Bengaluru is well known for its masala dosa, a fermented crepe or rice pancake wrapped around rich potato curry and rubbed with sweet red chilli chutney. Ideal for snacking on while pounding the streets.
Near M.G. Road
Scattered throughout this vibrant central shopping stretch of Bengaluru are some of the city’s tastiest restaurants, whether you want authentic southern Indian grub or something more experimental and carefully refined. Just off Residency Cross Road, Karavalli at the Gateway Hotel churns out lip-smacking portions of spicy grilled fish and traditional curries to sate every appetite. The heaving buffet at Chutney is a favourite with visitors and locals, serving a vast selection of meat and veggie options at good rates. This is the place to be if you've a monster appetite.
• Karavalli, The Gateway Hotel, No. 66 Residency Cross Rd, Bengaluru; • Chutney Chang, HM Eleganza, 31 Museum Road, Church Street, Bengaluru;
Near Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
After a day exploring the diverse plant life at the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, you’re going to want something to good eat. Thankfully the area surrounding the site is packed with hotspots, including the Mavalli Tiffin Rooms. Perched on Lalbagh Road, it provides a good old mix and match of southern Indian dishes to gorge on. Less than 15-minute walk from the gardens, Food Street is just what you’d expect: a street of food, selling street food. The smells alone will get your tummy rumbling.
• Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, 14 Lalbagh Road, Bengaluru; • Food Street, Sajjan Rao Circle, Bengaluru
Indiranagar
Indiranagar is home to a high concentration of affordable restaurants representing proud culinary cultures from around the world. With European, Chinese, and of course Indian restaurants to choose from, a mouth-watering feast is never far away. Toit is an intriguing, if slightly strange, amalgamation of craft beer, fondue, and pizzas pulled straight from the kiln. It’s a cheerful place to sink a few cold ones with friends. Then there's Barbeque Nation – a family-friendly chain that’s proved a favourite with locals. The chargrilled starters are not to be missed.
• Toit, 298, 100 Feet Road, Bengaluru; • Barbeque Nation, 4005, 100 Feet Road, Bengaluru;
Vittal Mallya Road
No more than a short walk from the tranquil urban oasis that is Cubbon Park, Vittal Mallya Road is where you’ll find one or two of Bengaluru’s finest eats. Cubbon Pavilion fuses Indian with international fare and is open around the clock. Decked out in slick and stylish décor, with a calming ambience running through, it’s great for tucking into a signature lamb patty or gobbling up some fragrant prawn curry. If opting for Khansama, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lavish ornaments, hunting trophies, and giant oil paintings. Curried mutton, lamb knuckles, and a choice of Indian breads are available.
• Cubbon Pavilion, ITC Gardenia, 1 Residency Road, Bengaluru; • Khansama, UB City Mall, Vittal Mallya Road, Bengaluru; Tel: +91 804 111 4499
