/odishatv/media/post_attachments/uploadimage/library/16_9/16_9_0/recent_photo_1757421711.webp)
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma
What happens when you turn your deepest craving into a career? For Mumbai-based couple Akhil Iyer and Shriya Narayana, their mutual love for authentic Davangere-style dosa sparked a business dream. Today, that dream has grown into Benne Café, a thriving venture earning nearly Rs 1 crore every month.
The Missing Taste of Home
When the newlyweds moved to Mumbai, they longed for the buttery, crispy dosas they grew up eating in Karnataka. Despite searching across the city, nothing came close. Instead of compromising, the couple decided to recreate the taste themselves, eventually giving rise to their now-famous café.
Also Read: Dog in traditional attire shares Onam Sadhya with owner, wins the Internet
Leaving Jobs, Taking Risks
Akhil and Shriya quit their high-paying corporate jobs to start from scratch. With no background in hospitality, no investors, and limited funds, they spent months experimenting with dosa batter and chutneys. Failures were plenty, but determination drove them on. To perfect the dish, they even sourced cast-iron pans from Karnataka, ensuring every dosa was as authentic as home.
The Rise of Benne
Their hard work paid off in 2023, when they opened Benne, a small 12-seater in Bandra. With a minimalistic menu—crispy dosas paired with fresh chutneys, the café quickly became a sensation. Serving over 800 dosas daily, priced between Rs 250–Rs 300, Benne soon turned into a hotspot. Even stars like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma couldn’t resist a visit in 2024.
Expansion and Success
Riding on the success of their Bandra outlet, the couple launched a second branch in Juhu.
From cravings to crores, Akhil and Shriya’s journey proves that passion, persistence, and authenticity can create a recipe for success. Their love for dosa didn’t just fill their plates; it built a brand that Mumbai now can’t get enough of.