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Bahrain-based group of dosa demolishers Bahrain Masala Dosa Meetup are set to celebrate another year around the sun on Saturday, June 28, marking seven years of savouring the stuffed and spiced Indian crepe across eateries in the kingdom.
Fans of the dish will gather, this time at Divya Amudham in Segaya, to sample their version of the fermented rice and lentil creation, which emerged from the South Indian state of Karnataka in the 20th century but, overtime, has gained admiration from foodies around the world.
Recently, YouTube was abuzz with reels by Indian content creators, filming their creative takes of the trending ‘Dosa, Idli, Sambar, Chutney, Chutney’ jingle.
Prior to that, eight-Michelin star British celebrity chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsey featured the ‘spicy pancake’ on his popular TV show Gordon Ramsey’s Home Cooking.
For the uninitiated, Masala Dosa is a crispy crepe-like dish stuffed with spiced potatoes and typically served with coconut chutney and sambar – a lentil and vegetable stew.
Variations like Spring Dosa, stuffed with Chinese stir-fried noodles and spinach dosa, exhibitng a vibrant green, spinach-infused crepe, among others are also served at some local restaurants.
“As we celebrate this milestone, I want to thank each and every one of you who has been part of this journey – your presence, laughter, and stories have made this group truly special,” said the group’s coordinator Keyem Thomas, who is also a ‘laughter ambassador’, promoting the practice of laughter as a form of well-being.
“Back in June 2018, when Sushma Gupta, Neil Desai, and I first dreamed of creating a group that celebrates South Indian breakfast and meaningful conversations, we never imagined how far it would go. Today, we are a family of over 40 members from different walks of life — doctors, teachers, engineers, athletes, Toastmasters, and more — all brought together by our mutual appreciation for food and friendship,” the 63-year-old from Zinj, who came to Bahrain in 1987, told GulfWeekly.
United by their love for the humble dish, the group has explored numerous restaurants, staging monthly gatherings since 2018, give or take an occasional pandemic shutdown, with old members leaving the kingdom and newbies signing up to take up their places for the culinary sessions.
“We were surprised to learn that this delicious dish has 600 varieties,” Irish-English couple Shakti and Dominic McPolin, who have been part of the group for a year, said.
“This lovely bunch has given us the opportunity to try the breakfast dish in different restaurants in Bahrain. If dosa was available throughout the day, this would be our go-to.” The group’s motto, ‘Meet, Greet, and Eat’, continues to unite and guide the foodies.
“It’s not just about breakfast — it’s about connection, culture, and community. Each meetup is a reminder of the joy that simple things can bring when shared with the right people. Here’s to many more years of crispy dosas, delicious sambars, and cherished mornings together,” Keyem said.
The upcoming meetup on Saturday starts at 8am - all are welcome.
To RSVP, contact Keyem on 39867041
