From spicy pani puri to melt-in-your-mouth dosa, street food in Bangalore offers a vibrant explosion of flavors and cultures. Here, you can savor the best of Karnataka cuisine and sample dishes from around the world.
Whether you crave a crunchy chaat, a juicy kebab, a creamy kulfi, or a fiery biryani, you will find something to tickle your taste buds in Bangalore. Embark on a delicious journey as we explore the city, one bite at a time.
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A Symphony of Flavors
Forget fancy restaurants and Michelin stars; Bangalore’s true culinary spirit lies in its bustling street food scene. Here, ages-old recipes are passed down from generation to generation, each stall boasting its own unique twist on classic dishes. From the fiery masala dosa to the savory and crispy vada, the variety of street food is as diverse as the city itself.
The Secrets Behind Bangalore’s Street Food Staples
Bangalore’s street food scene is built on a foundation of simple staples. Rice, lentils, and vegetables form the base of many dishes, offering a comforting familiarity and affordability. The humble dosa, a fermented rice and lentil pancake, is a breakfast staple, served with chutney and sambar.
But don’t take our word for it; take it from the former MasterChef Australia judge and famous chef Gary Mehigan, who visited Bengaluru and enjoyed the crispy dosas at the city’s popular breakfast chain, Rameshwaram Cafe.
He shared a video on his Instagram and said, “Well, that was a ‘proper’ dosa. Love this place. We ate ragi dosa, ghee roast dosa, medu vada, ghee idli podi, Kesari Bhath and some seriously great filter coffee! I’ll be back.”
Idli, a steamed rice cake, is often enjoyed with coconut chutney and sambar, a lentil-based curry. These seemingly simple dishes are a testament to the ingenuity of Indian cuisine, transforming basic ingredients into flavor-packed delights.
One of the best places to get tasty Idli and Dosa is the Vidhyarthi Bhavan, a 75-year-old establishment in Basavanagudi.
Exploring the City’s Culinary Neighborhoods that Will Make You Drool
Each neighborhood in Bangalore boasts its own unique culinary identity. Malleswaram, a bustling hub in the heart of the city, is a paradise for sweet lovers. Stroll down its vibrant streets, and you’ll be tempted by an array of traditional sweets.
One of the best is Mysore Pak, a melt-in-your-mouth fudge made with ghee and gram flour. You also don’t want to miss soft and rich Laddoos, sweet balls studded with nuts and dried fruit.
VV Puram Food Street is a paradise for street food lovers, where you can find a variety of snacks, chaats, sweets, and desserts.
From the crispy and spicy masala dosa to the soft and sweet obbattu, from the tangy and crunchy pani puri to the creamy and rich kulfi, you can indulge in a gastronomic adventure at VV Puram Food Street. You can also try some unique and exotic dishes like fire paan, floating pani puri, and chocolate dosa here.
Chickpet, Bangalore’s historic marketplace, offers a glimpse into the city’s culinary heritage. In the chaotic lanes, you’ll find stalls selling traditional dishes like Masala Puri, a crispy puri dish topped with a spicy green peas gravy, along with onions, sev, and tomatoes. You also don’t want to miss Bisi Bele Bath, a lentil and rice dish flavored with aromatic spices.
And, of course, no visit to Chickpet is complete without a cup of filter coffee, the city’s signature drink.
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Tripadvisor Review: After a wonderful experience together in February 2023, I booked another running tour with Praveen and his business. Mr Praveen Singh kindly tailored an amazing tour for me around the beautiful city of Bangalore. Picking me up at my hotel at 6 am, he first showed me the incredible flower markets, followed by a great run around the city of Bangalore, visiting most of the key attractions. We ran through Cubbon Park, nice government buildings/places, some churches, and temples. We were even very blessed to take part in the Bangalore Marathon (unofficially by running a few KM’s), with Praveen’s expert knowledge of the roads. We went to a local restaurant for breakfast – and had a nice coffee, Dosas, Vada. Beautiful food! For me personally, this is one of the best ways to see all of Bangalore. But even if you aren’t a runner and prefer to walk, they will be very flexible with your requirements and have many other tours that they can offer. Praveen is a true gentleman, humble, trustworthy, friendly, and honorable man. He has expert English and so very knowledgeable about the history of India and Bangalore City. I look forward to many more explorations and experiences with my friend! —Christian (Source) |
How Filter Coffee Became Bangalore’s Signature Drink
No culinary exploration of Bangalore is complete without experiencing its iconic filter coffee. This strong, aromatic brew, made with locally grown coffee beans and a unique brewing method, is more than just a beverage; it’s a way of life. But do you know the history behind this coffee obsession?
Coffee has a long and fascinating history in India, dating back to the 17th century. The story goes that a Sufi saint named Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee beans from Yemen and planted them in the hills of Chikmagalur, Karnataka. Since then, coffee cultivation spread across the southern states of India, especially Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Bangalore developed its own style of preparing and serving coffee, known as filter coffee. It involves filtering finely ground coffee powder through a metal device and mixing the decoction with boiled milk and sugar. It became Bangalore’s signature drink, reflecting its culture, heritage, and lifestyle.
Places like Brahmin’s Coffee Bar and Indian Coffee House are your destination if you’re looking for an authentic filter coffee experience.
Hidden Gems Tours: A Culinary Adventure Through Bangalore’s Best-Kept Secrets
Join Hidden Gems Tours on a culinary adventure through Bangalore‘s diverse neighborhoods and discover hidden gems beyond the tourist trail. Our knowledgeable guides will take you to authentic family-run stalls, introduce you to local favorites, and explain the cultural significance behind each dish.
You’ll savor delicious food and gain deeper insights into Bangalore’s culinary heritage and traditions.
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Tripadvisor Review: I highly recommend this interesting and memorable tour to anyone visiting Bengaluru. Praveen is a superb guide with a deep understanding and love of the history of Bengalaru and Southern India, and his storytelling, sense of humour, and charm kept us all engaged, interested, and enjoying the city and his company for the entire tour. Booking the tour and liaising with Praveen and Hidden Gems Tours was easy, the hotel pickup was prompt, with a friendly and safe driver and spacious vehicle, and the tour was meticulously coordinated to provide the perfect experience (and food!) for everyone in our group. I highly recommend this tour and look forward to another tour with Praveen when I return to Bangalore. Many thanks to Praveen and Hidden Gems Tours for a fabulous day out. —Cameron M (Source) |
A Gastronomic Journey Awaits
Bangalore’s vibrant street food scene is a testament to the city’s rich culinary tapestry. The fiery flavors of South Indian cuisine are sure to leave you craving for more. So, grab your appetite and embark on a food adventure through the bustling streets of Bangalore.
Let Hidden Gems Tours be your guide, and uncover the treasures that await your taste buds. We offer customized and immersive experiences of Bangalore’s culture and heritage. Visit the website here to know more, and book your tour today.
