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Welcome to the City Foodie Guide, an exclusive series by Times Foodie where we dive fork-first into the best food experiences in cities across India. With the help of local foodies, bloggers, and experts in their city’s culture, we’re rounding the best places to eat – from hidden street food treasures to the local haunts only insiders know, right up to the historic must-eats that you simply can't miss. Stay tuned for personalised guides that will help you eat better wherever you go.
Bengaluru, a city known for its thriving tech industry, is also a haven for food lovers. The culinary landscape of "Silicon Valley Of India" is as diverse as its population, offering everything from traditional South Indian fare to global cuisines. Whether it's the irresistible street food, cozy cafes or the countless eateries that dot the city's bustling neighborhoods, Bengaluru has something to satisfy every palate.
Also Read: Mumbai Foodie Guide – 5 Mumbai Bloggers Recommend What And Where To Eat In The City
To explore this rich food scene, who can be a better guide than the city’s passionate food bloggers? These local experts have their fingers on every nook and corner of Bengaluru, uncovering hidden gems and bringing out the city’s diverse food offerings to the outside world. In a recent conversation with Times Foodie, five of Bengaluru’s expert food bloggers revealed their go-to spots, hidden gems and many other insights about the culinary affair Bengaluru.
What are the famous must-try street foods every person in Bengaluru must try?
When it comes to street food, Masale Puri and Churmuri are the originals that define Bengaluru’s street food culture. These dishes have a unique flavour that truly represents the city. I always recommend people to try them at the famous carts around the city – you’ll taste the authenticity in every bite.
What are your go-to hangouts in the city?
I have a couple of favourite spots that I keep going back to. Rogue Elephant Cafe is a lovely place with a relaxed vibe, perfect for unwinding. Another spot I adore is Airlines Hotel – it has that old-world charm and serves some really good South Indian snacks.
Bengaluru has some fantastic hidden spots that often go unnoticed. Gopal Tiffin Room, SK Tiffin Room, Siddappa Hotel, and SV Tiffin Room are among those places. These eateries offer some of the most delicious and authentic South Indian fare. Trust me, once you visit these places, you’ll be thanking me.
What are some of the most overrated meals in the city?
I’ve been to Iyer Mess several times, but honestly, it’s not worth the hype. Every time I’ve visited, the experience hasn’t been up to the mark. There are better places in Bengaluru for a satisfying meal.
Which areas of Bengaluru are best for exploring food?
For those who enjoy vegetarian breakfasts and evening snacks, Nagarathpete, VV Puram, Basavanagudi, and Avenue Road are must-visit areas. If you’re in the mood to party, JP Nagar and Indiranagar are the go-to spots.
Vidya Lakshmi (vidyascooking)
What are the famous must-try street foods every person in Bengaluru must try?
When it comes to Bengaluru’s street food, you have to try Bangarpete Pani Puri – it’s iconic. Other must-tries include nippe masala, bajjis, bonda, gobi manchurian, avarekalu dosa, and gulkand ice cream at VV Puram. These dishes really capture the essence of Bengaluru’s street food culture.
What are your go-to hangouts in the city?
Church Street for pubs and cafes, especially Koshys for coffee and sandwiches. Koramangala for street food and pubs, Commercial Street for budget eats, Jayanagar for vegetarian food, and Malleshwaram for street foods and cafes.
Narang Kababs near Navrang Theatre in Rajajinagar, Kentaky Chicken Center on Raja Roy Mohan Road, Siddiq Kabab Center on Curley Street, Siddappa Hotel in Sampangiramnagara, SLV Coffee Bar in Banashankari, All Saints Bakery, and Excelsior Bakery are some hidden gems.
What are some of the most overrated meals in the city?
I have to say, places like Vidyarthi Bhavan, MTR, CTR, and Nagarjuna are overrated. While they have their own fan base, I believe there are other spots in Bengaluru that deserve more attention.
Which areas of Bengaluru are best for exploring food?
Malleshwaram, Jayanagar, Frazer Town, Basavanagudi, Banashankari, Commercial Street, Church Street, Koramangala, and Shivajinagar are the best areas for food exploration. Each of these areas has its own unique vibe and culinary specialties.
Vinay Nagaraju (wompindia)
What are the famous must-try street foods every person in Bengaluru must try?
Bengaluru is known for its Bengaluru-style chaats and midnight idli and dosae carts. My favourite is the Aralimara Pani Puri stall near Uma Theater in Chamrajpete, the idli and dose carts in Nagarathpete, and the pineapple slice and tomato slice chaats at National College Basavanagudi. Never miss these.
What are your go-to hangouts in the city?
If there’s good filter coffee, you will find me there regularly. Namma Filter Coffee is one such place. Recently, I discovered Tambuli Mane, which serves authentic Malnad tambuli drinks. For weekends, I enjoy brewed beers at The Bier Library or partying at TORYE in RR Nagar, which has a great Kannada music vibe.
Bengaluru has some great hidden spots. Shree Idly Corner on Veerapillai Street is a gem, and the Kashi Halwa and Dumroot at Gundappa Sweets on SP Road are to die for. VB Bakery in VV Puram is also a place you shouldn’t miss – it’s a classic.
What are some of the most overrated meals in the city?
In my opinion, all Andhra meals places are a bit overrated. However, I do have a soft spot for Mayuri – it’s where you’ll get the original Andhra meals experience, especially their Pappu and gun powder, which are exceptional.
Which areas of Bengaluru are best for exploring food?
For authentic South Indian and Bangalorean food, South Bangalore is unbeatable, especially Jayanagar, Basavanagudi, and Chamrajpete. If you’re looking for non-veg Naati Style food, Nagarabhavi and Banashankari are top choices, and Shivaji is a must-visit.
Haya Kshipra S (haya.kshipra)
What are the famous must-try street foods every person in Bengaluru must try?
Pongal, Bisi Bele Bath, Akki Roti, Ragi Mudde with chicken curry, Podi Idli, Thatte Idli, crispy Ghee Miri Podi Dosa, and Pesarattu Dosa are unique street foods that are best enjoyed in Bengaluru.
What are your go-to hangouts in the city?
I have a few spots that I frequent. Taza Thindi is a go-to for quick bites, and I absolutely love Mandipete Mysore Palav. For something a bit different, I enjoy dining at CTR, Andhra Gun Powder, Nagarjuna, and Meghana Foods – these are my favourite hangouts.
While Bengaluru is known for its popular spots, there are a few hidden gems that I keep going back to. Thirupati Bhishmas in Yelahanka and Mandipete Mysore Palav are my personal favorites. These places may not be widely known, but they offer something special.
What are some of the most overrated meals in the city?
Honestly, I don’t think anything is overrated in Bengaluru. The city’s food culture is so diverse and rich that people only hype up what’s genuinely good.
Which areas of Bengaluru are best for exploring food?
Koramangala, HSR Layout, VV Puram, and Wilson Garden are fantastic areas for food exploration.
Durgam Ruthwik (nom.nom.foodie)
What are the famous must-try street foods every person in Bengaluru must try?
Chicken Sheekh Kebab at Khan Saheb Grills and Rolls in Indiranagar, bun butter jam and honey cake at VB Bakery in VV Puram, Chitranna Dosa at Ramu Tiffin Centre in VV Puram, Paddu in VV Puram Street Food Road, Gobi Manchurian at Raja Gobi, egg rice at Uncle Egg Rice Corner, idly with butter at Shree Idly Corner, and egg puff at Thom’s Bakery are must-try street foods.
What are your go-to hangouts in the city?
When I’m looking to relax, I usually head to Airlines Hotel, Brahmins Coffee Bar, Amudham Cafe, TOIT, or URU Brewpark. These places have great food and drinks, and I love spending time there.
Biryani at Kundana Family Restaurant in JP Nagar, idly at South Kitchen in NR Colony, Khali Dosae at Dwaraka Hotel in NR Colony, and chow chow baath at Upahara Darshini in NR Colony are hidden gems you shouldn’t miss.
What are some of the most overrated meals in the city?
Meals at Meghana Foods, Nagarjuna Restaurant, A2B, and Nandini are overrated.
Which areas of Bengaluru are best for exploring food?
VV Puram, Frazer Town Food Street during Ramzan, Jayanagar 4th Block, Malleshwaram 8th Cross, and Vijayanagar Chat Street are the best areas for exploring food.