Picking up and moving to a new city is an adventure, but the reality is, once we’ve unpacked our bags, what we’re really craving for the most is good food. Bangalore doesn’t just satiate your hunger, it nourishes your soul, serving up the traditional South Indian heritage to a modern, cosmopolitan taste palate.
If you’re new to a PG in Bangalore, you might have already discovered that this city is way more than just being India’s Silicon Valley. It’s a huge, bubbling cauldron of flavors. This is a journey every student and professional from the smell of morning ghee dosa to late-night spicy kebabs in one of Bangalore’s famous food joints.
At Serenity Hostels, we know that food is the ultimate remedy for homesickness. Whether you are getting used to a new schedule or exploring with your new hostel mates, the right spots for food can be the fastest way to settle in.
Top Bangalore Famous Foods to Try
- Benne Dose
- Idli Vada
- Donne Biryani
- Bisi Bele Bhath
- Filter Coffee
- Mysore Pak
The Breakfast Ritual: Starting Your Day Like a Local
In Bangalore, breakfast isn’t just a meal; it’s a culture. If you’re living in a hostel in Bangalore, you’ll soon find that the city wakes up to the sound of steel tumblers clinking and the smell of fresh sambar.
- The Iconic Dose (Dosa)
You haven’t really lived in Bengaluru until you’ve stood in a queue at either MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) or Vidyarthi Bhavan. The Benne Dose (Butter Dosa) here is legendary, crispy on one side and fluffy on the other, slathered in white butter. These iconic spots serve up Bengaluru’s famous food at fair prices that will not leave a hole in your monthly allowance, perfect for students on a budget.
- Idli-Vada and Khara Bhath
If you’re running late for a 9:00 AM lecture, your local Darshinis are your new best friends. A well-balanced breakfast keeps you going throughout a long day of classes and is the ideal start to any day. These are speedy standing cafes offering a single idli vada dipped in a lake of hot sambar. You can also try their Chow Chow Bhath, a twin serving of spicy Khara Bhath (upma) and sweet Kesari Bhath.
Mid-Day Cravings: Thalis and Biriyani
By lunch, the city gets in gear. For residents of Serenity Hostels, visiting the nearby messes and military hotels can be a great option. Bangalore has its own Military Hotel culture where legendary eateries serve rustic, spicy non-vegetarian delights quite unlike an average restaurant.
- Donne Biryani: The Green Queen
Donne Biryani is an absolute must to try if you are in search of Bangalore special food. Served in eco-friendly palm leaf bowls (donne), this biryani is made with short-grain jeera samba and a signature green spice paste. It’s earthy, fragrant, and very filling for lunch.
- Traditional South Indian Meals
For the days you crave a home-cooked meal, an authentic South Indian thali is just what you need. Traditionally served on a banana leaf, the meal usually comprises a mound of rice, saaru (rasam), sambar, palya (veg stir fry), and creamy curd. It’s the king of comfort food, allowing you to indulge in culinary delights without popping your piggy bank.
Street Food: The Heartbeat of VV Puram and Beyond
Bangalore’s street food scene comes alive after dark. For students and PG residents, the evening revolves around street hopping. There are plenty of places to eat in Bangalore, but nothing compares to the iconic food street at VV Puram.
- VV Puram Food Street
This stretch is a vegetarian’s dream. If you visit in the winter months, begin with some American Corn Pizza and Paddu. It’s mind-boggling that you will find everything from spicy capsicum bajjis to sweet honey cakes here, which is typical of Bangalore’s famous food.
- Frazer Town’s Rolls and Kebabs
This is a meat lover’s corner. If you’re a non-vegetarian, it’s either Frazer Town or Shivajinagar. Seekh kebabs, veal rolls, and brain puffs are some of the in-house favorites. During Ramadan, these streets turn into a worldwide food festival. Even on an unassuming Tuesday, the regions serve some of the most flavorful bites in town.
Café Culture: Where Productivity Meets Coffee
Bangalore is arguably the cafe hub of India. Every student needs a place with fast Wi-Fi and the strongest of coffee. Whether you enjoy the colonial charm of Koshy’s on St. Mark’s Road or prefer proud third-wave coffee roasters in Koramangala, there is something for everyone in this town.
- Filter Kaapi: The Eternal Favorite
While all those cappuccinos and fancy lattes have a place in our hearts, nothing comes close to the good old filter coffee. Served in a brass dabara and tumbler, it’s frothed to perfection and has a chicory-infused punch that can rouse even the sleepiest student during exam week. This unassuming beverage still holds the sacred position of being a ground-breaking, Bangalore-famous food identity.
How is Serenity Hostels a great base for foodies?
When you’re living at one of the Serenity Hostels, it’s not only a place to crash; it’s access to Bangalore’s finest neighborhoods. We design our properties around major college and corporate hubs, where you never have to go further than a ten-minute walk to get served at a world-famous restaurant.
We know that food is social glue for students and professionals. Our common areas are usually filled with discussions about the new burger joint that opened around the corner or a late-night Maggie point. We strive to create a living experience that meets the lifestyle of our students, is safe and clean, and is close to the best culinary options the city can provide.
Sweet Endings: Bangalore’s Dessert Heritage
A foodie guide would be incomplete without mention of dessert. Bangaloreans are huge fans of sweets, which is evident from some of the legacy bakeries in the city.
- The Iyengar Bakery Legacy
Bakeries are found on nearly every street corner, but the Iyengar bakery franchise has created a standard for condiments. It’s known for its honey cake and salt biscuits. The honey cake is a moist sponge soaked in sugar syrup, decorated with jam and desiccated coconut; it’s one of those nostalgic treats for anyone raised in Bangalore.
- Mysore Pak
Though it has its origins in the royal kitchens of Mysore, the city that gussies up this soft, ghee-soaked confection is Bangalore. This rich, ghee-based sweet made from gram flour and sugar just melts away in your mouth and leaves a beautiful nutty flavour after taste, which can be found in almost every nook and corner of Bangalore and served at all festivals in Karnataka.
Navigating the City as a Hungry Resident
To our Serenity residents, don’t fret about finding the right Bangalore famous food spots, as initially it might seem overwhelming. We all once started somewhere. Here are some tips from the pro:
- Follow the Queues: If there’s a crowd waiting outside a small hole-in-the-wall tiffin room, the food there is likely amazing.
- Ask the Locals: You can always consult your PG warden or a local auto driver for recommendations of hidden gems around when you are looking for a quick snack.
- Try Out Different Places: Each Ooru (neighborhood) in Bengaluru has its expertise. Jayanagar for tiffins, Indiranagar for upscale cafes, and Malleshwaram for old-world charm.
Love the Food, Skip the Chores: Live the Serenity Life
You’re far from home, living in this vibrant city, and your plate should be as full as your dreams. Here at Serenity Hostels, we offer you that comfort and community so you can pay it forward and explore Bangalore’s famous food scene carefree. We are here to make your life awesome and tasty in Bangalore, whether it is a safe stay or the best location. So book a room with us and explore the culinary world of Bangalore.
FAQs
What is the most famous food in Bangalore?
The Benne Dose (Butter Dosa) and traditional Filter Coffee are widely considered the most iconic foods in the city.
What are the must-try special foods in Bangalore?
You must try the aromatic Donne Biryani and the unique Bisi Bele Bhath for an authentic regional experience.
What street food is popular in Bangalore?
Popular street foods include Gobi Manchurian, Masala Puri, and various types of Bajjis found at VV Puram.
What is Bangalore famous for?
Bangalore is famous for the soft, ghee-rich Mysore Pak and the nostalgic Honey Cake from Iyengar Bakeries.
Sridhar Reddy, the innovative entrepreneur behind Serenity Hostels, is a visionary figure redefining hostel culture in Bangalore. As the founder and director of Serenity Hostels, Reddy has not only emphasized the importance of rooms but has also focused on creating a nurturing environment that serves as a second home for students. His sharpness and forward-thinking approach have been pivotal in positioning Serenity Hostels as the premier choice for student accommodation in the city. Reddy’s journey into the world of student hostels began with a clear mission: to transform the traditional hostel experience into something far more enriching and supportive for students away from home.
