A Secret Guide To Bangalore’s Street Food

“Oota aytha?” is the most common question a Kannadiga will ask you as a part of their greetings. Though known as the ‘Pub capital of India’, but Bengaluru is beyond a glass of sangria or a pint of beer. The variety of street food available in Bangalore makes it truly cosmopolitan. From Paranthas to Idiyappams to Lassis, the city has adopted a lot of food cultures from other parts of the country in addition to its very own Kesari Bhaath, Bajjis and Vadas.

Here’s a guide to tingle your taste buds if you are in the city:

Time for Vadas and Idlis

You are in Bangalore and you are not trying some piping hot crunchy vadas and soft white idlis sound like a sin! So, love yourself and dig into these specialities. Though you will come across a lot of shops but stick to the authentic ones for that heavenly experience.

VV Puram Food Street during the evenings, Central Tiffin Rooms in Malleshwaram, Brahmin’s Coffee Bar in Basavangudi. Feel free to choose from the varieties of Rava Idlis, Padus.

You can also give MTR (Mawalli Tiffin Rooms), near Lal Bagh or Indiranagar, a try for that traditional Mangalorean taste!

Idiyappam Ana!

Like we talked about the cosmopolitan crowd in Bangalore there are a large number of people from Kerala, as well. Thus the availability of Idiyappams, Sulaimani Tea, Kerala Parotta or Beef fries is not a surprise.

There is a stall in Kamanahalli which sells Idiyappams, Appams, Kerala Parotta along with chicken curry, chicken stew or veg kurma. They also serve Sulaimani Tea and it is very much pocket-friendly. You can also try Malabar in Jeevanbhimanagar, right beside the Cafe Coffee Day, for their yummy beef fry and beef biryani. They also serve other authentic Malabar dishes and it won’t burn a hole in your pocket!

Oye Paranthey!

Give it plain or stuffed, Paratha is always a comfort food. And if you add that dollop of butter on top, aye haye dil jeet liya!

Head to Paratha Point in Old Airport Road or Paratha House in Bannerghatta Road (which is a little expensive). Please be careful about the spelling, Paratha and Parotta are two different things! You can also try Oye Amritsar or Mast Kalandar for that secret Punjabi in you.

Hotdogs, Burger and Sandwiches

Bangalore has a huge crowd of young working adults and for them, a burger or a sandwich is the synonym for healthy and tasty lunch. Make it cheesy or grilled, add some lettuce or tomatoes, this city has it all.

Hari’s Sandwich Zone in Jayanagar (also in Koramangala, right opposite to Christ University) is famous for their chocolate sandwich, they also have a variety of healthy options to choose from. S.W.A.T, Gypsy kitchen, and Spitfire are some of the food trucks to watch out for. These food trucks are all over the city and serve amazing food.

Phuchka or Golguppa or Gupchup

Street food remains incomplete without the mentioning of Golguppa or Phuchka. ‘Teekha’ or ‘Khatta’ with tamarind water or without, Golguppas are the ultimate king of street foods.

Though available in every corner of the city, but you must try Rakesh Kumar Pani Puri Stall in Jayanagar and the one in front of Fame Cinema Hall on M.G Road. Rakesh Kumar is not only a wizard of Panipuris, he is also the God of Chats. Yes, he makes them the North Indian way.

You can also give Puchka’s in Marathalli, a try.

Wrap It Up, With Some Roll

Be it Chicken or Beef, Paneer or Corn, Sheekh Kabab or Boti Kabab, rolls have the ability to fill your tummy at any time of the day. The spicy curry laced filling wrapped inside a paratha or a roti is the tastiest and cheapest way to deal with your hunger.

Khan Saheb Grills and Rolls in Indiranagar is the ‘go to’ place to satisfy that hungry monster in you. Another amazing place is Pathaan Sir, which has outlets all over the city. There Double Mutton Roll is to die for. If you are not much of a roll-person then give their Mutton Keema and Lachha Paratha a try.

Gulp It Down

Bangalore has a unique way of keeping its inhabitants hydrated. You can find a juice shop or a lassi stall at every corner of the city. Most of the shops sell fresh fruit juice and are very much affordable.

There are some specials like the Sreeraj Lassi Bar, which has branches all over the city and is a historical food junction. They not only sell lassis but also have their unique list of smoothies and ice creams to choose from.

Another one is Sri Sairam’s Chats and Juices in Malleshwaram, don’t stick to the usual juices here try some of their chats including the Dahi Puri. Also, try juice stalls of Food Street in VV Puram.

And any juice shop you visit do try the Butterfruit Smoothie, you can thank me later.

Now, I think you know where to go for this weekend!