prepared to done I a very loud environment.