A morning of sightseeing in the hot, unforgiving heat of Madurai actually left me hungry come lunchtime. My driver, Selvamraj, recommended Hotel Supreme as a neat and clean, comfortable place to grab lunch. I took him at his word and climbed the steps into the hotel lobby. Easy signage led me to the entrance for Surya, the veg restaurant. Starting off my experience was ice cold air blowing through the dining room…ahh, relief.

Madras Thali

The usual staples are on the menu but what the businessman lunch crowd seems to go for is the smartly priced thali specials. My travel partner and I each chose to follow the herd, ordering the Bombay and Madras thali.

With limited wait time our thalis (hindi = plates) arrived taking up much of the table. These were not your usual thalis, these plates were massive. An impressive array of bowls filled with various dishes surrounded the outer rim leaving our “breads” in the middle. Like clockwork, the server came with a serving bowl filled with rice to dispense onto each plate. Seconds are generally available anytime you order thali.

My Bombay version was far more than I could work through. Unfortunately I left at least half behind so come very hungry or plan to share with another. Once the plates were cleared hot water with lemon was brought to clean the hands. Afterward, the bill arrived with a plate of bananas and beetle leaves stuffed with sweets.

Lights are turned off thanks to the large picture windows allowing sunlight in. The service was extremely prompt and friendly which makes up for the slightly drab decor. As a tourist, many times you’re forced to eat at hotels due to time constraints and/or the driver’s concern for your satisfaction. Hotel Supreme was an excellent choice located in the crowded markets of Madurai, just 2 blocks from the rail station.

Rs 275 ($6) included both thali, 1 bottled water, lime soda and tip.