Namma Bengaluru, Known as the Silicon Valley of India, is bustling with a diverse crowd. But this vibrant city has significantly more to offer than just technology and innovation. It is the home for many food enthusiasts, blending into the ingenious flavours and its rich culinary inheritance.
If you are in Bangalore, then you must try the Bangalore traditional foods suggested by locals to satiate your taste buds. From the simple palate of Idli sambar to Chow Chow Bhath (a breakfast delight) and from Mysore pak for a sweet sensation to the iconic filter coffee, Bangalore has everything to quench your cravings. That’s why we are here with the top 10 Bangalore traditional food dishes to try which you can order from the best restaurants, which are sure to make you hungry while reading. So let’s get on with it!
A List of Top 10 Bangalore Traditional Food Items That You Can’t Afford to Miss
1. Indulge in the Delight of Benne Masala Dosa
Unlike the thin-crust dosas of Tamil Nadu, Benne Masala Dosa, is a crispy, golden crepe stuffed with a spiced potato filling. Soft on the inside and is cooked with plenty of butter to achieve that golden-brown crunchiness on the outside. It’s usually served with coconut chutney and a big dollop of butter to enhance the flavour. For the best experience, head over to Central Tiffin Room (CTR) on Margosa Road, near K.G. General Hospital. This iconic eatery has been serving this delightful dosa variety for over six decades, ensuring you get the authentic taste of Bangalore’s culinary gem!
2. Blissed out with Bisi Bele Bath
This dish is the most famous vegetarian traditional Karnataka food in Bangalore. It is a delicious complete meal of rice, lentils, veggies, spices, and ghee. If we break down the words, in the Kannada language, ‘Bisi’ means hot, ‘Bele’ means lentils, and ‘Bath’ refers to ‘rice’. Hence, this means Hot Lentil Rice. To be honest, you will surely fall in love at first bite as it is the combination of veggies, rice, tamarind and more. Visit Vidyarthi Bhavan or Brahmin’s Coffee Bar to enjoy this delightful and wholesome experience!
3. Feel the Magic of Thatte Idli
“Thatte ” means plate in Kannada. These Idlis are larger, about 4 inches in diameter, compared to normal Idlis. Served with sambar, coconut chutney, and a generous dollop of homemade butter. The chemistry between Thatte Idli and homemade butter is simply amazing – it’s like paradise for your taste buds! However, be sure to insist on homemade butter, as some places may serve it with store-bought options. For the best experience, head to Sree Shivasagar Bidadi Bisi Thatte Idly Hotel in Bidadi, a suburb of Bangalore on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway.
4. Mangalorean Fish Curry is An Emotion
Due to Bangalore’s close connection to the coastal town of Mangalore, it brings a delightful array of seafood dishes. And the Mangalorean Fish Curry stands out as a star. This tangy and aromatic curry is made with fresh fish, coconut, and a blend of flavorful spices, showcasing the coastal taste of Karnataka. Head to popular seafood restaurants in Bangalore, like Fishland, to experience the authentic flavours of Mangalorean Fish Curry.
5. Akki Roti Will Make You Fall in Love <H3>
Akki Roti is the traditional food in Bangalore, made with rice flour. To make it more special, pair it with Chutney Pudi, a flavorful powder made from a blend of roasted lentils, dried red chillies, and other spices. This Chutney Pudi adds a burst of tangy, spicy, and nutty flavours to the already delicious Akki Roti, taking the taste to a whole new level.
6. Enhance your Temptation with Rava Idli
Namma Bengaluru, the city of innovation, has a rich culinary history. And one of its popular eateries, MTR, played a vital role in creating a unique dish known as Rava Idli. The story of Rava Idli’s inception dates back to the days of World War II when rice was in short supply. It is not only delicious but also offers a fulfilling and nutritious meal, making it a popular choice for breakfast not just in Bengaluru but across the country. The combination of semolina, yoghurt, and spices with fermented rice and lentil batter makes it fluffy and tasty. It tastes better with the dip of coconut chutney and sambar. You can also add carrots and other veggies to elevate the nutritional quotient.
7. Embrace the Rustic Charm- Ragi Mudde
Ragi Mudde is a wholesome dish and a traditional Karnataka dish in Bangalore. It is healthy and tennis ball-sized, made from finger millet flour, and is fully rich in nutrients. Ragi Mudde’s taste shines when paired with delectable accompaniments like Avarekalu saaru, Bassaru, Hesarukalu saaru, or Gojju. For the best Ragi Mudde experience in Bangalore, head to Mudde Madappa Mess or Majestic.
8. Adore the Flavors of Puliyogare or Tamarind Flavored Rice
As a foodie, you can’t pick favourites, but when it comes to Puliyogare, we are sure that you can’t resist. Calling it just tamarind-flavored rice doesn’t do justice to this iconic Karnataka delicacy. It’s a symphony of flavours with a perfect blend of tamarind, spices, and sesame oil. Usually served with curds and papad. Enjoy Puliyogare at Puliyogare Point, N.R. Colony, Basavanagudi, which is a must-try for any food enthusiast.
9. A Traditional Sweet Delicacy- Holige (Obbattu)
Holige, a delightful sweet cuisine from Karnataka, is a crispy treat that’s deeply rooted in tradition. Traditionally filled with coconut and jaggery, it now comes with a range of stuffings like badam, kova, dal, and dates, each offering a unique flavour. When served with generous amounts of ghee, this dish becomes an irresistible indulgence. For an authentic experience, head to Holige Mane in Malleshwaram.
10. End Your Meal on A Sweet Note- Mysore Pak
No trip to Bangalore’s famous food scene is truly satisfying without savouring the Mysore Pak. This melt-in-your-mouth delight is a blend of ghee, sugar, and besan (gram flour), giving it a rich, buttery texture and an irresistible aroma. Sweet lovers can’t resist its charm! For an authentic taste, head to renowned sweet shops like Sri Krishna Sweets or C. Krishnaiah Chetty & Sons.
Summing Up!
So, put on your foodie hat and treat your taste buds with these famous traditional foods of Bangalore in namma style. If you are tired of exploring, then enjoy your delicacies while ordering food online from Swiggy. Happy Eating!
FAQs
1. What are some unique flavours or dishes that represent the culinary heritage of Bangalore?
Mysore Pak, Puliyogare, and Ragi Mudde are some of the unique flavours that represent the heritage of Bangalore.
2. Which dishes in Bangalore are known for their unique and distinct taste?
Filter Coffee, masala dosa, idli, and vada are the few dishes in Bangalore that are known for their unique and distinct taste.
3. How affordable are these traditional food gems? Are they suitable for budget travellers?
At small eateries, you can find these traditional food gems at Rs.200 per person and at mid-range eateries, it will cost you around Rs.750 to Rs.2500 for two people. Yes, you can find various restaurants in Bangalore that are budget-friendly, and most of them are open late at night too.
4. What makes Bangalore’s traditional food unique?
The use of coconut and coconut oil and local spices, and curry leaves makes Bangalore’s traditional food unique.
5. What makes Bangalore’s traditional cuisine unique compared to other regions in India?
Bangalore’s traditional cuisine is the perfect blend of Mughlai cuisine and Hyderabadi Muslim or Nawabi cuisine, which is unique as compared to the other regions in India.
