From CTR To Veena Stores: Your Guide To Bengaluru’s 10 Heritage Breakfast Spots

Who wouldn’t like to begin their day with pillowy idlis and crispy dosas! Bengaluru is known for its pleasant weather and hospitable people, but the city’s nostalgia-laden neighbourhoods are home to culinary secrets that can make even a cynic quiver with excitement. 

Custodians of these food relics are a handful of eateries that have preserved, improvised and kept the legacy of Karnataka’s signature-style cooking alive for decades. Although many suffered a huge setback during the pandemic, these outlets nestled in Bengaluru’s various corners have now sprung into action with safety measures in place. 

So, the next time you’re in this IT hub, visit some of these humble yet popular heritage restaurants that serve delicious breakfast at a surprisingly affordable price. Here’s a ready reckoner..

Famous for its different varieties of masala dosas, Shri Sagar CTR (Central Tiffin Room) has a legacy of serving one of the most authentic south Indian breakfast items in town. From Plain Dosa and Butter Masala Dosa to Benne Dosa and Khali Dosa, this charming old-time eatery located in Malleswaram is a favourite among Bengalureans and travellers alike. 

The iconic restaurant was established by YV Subramanyam and his brothers in the 1920s. Mostly frequented by artists and writers in the 1940s and 1950s, CTR has been widely covered by local and national newspapers and magazines, while it has also found a mention in several books and journals. Other must-have dishes at the restaurant include Mangalore Bajji, Idli, Vada, Poori Saagu, Khara Bath, Kesari Bath, Maddur Vada. They begin serving at 7.30 am. 

Price for two: ₹150 (approx).

Ghee Roast Dosa, Podi Masala Dosa, Set Dosa, Rawa Idli, Khara Bath, Chow Chow Bath, Uddin Vada and Curd Vada are what most people in Bengaluru head to MTR for. This restaurant also opens at 6.30 in the morning. It holds a special place in the heart of food lovers, while its contribution in shaping the city’s culinary heritage has also been immense. 

Set up in Bengaluru’s Lalbagh neighbourhood by brothers Parampalli Yajnanarayana Maiya and Ganappayya Maiya in 1924, MTR has now also opened an outlet in London. It is said that during World War II when there was a shortage of rice, they introduced Ragi Idli, which is now sold across restaurants in south India. 

Price for two: ₹250 (approx).

From what began way back in the early 1940s as a small canteen exclusively for students went on to become one of Bengaluru’s well-loved heritage venues. It was established in 1943-44 by Venkataramana Ural and was later managed by his brother Parameshwara Ural. Ramakrishna Adiga took over the eatery in 1970, who now manages it along with his son Arun Kumar Adiga. 

Their crispy golden brown Butter Masala Dosa is an all-time favourite. Among the other must-try items are Rave Vade, Khara Bath, Kesari Bath, Uddina Vada, Idli and Poori Sagu. Symbolic of Bengaluru’s culinary history, Vidyarthi Bhavan is said to be “a place where time and tradition have stood still, drawing people from all walks of life”. You can make a trip to the restaurant as early as 6.30 am. 

Price for two: ₹100 (approx).

4. Indian Coffee House, Church Street

It’s all about chatter over coffee and crisp Masala Dosa at the Indian Coffee House in Bengaluru. Easily a landmark in the heart of the city, this restaurant was earlier located on MG Road, but shifted to Church Street in 2009. It starts serving at 8 am. The cutlets at this legendary venue are to die for, while you’ll also love to sample the Omelette, Idli, Vada and Rose Milk. 

Like old times, the waiters here still wear a special uniform and a turban, while the walls of the restaurant are painted blue - its signature style since 1958. The Coffee Cess Committee flagged off the India Coffee House chain in the 1930s, with the first outlet opened in Bombay in 1936. It was run by the Indian Coffee Board.

Price for two: ₹200 (approx).

Idli Vada, Khara Bath, Kesari Bath are among the top picks at this iconic eatery, which was set up by KV Nagesh Rao in 1965. The place opens at about 6 am every day. Currently run by his sons and grandson, this humble, no-seat restaurant is steeped in nostalgia. 

Simple ambience and cookware aside, Brahmins’ Coffee Bar is best known for its coffee and lip-smacking chutneys.  

Price for two: ₹100 (approx).

Tucked under a huge banyan tree, Airlines Hotel can quickly transport you to old Bengaluru. It’s more popular among the city’s elderly population and those who like things a little laid back. You’ll also often find politicians, movie stars and other high-profile personalities enjoying their first meal of the day at this open-air venue. 

Masala Dosa and Button Idli are a high point on the menu, while the place also serves Upma, Dahi Vada, Paddu, Bajji, Mangalore Buns, Pongal, Curd Rice and Uddina Bonda. The hotel was started by SNS Rao in 1968. They open at 8 am everyday. 

Price for two: ₹400 (approx).

Located near the Malleswaram Railway Station, Sri Raghavendra Stores was established in 1975 by K Ramanth. Idli Chutney, Shavige Bath, Chow Chow Bhath, Khara Bath and Upma are among the specialities of this small eatery that also supplies food to the offices and temples in the locality. 

You’ll find people waiting outside the eatery as early as 6 am. Although the menu is not very elaborate, this tiny blue breakfast place is known to serve quality food.

Price for two: ₹100 (approx).

Recently revamped to the delight of its loyal customers, Veena Stores is another popular breakfast place in Bengaluru. From being a 150-sq ft eatery, the restaurant is now sprawled across a 600-sq ft area. The place was started by Suryanarayana in 1977. 

You’ll see people queueing up at the venue as early as 6.30 am. Among its popular items are Shavige Bath, Bisi Bele Bath, Avalakki Bath, Puliyogare, Sweet Pongal, Idli Chutney, Khara Bath and Upma. 

Price for two: ₹150 (approx).

This bustling breakfast venue opens at 7.30 in the morning, and popularly serves Masala Dosa, Chow Chow Bath, Avalakki Bath, Khara Bath, Kesari Bath, Upma and Idli. It was founded in 1991 by Ramachandra Bhat. 

From schoolchildren, joggers to office-goers, this charming little eatery is frequented by many in the early hours of the day. Perfect for a quick bite, SN Refreshments offers wholesome breakfast items from a limited menu within a limited area. 

Price for two: ₹100 (approx).

Thindi translates as ‘breakfast’ in Kannada. True to its name, Taaza Thindi is well-known for its fresh food served at an affordable price. Their budget-friendly South Indian menu is a crowd-puller, with the place often being visited by people from all walks of life. 

Their popular items include Idli, Vada, Masala Dosa, Kesari Bhath, Khara Bhath and Chow Chow Bath. Although a relatively new venue compared to the iconic places that Bengaluru is home to, this breakfast spot has gained a lot of loyal customers over the years. 

Price for two: ₹100 (approx).