18 Famous Foods in Bangalore To Try Now

Bangalore, one of the top IT hubs of India, is known for its technological advancements and its diverse, delicious cuisine & historic dining establishments.

The city’s food culture consists of various culinary traditions of the region, and it is no surprise that Bangaloreans take their food seriously.

The food of Bangalore is influenced by the traditional cuisine of Karnataka and by the cuisines of neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu.

If you are planning to travel to Bangalore & are wondering which food is famous in Bangalore, worry not!

Because we,  a provider of delicious and authentic home made food in Bangalore, have shared a list that you must try, from fish & prawns curry to Vada Pav.

So let’s start the Culinary journey!

How was this list compiled?

Being South Indian food enthusiasts, we have spent most of our lives living and eating in Bangalore. So we have compiled it based on our real experience. We have tasted, loved, and seen what the people of Bengaluru obsess over.

Top 18 Famous Food in Bangalore

The heart of Bangalore offers a diverse food scene, with some of the best places to eat, like VV Puram food street, scattered across the city.

There is something to match everyone’s tastes and preferences, from spicy and tangy to sweet and savory.

In this guide, we are sharing a list of fusion dishes that one must try without fail. 

1. Fish & Prawns Curry

A Flavoured and aromatic dish made using fresh fish and prawns, it contains rich and spicy gravy made using ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, and a blend of spices such as cumin, chili, coriander, clove, cinnamon and turmeric, which is going to tickle your taste buds.

It is best served with rice, rotis, and bread for a delicious and comfortable meal.

● Where Does it Come From?:  Mangalore, Udupi, Kundapura

● Best time to Enjoy: Lunch or dinner with steamed rice or neer dosa.

● Best Place to Try: Sanshreefoods

● Approximate cost: Rs. 1300 \ kg

● Phone Number: +917483505550

2. Masala Dosa

It is a highlight in the city’s food guide!

No list will be complete without mentioning this iconic dish of south India.

People prepare this dish using thin and crispy rice & lentil crepe having potato fillings, which typically gets served with coconut chutney & sambar.

You will find almost every restaurant and street food stall selling Masala Dosa, as it’s a famous dish in Bangalore & considered to be a staple breakfast.

Not fond of the stuffing? You can even order a khali dosa set.

● Where Does it Come From?:  Udupi

● Best time to Enjoy: Breakfast or a heavy evening snack.

● Best Place to Try: Mavalli tiffin rooms (MTR) or Central tiffin room (CTR)

● Approximate cost: Rs. 80-100

3. Bisi Bele Bath (Hot lentil rice)

(Image Source: Pixabay)

Bisi bele bath is another Bangalore famous dish that is said to originate from the Mysore Palace.

It contains spicy rice, lentils with a combination of vegetables, tamarind, and a blend of special aromatic spices.

Bisi Bele Bath is available in almost all south Indian restaurants as it is a popular lunch item that typically gets served with a dollop of ghee on the top.

● Where Does it Come From?:  Mysuru

● Best time to Enjoy: Lunch, especially on colder days.

● Best Place to Try: Brahmin’s Coffee Bar or Upahara Darshini

● Approximate cost: Rs. 80-100

4. Akki Roti

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Akki Roti is a unique item of Karnataka that means “rice bread” in the native language “Kannada”.

The dough gets prepared using a combination of rice flour, water & salt, which then gets rolled into thin circles and cooked on a Griddle.

Akki roti is one of the most popular foods in Bangalore consumed as a breakfast & which generally is served with a variety of chutneys.

● Where Does it Come From?:  Central & South Karnataka

● Best time to Enjoy: Breakfast or light dinner.

● Best Place to Try: Shri Krishna Cafe or Shanti Sagar

● Approximate cost: Rs. 80-100

5. Idli Vada

Idli is a breakfast food originating from south India, popular in southern India and Sri Lanka.

It’s a steamed rice and lentil cake that is soft and fluffy on the inside but crispy on the outside, and served with chutney and sambar.

Idlis are perfect for people looking for a healthy and light breakfast option.

● Where Does it Come From?:  Karnataka

● Best time to Enjoy: Breakfast.

● Best Place to Try: Veena’s, Janatha or Brahmin’s Coffee Bar

● Approximate cost: Rs. 50-70

6. Kesari Bath

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Kesari bath or Kesari Baat is a sweet Indian dish in the country.

It is a popular dessert in Bangalore prepared using the combination of semolina, sugar & ghee with the added flavors of saffron and cardamom.

Kesari Bath is usually served alongside Khara bath or Khara Pongal, a savory rice dish.

● Where Does it Come From?:  Karnataka

● Best time to Enjoy: Breakfast combo (Chow Chow Bath) or dessert.

● Best Place to Try: MTR or CTR

● Approximate cost: Rs. 50-70

7. Benne masala dosa

(Image Source: Pixahive)

Benne dosa is a type of dosa that is said to have its origin from Davanagere, Karnataka, India.

It is a variation of the classic “Masala Dosa” where butter is used instead of oil.

Butter gives Benne dosa a distinct aroma & flavor, making it more indulgent.

● Where Does it Come From?:  Davanagere

● Best time to Enjoy: Breakfast or brunch.

● Best Place to Try: Vidyarthi Bhavan or CTR

● Approximate cost: Rs. 100-120

8. Mangalore Buns

One can guess the origin of this dish from the name itself.

Mangalore buns, having a distinct Preparation method, are the specialty of Mangalore, made using bananas and served with coconut chutney.

This sweet fluffy bread gets prepared using the combination of mashed ripe bananas, sugar, flour & curd, which is then deep-fried until it turns golden brown.

● Where Does it Come From?:  Udupi, Mangalore

● Best time to Enjoy: Breakfast or evening tea.

● Best Place to Try: Halli Mane or SLV

● Approximate cost: Rs. 40-60

9. Chitranna

Chitranna is a popular spicy rice lunch item prepared using rice, peanuts, mustard seeds, and curry leaves.

This dish is flavored using a special spice mix, giving a tangy and aromatic taste & gets served along with the papad.

● Where Does it Come From?:  Karnataka

● Best time to Enjoy: Breakfast, lunchbox, or travel food.

● Best Place to Try: Brahmin’s Coffee Bar or Upahara Darshini

● Approximate cost: Rs. 60-80

10. Maddur Vada

Maddur Vada, a Bangalore special food is a classic, crispy & tasty snack prepared using a combination of semolina, rice flour, onions, and spices.

This food item is named after the town of Maddur, located in Karnataka.

Maddur Vada tastes its best when served with coconut chutney and tomato ketchup & is a dish liked by locals and tourists alike.

● Where Does it Come From?:  Maddur

● Best time to Enjoy: Evening snack with tea.

● Best Place to Try: Maddur Tiffany’s or Shivanna’s

● Approximate cost: Rs. 20-30 per piece

11. Rava Idli

Rava Idli is a variation of classic Idli.

The only difference is that people use semolina instead of rice flour for its preparation.

The dough of Rava idli is prepared using the combination of Semolina, curd & vegetables, which later gets steamed to form soft, fluffy cakes.

It’s usually served with coconut chutney and sambar & is perfect for people looking for a quick and easy breakfast option.

● Where Does it Come From?:  Invented by MTR during WWII

● Best time to Enjoy: Breakfast.

● Best Place to Try: MTR or CTR

● Approximate cost: Rs. 50-70

12. Mysore Pak

Mysore pak is an Indian sweet originating from Mysore, Karnataka & is prepared using ghee, gram flour, sugar, and cardamom.

This must-try dessert, having a rich buttery texture, is available in most Indian shops and restaurants.

● Where Does it Come From?: Mysore Palace kitchens

● Best time to Enjoy: Festival dessert or gift sweet.

● Best Place to Try: Sri Krishna Sweets or Anand Sweets

● Approximate cost: Rs. 200-250 per kg

13. Thatte Idli

Like Rava Idli, Thatte Idli is a variation of the classic “Idli” prepared using rice and lentil flour.

It usually gets served with coconut chutney, and sambhar is ideal for those looking for a light yet satisfying meal.

● Where Does it Come From?: Bidadi

● Best time to Enjoy: Breakfast with vada + sambar.

● Best Place to Try: Brahmin’s Coffee Bar or Upahara Darshini

● Approximate cost: Rs. 50-70

14. Puri Bhaji

Puri Bhaji is a traditional North Indian dish popular in Uttar Pradesh and liked by people in Bangalore.

It consists of a deep-fried bread puri and a spicy potato curry Bhaji.

Puri Bhaji is a common breakfast dish in Bangalore and gets served  with pickles or yogurt.

● Where Does it Come From?: Punjab, Uttar Pradesh

● Best time to Enjoy: Breakfast or brunch.

● Best Place to Try: Halli Mane or Taaza Thindi

● Approximate cost: Rs. 60-80

15. Obbattu/Holige

Obbattu/Holige is a sweet flatbread that originates from southern India.

This sweet dish usually looks like a roti or chapati with fillings of jaggery or coconut & enjoyed with a dollop of ghee on the top. Nowadays, people add badam, koval, dal, etc to add different flavours.

People prepare this dessert generally during special occasions or festivals.

● Where Does it Come From?: Karnataka

● Best time to Enjoy: Festivals, especially Ugadi.

● Best Place to Try: Sree Sagar or Vidyarthi Bhavan

● Approximate cost: Rs. 50-80 per piece

16. Chow Chow Bath

Chow Chow Bath is a savory and sweet breakfast having a combination of rava bath and Kesari bath.

Rava bath is prepared using semolina and vegetables, whereas Kesari bath gets prepared using semolina, sugar, and ghee.

It’s a must-try for people looking out for something different.

● Where Does it Come From?: Bangalore tiffin trademark

● Best time to Enjoy: Breakfast.

● Best Place to Try: Brahmin’s Coffee Bar or Upahara Darshini

● Approximate cost: Rs. 80-100

17. Hot Chocolate Fudge

Hot Chocolate Fudge is a classic delectable dessert containing vanilla ice cream with a layer of rich chocolate sauce and nuts and cherries as toppings.

It is a perfect treat, especially for sweet lovers.

● Where Does it Come From?: Korner House / Corner House made it iconic

● Best time to Enjoy: Dessert.

● Best Place to Try: Corner House

● Approximate cost: Rs. 120-150

18. Vada Pav

Vada pav is a fast food enjoyed by the people of Maharashtra, which slowly made its way to Bangalore.

It is a sandwich containing a potato patty called “vada” and soft bread called “Pav” served with chutney and spices.

Vada Pav is a must-try snack for people loving spicy and flavorful dishes.

● Where Does it Come From?: Mumbai (Maharashtra)

● Best time to Enjoy: Evening snack or quick bite.

● Best Place to Try: Veena Stores or Mumbai Vada Pav

● Approximate cost: Rs. 20-40 per piece

Conclusion

Apart from the ones mentioned above, Masala puri, pani puri, aloo dahi puri, pav bhaji, donne biryani, bhel puri, veg roll and ragi mudde are a few other popular dishes that are worth giving a try.

Bangalore’s food culture has always been an integral part of the city’s identity, with a variety of dishes telling the story of the region’s cultural influences.

The city’s cuisine, from traditional South Indian breakfast items to unique snacks and sweets is a pure reflection of its rich culinary heritage.

In short, Bangalore is a food lover’s paradise!

There is something for everyone in this vibrant city, so if you are already in Bangalore or the next time you visit this city, ensure to indulge yourself in these cuisine to experience the flavors of this beautiful city.

Are you aware of any more food items that hold a Special place in your heart that did not make it to this list?

Do let us know in the comment section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

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