Open to the public, the Sri Venkateswatera Temple is a stunning piece of architecture. You’re welcome to enter the temple (sans shoes). And/or head to the canteen for some delicious and fresh South Indian food.
The cafeteria or canteen is located around the back, near the parking lot.
The entrance is easy to find because from the outside, the cafeteria entrance looks like an elementary school cafeteria, just pretend that you’re outside for recess heading back in.
Once inside, you’ll see dozens of people happily eating post-prayer an array of options. The weekends are the best in the canteen, as it’s open for lunch and dinner, and there are more options on the menu. On weekdays it is only open for dinner.
The rules: You enter the canteen, then head towards the door on the left in the back, beside the steam tables, to find the cashier. You buy your items, receive a receipt, and hand it to the workers on the steam table to receive your items.
Everything my friends and I sampled were pretty top-notch. The chutneys were slightly lacking but, the dosas are made fresh to order and were very tasty.
The samosas were perhaps the best here, fresh and flaky, pretty incredible filling, the cut mirchi was perfectly done, lightly fried, and the free sambar is very good.
Prices are extremely cheap, and all profits support the temple.
