Watch: Bytes of Bengaluru: A twist for the batter
How far would you go when it comes to experimenting with the humble dosa?
While it’s hard to resist the temptation of a simple crispmasala dosa , Bengaluru ’s relationship with this local dish has gone beyond the ordinary. From fillings that would rarely be put into a dosa – mushrooms and babycorn of instance – to different kinds of sauces, the city is now home to all sorts of varieties, with some being borderline outrageous. We went on a dosa hunt lately, and came back with loads of ideas...
RK Dosa Camp
If everyone in your family loves dosas more than anything else, then this nearly 3ft-long family dosa is a must-try. In fact, it’s even called theFamily Masala Dosa , and is probably the biggest dosa in town. There is no rocket science involved; it’s made by roasting three dosas with overlapping edges, and requires a bit of a balancing act by the server considering they need about five plates to hold that one dosa..
WHERE: 320, 9th Cross, BTS Main Road, Wilson Garden
HOW MUCH: `150 (for two)
99 Variety Dosa
Had it not been for this ‘brand’, Bengaluru would probably not have been introduced to the insane varieties of dosas that it knows today. From the simple Mysore Masala dosa, which is really not from Mysore to the Schezwan Cheese Masala Dosa – imagination has no limit here. Some of the most popular ingredients are paneer, peas, cheese, aloo masala, mushroom, sweet corn and cauliflower. And of course there’s more Schezwan sauce on the menu than you’d find at a Chinese restaurant. And if you want north Indian food but you want a dosa, there’s even the matar paneer dosa at your disposal. It might sound a bit odd to the traditionalists, but there’s a reason why the 99 Variety Dosa brand has more than 99 copies all across the city.
WHERE: 6th Block, Sony World Signal, Koramangala 6th Block
HOW MUCH: `30-`110 (for dosas)
Amarnath Chat
If you thought matar paneer dosa was strange, you haven’t seen anything yet. This little eatery shot to fame because of itsice cream dosa, which is actually a pretty cool idea, but it doesn’t quite stop there. Even though there is a limited variety of dosas, you can find something called the Amla Dosa or even the Lime Powder Dosa on the menu. No prizes for guessing how these are made. Incidentally, their ice cream bonda is yet another popular item. And then there’s the Biscuit Dosa and Chocolate and Ice cream Idli –- go figure!
WHERE: 547/2, Rashtriya Vidyalaya Road, 2nd Block, Jayanagar
HOW MUCH: `250 (for two)
Sree Krishna Kafe
This unassuming eatery is a favourite of many for the standard idlis and its large variety of dosas. And when it comes to ‘special’ dosas you’ll only see them go as far as using garlic, mushroom or babycorn. But on certain Sundays you will find the Pudina Dosa on the menu, which is quite an aberration for a traditional joint. The hint of green and the burst of mint is hard to resist, if you like mint that is. However, we recommend you call ahead and ask if they have it on the menu. The other dosa you might want to check out is the Chennai Special, which has onions and dry chutney podi on it.
WHERE: 143, 60 Feet Road, 5th block, Koramangala
HOW MUCH: `55-`80 (for dosas)
RS Shivsagar
Everyone knows about this chain of eateries. The one on Commercial Street is particularly popular among shoppers. After all, it’s not every day that you can get enchiladas (or some version of it) and idlis on the same menu. However, it’s the Palak Dosa that stands out, mostly for it greenish tint, and the fact that you might feel like Popeye for a moment.
WHERE: 5, Narayana Pillai Street, Off Commercial Street
HOW MUCH: `75 (for the palak dosa)
Chikkanna Tiffin Room
This legendary outlet needs no introduction, and if it does, don’t call yourself a Bengalurean yet. And apart from its delicious dosas that every one seems to rave about, it’s the range of mini masala dosas that has gained a lot of traction over the years. And as its name suggests, they’re small, so you can finish it in a couple of bites. And then there’s the Bath Masala Dosa – dosa served with rice. How cool is that!
WHERE: Cubbonpet, City Market
HOW MUCH: `20 onwards (for dosas)
While it’s hard to resist the temptation of a simple crisp
RK Dosa Camp
If everyone in your family loves dosas more than anything else, then this nearly 3ft-long family dosa is a must-try. In fact, it’s even called the
WHERE: 320, 9th Cross, BTS Main Road, Wilson Garden
HOW MUCH: `150 (for two)
99 Variety Dosa
.
Had it not been for this ‘brand’, Bengaluru would probably not have been introduced to the insane varieties of dosas that it knows today. From the simple Mysore Masala dosa, which is really not from Mysore to the Schezwan Cheese Masala Dosa – imagination has no limit here. Some of the most popular ingredients are paneer, peas, cheese, aloo masala, mushroom, sweet corn and cauliflower. And of course there’s more Schezwan sauce on the menu than you’d find at a Chinese restaurant. And if you want north Indian food but you want a dosa, there’s even the matar paneer dosa at your disposal. It might sound a bit odd to the traditionalists, but there’s a reason why the 99 Variety Dosa brand has more than 99 copies all across the city.
WHERE: 6th Block, Sony World Signal, Koramangala 6th Block
HOW MUCH: `30-`110 (for dosas)
Amarnath Chat
.
If you thought matar paneer dosa was strange, you haven’t seen anything yet. This little eatery shot to fame because of its
WHERE: 547/2, Rashtriya Vidyalaya Road, 2nd Block, Jayanagar
HOW MUCH: `250 (for two)
Sree Krishna Kafe
.
This unassuming eatery is a favourite of many for the standard idlis and its large variety of dosas. And when it comes to ‘special’ dosas you’ll only see them go as far as using garlic, mushroom or babycorn. But on certain Sundays you will find the Pudina Dosa on the menu, which is quite an aberration for a traditional joint. The hint of green and the burst of mint is hard to resist, if you like mint that is. However, we recommend you call ahead and ask if they have it on the menu. The other dosa you might want to check out is the Chennai Special, which has onions and dry chutney podi on it.
WHERE: 143, 60 Feet Road, 5th block, Koramangala
HOW MUCH: `55-`80 (for dosas)
RS Shivsagar
.
Everyone knows about this chain of eateries. The one on Commercial Street is particularly popular among shoppers. After all, it’s not every day that you can get enchiladas (or some version of it) and idlis on the same menu. However, it’s the Palak Dosa that stands out, mostly for it greenish tint, and the fact that you might feel like Popeye for a moment.
WHERE: 5, Narayana Pillai Street, Off Commercial Street
HOW MUCH: `75 (for the palak dosa)
Chikkanna Tiffin Room
.
This legendary outlet needs no introduction, and if it does, don’t call yourself a Bengalurean yet. And apart from its delicious dosas that every one seems to rave about, it’s the range of mini masala dosas that has gained a lot of traction over the years. And as its name suggests, they’re small, so you can finish it in a couple of bites. And then there’s the Bath Masala Dosa – dosa served with rice. How cool is that!
WHERE: Cubbonpet, City Market
HOW MUCH: `20 onwards (for dosas)
