Explore Bangalore -1
‘Explore Bangalore’ is a new series that I am starting on this space. My objective is to be able to cover some of the lesser known places in and around Bangalore that I have had the privilege of visiting over the last five years of my stay here.
In this particular post, I will be mentioning about two eat-outs.
Sri Laxmi Venkateshwara Coffee Bar
aka SLV Coffee House is located at BSK 2nd stage, near BDA complex, opposite to that lovely BDA park. Anirudh suggested this place to me and I thought I should give it a try. Now I have gone past this place on innumerable occassions and always wondered as to why this place is so crowded. At first sight, you wouldn’t realise that an eat-out exists at that place thanks to a large tree present right in front of the entrance.
I somehow managed to squeeze myself in, avoiding the crowd, to try and have a look at the menu on the wall besides the counter. I couldn’t see more than 8 items on that list. I decided to go for a vada.
After another round of struggle with the crowd, I managed to get myself and my vada , soaked in the watery chutney, outside the place.
Aha! Time to eat! And as I digged into that vada, I could see what Anirudh was trying to say. The vada was brilliant! Period. I hadn’t eaten a more crispier vada at any other darshini in Bangalore. The chutney was watery yes, but it was spicy and tasted like chutney for a change. Interestingly, there is no sambhar to go with the vada or idli along with the chutney. Just the chutney.
No wonder this place is crowded! When I gave a search online, I found out about another place that is similar to this one. This one doesn’t seem to be too far away from SLV coffee house.
All in all, if you are a foodie and a foodie who loves the typical south-indian idli-vada-chutney combination, a visit to this place is a MUST.
India Coffee House
India Coffee House on MG Road is like a blast from the plast. The old building, the old tables, the waiters dressed in an attire so unique…everything about this place gives you a feeling that it has not changed since the place was opened for the very first time. The surprise package is the rates on the menu. They are all dirt cheap for a place that is located on MG Road, the heart of the city so as to speak.
This post has more on ICH. This is what the manager had to say then (15th of May, 2007)
“It is 50 years for our establishment,” said he, “but the building is much older; see it is still strong and does not need any repair but for a few minor patches. They did not even use any cement in the building. But next year, we are closing this place. We have a new building that is nearly ready in Avenue Road. We will be moving there.” I asked why did they have to move and if it has something to do with the Metro work. He said the owner of the building wanted them to clear the place, and will probably build something new in its place.
If you are lucky, you might still find this place on MG Road. If you do find it, do not miss the chance. Just walk in and let the place take you to what Bangalore might have looked like 50 years back!
More on this series later.
Undoubtedly SLV is the best place to have vada, khara bath and idly (idlies there are so soft that they literally melt in your mouth…you should try khara bath and idly next time !) .Yes, India Coffee Bar has got a charm of its own.
There’s another place in Malleshwaram called Veena stores (lol its actually a darshini, but wonder why its called stores) whose idlies equal SLV’s. Its near 13th cross if I am not wrong.
But if you dont prefer to go that long just for an idly, you should try Brahmins Cafe in Chamrajpet. I am sure you would just not stop praising their chutney !
Good to see you come up with this series ! Hope it forms a good food guide to lots of people both from Bangalore and outside.. All the best !
Ya I read about Brahmins cafe and Veena Stores. Should try it out sometime if I am near that area.
Thanks!
Nothing matches the satisfaction of good idly vada first thing in the morning. Veena stores is excellent but I don’t like the pudina chutney there. Best places are Brahmins and SLV. The difference between these two is that the former is too hyped up and the latter is a simpler and more down to earth place.
Another place to try: You might have to literally wrestle your way in but your should really have coffee in MTR’s (near Lalbagh or Bashyam circle)
CTR is another place in Malleswaram that’s famous for its Benne Masala Dose. They are smaller than your regular dosas, but they’re just awesome, with a generous serving of melting butter on top. The place is packed right from 6 AM every morning – and it has been for over 50 years if I’m not mistaken. It’s on Margosa Road – opposite the Malleswaram playgrounds. Do visit it – I’ll be waiting for your piece on it!