Heritage Eateries of Bengaluru

By Akanksha Mehrotra

The Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru, is popularly known for its pub culture. Though professional during the day time, Bangalore has an exciting nightlife, when the tourists have a scope to go pub hopping. However, there is more to Namma Bengaluru, then the pubs. This city has many authentic and heritage eateries serving flavorful South Indian delicacies. Some of these eateries still keep the tradition of serving food on a banana leaf alive. When you visit these heritage eateries of Bangalore make it a point to taste some Bisi bele bhath (a steaming hot rice-based dish), Puliyogare (Tamrind rice) or hot filter coffee. But, which are the most popular heritage restaurants of Bangalore? Below is a food itinerary for travelers coming to Bengaluru.

Breakfast at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room)

From lip-smacking Rava idli to mouthwatering Masala dosa, this is one of the best places in Bengaluru to have breakfast. MTR is known for its hygiene practices, everything prepared in their kitchen is fresh and delicious. Located in Lalbagh Road, the restaurant has become a prominent landmark of Bengaluru since its inception around 1950. It was founded by Yajnarayana Maiya who went on a European tour to witness how restaurants around the world operate. Seeing the high hygiene standards, he resorted to maintain the same for his restaurant. For a long time, customers were allowed to enter the restaurant through the kitchen to witness the standard and quality being maintained by the management. MTR is synonymous with South Indian cuisine. The restaurant has also been featured on some popular Indian TV shows.

• Must Try: Rava Idli with ghee, Bisi Bele Bhath, Badam milk
• Address: 14, Lal Bagh Main Road, Sampangi Rama Nagar

Lunch at Maiyas

When in South India, a must try is the Karnataka authentic food served on a Banana leaf. Maiyas is pocket friendly and the food served is piping hot. Though it reputed for south Indian food but North Indian dishes are also available. Being one of the popular eateries in Bangaluru, it stays extremely crowded on weekends. So, to get a seat please visit the restaurant earlier than your lunch time. While there, you can choose combos as per your appetite. The lunch combos range from Rs.50-Rs. 200. From puri alu saagu to rasam rice, sweets, paan, you will find a variety of south Indian lip-smacking dishes served on your banana leaf/plate. The place also features a bakery and most of the deserts are to die for.

• Must Try: South Indian thalli, North Indian thalli, filter coffee and sweets
• Address: #459/30, 30th Cross, IV Block, Jayanagar

Evening Snacks at Koshy’s

After digesting the sumptuous south Indian dishes, evenings are to be spent at this very old landmark of Bengaluru. There is an old world charm to Koshy’s and Bengalurians are emotionally attached to this cafe. Being one of the oldest cafes of Bengaluru, it has the classic charm about it, which attracts a lot of tourists and locals alike. Founded in 1940 and owned by the Koshy family, it retains an old-world charm with huge pillars and large fans. The main building comprises of Parade Cafe (referred to as Koshy’s), the Jewel Box restaurant and a bakery.

• Must Try: Fish & Chips, Chicken on liver toast, Fish Biryani, Appam, Mutton cutlets
• Address: 39, St. Marks Road

Dinner at Food Street

Bengaluru’s food tourism is incomplete without venturing out to the food street in VV Puram. We would recommend this place for dinner as the street features variety of food stalls serving hot food. The street comes alive by 7 PM and remains open till 12 midnight. One can try authentic South Indian cuisines both sweet and savory. Although it is famous for street food, one need not worry as food is made here with utmost hygiene & fresh ingredients. This too is a well known destination in the city and can be easily accessed through public transport.

• Must Visit Restaurants: Idli Mane, Shivanna Gulkun Center, Bhajji Shop, Shri Vasavi Mane Tindi, Arya Vysya Refreshment, The Chaat Shop
• Must Try: Dosas & Uttapams (made with pure ghee), Idli, Vadas, Lemon Rice, Curd Rice, Vermicelli Upma, Dal/Hollige, Hot Jalebis/Gulab Jamun, Bhajjis & Bondas, Gulkun Ice-cream
• Address: VV Puram

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