Saravanaa Bhavan, widely regarded as the world’s largest South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain, with over 104 restaurants, is preparing to open in Adelaide this weekend, bringing with it a globally recognised name, a fiercely loyal following, and a philosophy built on impressive consistency of flavour.
The new restaurant will open on Fosters Road in Lightsview on Sunday 23 February 2026, marking the brand’s arrival in South Australia.
Managing partner Shekar Mani says the brand’s international appeal comes down to a simple but powerful formula. “It’s entirely because of the model we’re built on, fresh vegetarian and vegan food, cooked consistently and delivered the same way across all our restaurants worldwide,” he explains.
“It’s the kind of food people miss when they’re away from home.”
For Mani, who comes from a background spanning hospitality leadership and corporate roles, the decision to invest in the brand was driven by its reputation and clarity of purpose. “I’ve always been drawn to strong brands, and this is one with deep roots and a very clear philosophy.”
That philosophy centres on familiarity and reliability. Saravanaa Bhavan’s offering is intentionally consistent from city to city, allowing customers to experience the same flavours wherever they go. “We deliver the same food across all our restaurants worldwide,” Mani says. “People come because they know exactly what they’re going to get, and they trust it.”
While Mani says the restaurant naturally attracts diners of Indian origin, he adds that its appeal stretches far beyond that. “South Indian cuisine has become extremely popular globally over the last few decades,” he explains. “As more Indians move abroad for work, especially in technology, they introduce local friends and colleagues to this food. People discover it’s healthy, flavourful, often fermented and low GI. That’s helped it gain strong appeal with younger and health-conscious audiences everywhere.”
At the centre of the menu is the dish that has become synonymous with the brand’s identity: the dosa. A thin, crispy fermented crepe made from rice and lentil batter and typically filled with spiced potato masala, it’s served alongside sambar and a selection of chutneys. “The dosa, especially the masala dosa, is our most popular dish,” Mani says.
Founded in Chennai in 1981, Saravanaa Bhavan has grown from a single local venture into a global powerhouse, now operating dozens of outlets across India and nearly 50 more across Australia, the UK, Europe, Southeast Asia, North America and the Middle East. The story began decades earlier, when founder Rajagopal opened a small grocery shop on the outskirts of Chennai in 1968 — a humble start that would evolve into a worldwide culinary brand. By the 1990s, the restaurants were dotted across Chennai, and in 2000 the company launched its first international location in Dubai, paving the way for expansion into cities including Paris, London, Frankfurt, New York, Toronto and Auckland.
The brand’s original vision for accessible, authentic South Indian vegetarian food laid the foundations for what would become a global hospitality empire. Today, that legacy is carried forward by CEO Shiva Kumar, who continues to steer the family-led brand’s international growth while maintaining its core philosophy of consistency, affordability and care for both customers and staff.
The Adelaide venue has been designed to reflect the brand as a whole. Expect a modern, contemporary space layered with subtle Indian motifs rather than overt theming. “It’s comfortable, well-lit and family-friendly,” Mani explains. “We don’t want it to feel exclusive, we want the food to shine while the space feels welcoming and accessible.”
And if the brand’s global trajectory is anything to go by, Adelaide diners are about to discover why Saravanaa Bhavan has become one of the most recognisable vegetarian restaurant names in the world.
Saravanaa Bhavan
Where: Shop 2, 163/169 Fosters Rd, Lightsview
When: Set to open 23 February 2026
For more info, click here.
