So, you’ve got 24 hours in Namma Bengaluru, and are wondering where and what to eat. Hard to compress the offerings into just 3-5 meals, but here are my suggestions. I am a hard core non-vegetarian but this being the South, an idli/dosa meal is a must. And much as I enjoy fine dining, I also have a strong appreciation for the street food scene, so a visit therein is a must too. In my under two years in Bangalore, I have partaken of loads of good food, but also know there are plenty of other places I have not tried as yet. So, keep in mind, this is a subjective list, of my favorites.
Let’s start with brekker, shall we? There are many places you can get your South Indian meal fix. But since you’ve only got the one day, I reckon you should head to the place: MTR aka Mavalli Tiffin Rooms. There are 8 branches across the city, but the best known and landmark location is the one on Lalbagh Road. Breakfast is served from 6.30am until 11.00am. Rava idli, Dosa, Kesari Bhath and Filter Coffee should set you up quite nicely. If the idea of idli/dosa does not appeal, and you’re more of an eggs and waffles type, get thy rear end to Monkey Bar on Wood Street. They have brekker on the weekends, and its a menu that has everything from full English breakfast to fish and chips and keema pao, and cocktails after 10.30am. They also have a red velvet waffle with pralines and cream cheese, and for coffee lovers, French press coffee. If you want to maximize your eating, get to MTR early for breakkie, then head to Monkey Bar for elevenses and grab another bite. They serve noon onwards on weekdays and have an amusingly named range of appetizers, perfect for elevenses.
Lunch-lunch-lunch. Now where shall I send you? If you’re in South Bangalore, enjoy our lovely weather and indulge in some al fresco dining at The Rogue Elephant in Basavanagudi, one of my very favorite eateries. Must tries are the salads, freshly brewed iced tea and fresh fruit panna cottas. It’s quaint, it’s charming and you’ll have a lovely continental lunch. In the mood for North Indian fare and in the Whitefield area? Check out Ji Hazoor, where the decor and food are both sure to catch your attention. Now if you want some Mangalorean fare, go to Parika in HSR Layout or Mangalore Pearl in Frazer Town, where you can enjoy Mangalorean cuisine including Neer Dosa, Chicken Sukka, and various seafood delights.
For your mid-afternoon break, check out Chai Point if you’re a tea drinker. They are all over the city and you get a few different teas and an egg puff or samosa to munch on. If you happen to be in Indiranagar, there is a proliferation of cafes; one I particularly like is Socie-Tea. If it is coffee you desire, then well, head to MTR if you breakfasted elsewhere, or check out Brahmin’s Coffee Bar in Basavanagudi. If in the mood for a smoothie and a chilled out vibe, then off to News Cafe on 100 Feet Rd, Indiranagar. This is a South African chain that recently set up shop here, and their smoothies are gooood.
‘Tis time for a tipple, and if you’ve been reading up about the city, then you know that craft breweries are the way to go. For the best food to go with the brews, there’s only one choice, really: The Biere Club on Vittal Mallya Rd/Lavelle Rd. The Chophouse on the first floor has gastro delights from salad to steak to dessert; head up after you have a beer or three downstairs. My second choice is Arbor Brewing Company, off MG Road, new and very popular, and where the beers are constantly changing. Whichever of these places you head to, start with the beer sampler and then decide what your poison for the night will be. ABC has plenty of food choices as well, so you most certainly will not go hungry! If, however, you want a sit down meal in a refined atmosphere, check out Jamavar at The Leela Palace for North Indian, or if Italian tickles your fancy, head to Bene at The Sheraton Bangalore.
Thought you were done eating with dinner? Hell no! The street food scene must be experienced, I tell ya. For the veggies, go to V.V. Puram for chaats and hot bhajjis and samosas and hot dosas. For the non veggies, dive into the wonders of Johnson Market for kebabs, rolls, and colorful sodas. If being out late is not your thing, then head to Johnson Market post some beers at Biere Club or ABC and do away with a sit down dinner. Or get there before you head out for a truncated night on the town (you will be unceremoniously escorted out after 11pm, when everything shuts and the liquor stops flowing). Wheresoever you decide to go from all these choices, you won’t leave Bangalore hungry, that’s for sure!
Ed: Cover picture of Hesaraghatta Lake, Bangalore.