High quality Southern Indian cuisine at a reasonable price. There is seating for 12, so you may want to get your food to go once they take off. The menu doesn't have descriptions, but the host will describe any food to you. We Googled most food because we were not as used to Southern Indian food. Before getting into details, this place really knows how to cook food well. Fried foods are perfectly cooked and not dripping oil... it was almost as if they used an air fryer. Spices are somehow permeating the food and yet you can still recognize individual spice flavors. Be aware that they use paper plates and plastic tableware. Since you're not cutting into meat, the plastic ware is useable. We got the following: Mango lassi - mango and yogurt drink and I detected a bit of cardamom. They were on par with most Indian restaurants. Limca - lemon lime soda. Tasted like 7up. Samosa - Pastry pockets came with a spicy sauce like a Sirracha ketchup, perfectly fried, no oil saturation. Potato and spice stuffing was fresh and had a great texture. Palak Vada - like a savory spinach donut, excellent fresh roasted spice flavors, perfectly fried, no oil saturation. The texture had crunchy bits on the outer crust and an inside like cornbread. Spices were amazing! Dipping sauce was a peanut chutney with fennel. Paneer Masala Dosa - crepe-like pancake with fresh farmer's cheese bits and a masala curry. It also came with peanut chutney and sambar. Dosas are made from fermented ground lentils and rice batter. They taste a bit like a crepe with the slight taste of a fresh cheese that has been fried. Butter Dosa - this was very similar to the Paneer Masala Dosa but the ingredients spread on the inside were like a mild, buttery curry paste. Butter Masala Dosa - this tasted very similar to the Butter Dosa. Sambar with White Rice - you pour the soup over the rice and it ends up being like a red curry dish with veggies. Served with a papadum, which is thin cracker that tastes like a saltine. Lemon rice - not very lemony but looked like a fried rice and tasted like a jasmine and yellow curry rice. read more

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Began with spiced chickpea and potato samosas. Unbelievably good! Super fresh, made to order. On the server's recommendation, I had Bindi Masala. Bits of egg plant, beautiful spice in creamy coconut milk. This is best Indian food I've ever had. Truly authentic in a super clean restaurant. Whoever runs this is truly committed to excellent, fresh food. read more

Madras Cafe - Samosa - Indian Near Me - Appleton, Wisconsin

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Had the chai, mango lassi, and mini tiffin plate, which is like a sampler platter (plenty of food for 1 person). All the sauces had complex, very delicious flavors, some were a bit spicy/heat but tolerable to someone who generally orders everything mild. Mango lassi is comparable to other indian restaurants, all of them being very sweet, with strong mango flavor. The chai was delicious. All of the food I had was beautifully balanced flavors and textures. I will return. read more

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Delicious food and wonderful service. Tried there mini tiffin, the quantity was enough for two people. Absolutely loved it..

We were in OshKosh for AirVenture, looking for some options to eat beyond typical American or Italian. Thanks to Yelpers, we decided to drive up to Appleton and boy, are we glad that we did. Delicious South Indian food, run by a family. Very attentive, pleasant and the chef even checked in on the tables to see how the food was, seeking feedback. The place is lovely and quaint, definitely worth trying out. We had a South Indian Thali, Onion Masala Dosa, and a Masala Dosa. They were all delicious, plentiful, and reasonably priced. We even ended up trying the mango dolly, an ice cream bar which was delish!! We will even plan to come back again before we leave the area as we appreciated the food, the service, and grateful to have found it. Give it a chance and you won't regret it. read more

Madras Cafe - Outside - Indian Near Me - Appleton, Wisconsin

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Very surprised to find a pure vegetarian south Indian restaurant in this small community. Food tasted divine and home cooked. Rasam was out of this world. We ordered Idli, Dosa, and vada - all tasted good. The owners were very friendly and gave me a taste of a few dishes - all tasted good. This is a must-try if you are in Appleton and crave South Indian food. Highly recommend it. read more

Very friendly people and so so food.The first time we went it was great! The second time it was busy. We never received two items. The food was mediocre. It took a long time to receive our food. I loved the friendless of the staff but we paid almost $75 for two people and did not receive two of of orders. We were only given a small bottle of water to share for two people. For almost 80 dollars I could have ordered in or went to a better place. read more

Great food, very friendly hosts. Food took about 35 minutes to be served which seemed long for what we ordered.

Really good food and I love their buffet. The service was good. I like when a business employs people that understand the food.

Quite delicious vegetarian dishes. Fresh and homemade. And the service was very friendly. We will definitely be back.

This is one of the best vegetarian places in Appleton! Very flavorful food and great service. If you have never tried South Indian Food, try their Dosa. They are not spicy. read more

Delicious vegetarian Indian food for great prices! The staff was very friendly and helpful and the portions were just right. Wonderful experience! read more

Even though we had the address and the approximate location, we still drove past the restaurant. The building is set back and the sign is not obvious, but don't be deterred. If you enjoy authentic South Indian food or are interested in trying it, make the effort to visit the Madras Café. The seating is limited and the plates are paper, but if you are going there for the food and you are interested in South Indian cuisine, you won't be disappointed. The proprietors are helpful and friendly. We ordered individual dosas and shared an order of idli. They were excellent. If you want a taste of South India and you are nearby, try the Madras Café. read more

Food was delicious. I had the South Indian thali which was very well seasoned and a delicious cup of chai. Unfortunately, the food was served on disposable plates and bowls - hence the 4/5 rating. read more

Absolutely incredible. They deliver so much depth of flavor with a vegetarian menu -- something I haven't experienced before. It's a casual spot with owners that were truly a delight to meet. read more

Authentic South Indian food. Incredible taste. The place is run by a couple, who have a very pleasing personality and make you feel welcome. Very hygienic, clean and homely food. Must visit if you are in this area! read more

Would definitely recommend. Authentic Indian food at very reasonable prices. Owners were friendly, courteous and explained the menu. Had the spicy tamarind rice. read more

We do not live in Appleton, but lately visit every couple of months. We are so grateful to have found the Madras Cafe. The food is so delicious, the prices are reasonable, and the owners always make us feel very welcome. We look forward to visiting again. read more