In Karnataka, the festivities begin with the cleaning of houses, shopping for new clothes and more weeks in advance. On Ugadi, however, colourful rangolis are drawn in front of the house, mango leaves are tied at the door as a sign of inviting prosperity and a good harvest, and this is followed by a ritual of an early morning oil bath in Hindu households across the state. What begins by invoking the blessings of God and eating the 'bevu-bella' on Ugadi culminates in a hosatodaku feast of mutton and free-range country chicken delicacies the next day. Ugadi stresses the importance of the six-taste philosophy, and the feast is prepared accordingly.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Beyond households, this enduring bond with food permeates the city of Bengaluru and its thriving dining sector. Many eateries and restaurants are already creating unique Ugadi menus. These dishes, which range from classic spreads to modern festive plates, transform the event into a fun culinary celebration that unites people over delectable, meaningful experiences. Here’s where you can indulge in a Ugadi 202 special feast:
Cur8, Four Seasons Bengaluru
With a carefully planned festive experience that combines treasured customs with elegant hospitality, this Ugadi, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru invites guests to enjoy the spirit of the South Indian New Year. With a sumptuous Ugadi lunch buffet at CUR8, which is intended to be the customary ‘Grand Oota’, the experience takes inspiration from the cultural diversity of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana and is set in the elegant surroundings of CUR8, providing a closer connection to the region's joyous customs. The menu gives an in-depth focus on regional culinary heritage, with dishes like the traditional Bevu Bella and Ugadi Pachadi, which represent the six fundamental tastes of life, Shadruchulu, as well as time-honoured recipes that convey a sense of home. Neem flowers, raw mango, and jaggery are examples of seasonal ingredients that are subtly emphasised, giving traditional tastes a modern yet respectful twist. The meal, which has been expertly prepared by the hotel's chefs, strikes a mix between subtle refinement and authenticity. It fosters a cosy, welcoming atmosphere that inspires families to gather and celebrate Ugadi with cuisine that creates cherished memories. If you plan a staycation after the lavish feast, you can take advantage of 15% off the Bed and Breakfast fee as part of the celebration experience!
Address: 8, Bellary Rd, Dena Bank Colony, Ganganagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560032
Timing: 19 March, 12:30 PM onwards
Price: INR 3,000+taxes per guest
Mélange, Radisson Blu Outer Ring Road
With a carefully chosen Ugadi spread that follows the flavours and customs of the festival, Mélange at Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road is making that moment memorable. The meal that lends the occasion its significance, Ugadi Pachadi, is the focal point of the spread. This recipe, which combines sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy flavours, serves as a reminder that life has many flavours, all of which are worthy of celebration. It's a metaphorical beginning to a feast that only gets better. Festive favourites that taste like and remind one of home cooking are what guests can look forward to. The savoury spread is completed with Holige (Obbattu), Puliyogare, Coconut Rice, and Kosambari, and the dinner ends sweetly and satisfyingly with traditional Payasam.
Address: 90/4, Outer Ring Rd, Marathahalli Village, Marathahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560037
Timing: 19 March, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Price: INR 2,599+taxes per person
Dakshin, ITC Windsor
Ugadi arrives in Dakshin with a hint of old-world grandeur and a strong sense of tradition. The restaurant's warm hardwood décor, elaborate South Indian accents, and gentle, intimate lighting create the mood for an extravagant meal steeped in tradition. It is tucked away amid the regal surroundings of ITC Windsor. As is customary, the carefully chosen thali starts with the symbolic Ugadi Pachadi, a blend of tastes that reflects the various moods of life. The feast then continues with hearty favourites like Kumbalakkai Majjige Huli and the reassuring Holige Rassa, followed by cool Mavinkai Kosambri and tender, golden Bale Hannu Dose. The celebration ends sweetly with delicate Obbattu and delicious Sabakki Payasa.
Address: Windsor Square, 25, Golf Course Rd, Abshot Layout, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Timing: 19 March, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM and 7 PM - 11 PM
Price: INR 3,525+taxes per person
Imag Credit: Wikimedia Commons
La Utsav, Grand Mercure Bengaluru, Gopalan Mall
This luxury property, which is adjacent to Gopalan Signature Mall, has a strong sense of place and an unmissable local connection. Hoysala served as an inspiration because it was a time when art and culture were thriving, and the hotel aims to honour that spirit. Interestingly, the hotel has a distinctive scent of vetiver and sandalwood that draws your senses in as soon as you walk in. Enjoy a joyous meal that is both cosy and exuberant. Imagine a carefree, nostalgic sit-down buffet that brings the harvest celebration right to your plate. Classics like Sakkarai Pongal, Banana Appam, Mavinakayi Chitranna, and Gutti Vankaya Kura are on the menu; they balance sweetness, tanginess, and savouriness like a genuine Ugadi moodboard. This one is all about delicious food and simple festive vibes, whether it's a large family gathering or a casual supper. As the feast comes to an end, you’re served a bowl of Payasam.
Address: Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall Opp. RMZ Infinity Techpark, Old Madras Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560093
Timing: 19 March, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Price: INR 2,300+taxes per person
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
b Cafe & Ssaffron, Shangri-La Bengaluru
Ugadi 2026 is a colourful journey through the vivid tastes of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. A buffet of regional favourites, including crisp Alasandala Garelu, fiery Gongura Kodi Vepudu, tangy Mavadikaya Pappu, rich Paneer Ghee Roast, coastal-style Kori Gassi, robust Rayalaseema Chepala Pulusu, and the delicate sweetness of Pootharekulu, opens the festive spread at b Café, which is housed within the elegant surroundings of Shangri-La Bengaluru. The festivities at Ssaffron take the shape of a carefully prepared Andhra-style thali, which begins with the customary Panakam and progresses to festive dishes like Vankaya Kothimeera Karam, Mamidikaya Mudda Pappu, Nimmakaya Annam, and Avara Kalu Pulao. Desserts like Poornam Boorelu and Gasagasa Coconut Payasam make sure the New Year's feast ends on an appropriately decadent note.
Address: No. 56, 6B, Palace Rd, Abshot Layout, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Timing: 19 March, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Price: INR 2,300+taxes for b cafe and INR 2,000+taxes for Ssaffron
Madras Kitchen, Marriott Executive Apartments UB City
Ugadi at Madras Kitchen becomes a taste-first and sensual experience. The iconic Ugadi Pachadi sets the tone with its distinctive blend of flavours that reflect the next year. The result is a healthy, celebratory thali with layers of aromatic rice, seasonal veggies, slow-cooked dals, and all the familiar, comforting sides. Before the dinner eases into a sweet finale with festive mithai, there is a leisurely break with refreshing sips of chilled Neer Mor and Panakam flavoured with jaggery. Naturally, no celebration would be complete without a cup of traditional South Indian filter coffee, so coffee lovers can enjoy the culinary festivities without worrying about how to get a cup of good coffee too!
Address: UB City, 24, Vittal Mallya Rd, KG Halli, D' Souza Layout, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Timing: 19 March, 12 PM - 11 PM
Price: INR 1,995+taxes per person
Amara Timeless Desserts, Indiranagar
For Ugadi, this upscale frozen dessert bar in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, transforms the confections that many people grew up with into chic, modern ones, adding a novel, whimsical touch to festivities. The cuisine, which is based on recipes from generations of halwais, appeals to deep flavours of nostalgia while maintaining a light, contemporary, and slightly surprising experience. On the menu, they have gulkhand, meetha paan, and filter kaapi, inspired by well-known holiday memories, each of which echoes the flavours frequently associated with festivities such as this. For Ugadi 2026, if you want to try desserts that are simple but different, Amara can help you with them. Plus, with the weather reaching high and warm temperatures even in Bengaluru, these frozen desserts can be the perfect entry into summer!
Address: 80, 100 Feet Rd, HAL, HAL 3rd Stage, New Tippasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008
Timing: 19 March, 12 PM - 1 AM
Price: INR 300 for two