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Dosa, dosae, dhosa—yes, one dish with many names from different parts of India. Yet the attached sentiment is the same: pure drool-worthy comfort food!
This toasted crunchy 'pancake’ laden with spices and fillings guarantees to make each bite a ‘food coma.’ No, this is not a description of crispy wings or French fries. Today, our focus is on a South Indian dish which can satisfy even the most whimsical of kings!
There can be several varieties of dosa depending on the batter, thickness, and style of cooking. The city of Bengaluru has much to offer, even expanding the scope of what the dosa is today with several global culinary influences. Whether (or, for some, when) it is nippy and overcast or a flat-out downpour, ‘death-by-dosa’ can be hard to resist. To the self-proclaimed dosa lover, can you consider yourself a fan if you have only tried a single variety?
Plain dosa, masala dose, onion dosa, cheese dosa, paper dosa, benne dosa, set dose, ragi dosa…the list goes on. Whether it is breakfast or lunch, a post-workout meal or a midnight snack, fast eating at a street vendor or dinner in a polished restaurant—dosas always fit the menu.
Have you ever wondered what makes dosa joints so special, and why customers are willing to wait in line for over an hour just to satisfy a craving? What could be the ‘secret ingredient’ that reels in the masses?
Fear not, because we are about to take you on a mini-tour of the best dosa joints the ‘Garden City’ has to offer, and discover the best ones out there.
1. Vidhyarti Bhavan
One of the oldest dosa establishments, one that boasts of a cult following, Vidyarthi Bhavan dates back to the time of our Independence. Weekdays or weekends, no matter the rush, this restaurant is a must-try. Aside from the unique and delicious dosa chutney, the experience that comes along with it is worth the visit. On entering, you feel a pacing time limit set on both service and customer—no time to sit and relax! Waiters can be seen carrying multiple plates on each arm, stacked and balanced with well-practised muscle memory. A motley group of students, office goers, families, and everyone in between can be found here.
2. Sri Sagar Hotel or Central Tiffin Room (CTR)
For many,m CTR is the piece de resistance of the Bangalore dosa. Located in Malleshwaram opposite the Malleshwaram ground, and obscured by the crowd that’s always standing by its entrance, CTR is another establishment dating back to the 1920s. You could even say it’s a part of the city’s heritage. Although popular for several South Indian dishes, the butter and plain variants of dosa are hot choices. They’re made with ghee, which might not suit the palate of some customers, but an overwhelming majority of the city loves to bite into the sinfully crisp CTR masala dosa in the evenings. The vintage and rustic theme coupled with the renovated marble table-tops see customers travelling back and forth in time. The staff are welcoming in spite of the ‘always busy’ status and can be seen warmly meeting and greeting regulars.
3. 99 Variety Dosa
This up-and-coming dosa joint in Indiranagar is a popular vegetarian budget-friendly option. Strictly speaking, the setting is more of a street-side stall, but, in accordance with its branded selling point, patrons won't easily pass up the chance to taste a new variety. 99 Varieties guarantee that customers will return for more! The fillings are so wide-ranging, you'll be stumped at the creativity of the folks who run this food cart. You’ll also find that it is hard to stop at just one dosa! With options of dine-in, delivery, and take-away, it can help explain why gyms in Bangalore always have a rush. Jokes aside, the ever-present crowd around this food cart is an indication of the love people have for dosas done creatively and tastefully.
4. Taaza Thindi
This beloved breakfast restaurant is known to wake even the most persistent of snoozers, with their policy of "the early bird catches the worm." Although officially open from 7 a.m., the lines begin at least an hour in advance. The restaurant is budget-friendly and, as is the norm with dosa joints, has quick service. Although it lacks a ‘dining area’, the menu, and the taste, attracts customers from all over the city. The mix of spicy, buttery dosa chutney is a treat and a welcome indulgence. This must be on your list of weekend breakfast binges.
5. Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR)
This is a piece of history living amongst us. Another legacy of pre-Independence India, MTR is a family-run establishment famous for its South Indian dishes. Specifically, the masala dosa. For out-of-towners who want to do a Bengaluru dosa run, this should rank as the first port of call. Centrally located on Lalbagh Road, this humble-looking restaurant has stood the test of time with quality food, service, generous portions, and consistency of taste that puts it in a league of its own. The entire dining experience is wholesome. The masala dosa and pudi dosa are filled with plenty of vegetables and served with a thick, rich chutney. We’d like to warn you at this point that Bengaluru’s chutneys can be addictive, and MTR’s more so. Round off your breakfast with a perfectly balanced filter coffee for the perfect breakfast.
6. Hotel Janardhan
Another classic South Indian vegetarian restaurant, is located near Race Course Road. With a dedicated fan following for their set dosa with sagu and butter masala dosas, it is easy to see why finding a seat can be challenging at times. Their dosas are unconventional for Bengaluru: the masala dosa doesn't have the usual aloo curry for a filling. So, what is it? You’ll just have to go to Janardhan and find out. We assure you it’ll be a pretty rewarding experience.
7. Sree Krishna Kafe
A favourite in the Koramangala region of Bengaluru. This restaurant serves vegetarian dishes with a unique taste, but what stands out is the famous podi masala dosa. They also make a great ghee roast dosa that’s loaded with ghee, making for a surprisingly tasty breakfast. Any guilt you feel later for indulging yourself can most probably be ignored in favour of the fabulous taste. That said, customers searching for a diet-friendly alternative will have to remind the staff to cutbacks. The roasted podi has a slow, mouth-watering spice that is best paired with a Kesari bath, hot coffee or chai.
8. Hotel Dwarka
Located in Basavangudi, South Bengaluru, this restaurant has consistently drawn a steady flow of both old and new customers. Basavangudi’s old-world charm makes for a quaint, peaceful setting on the weekends, the best time to visit Dwaraka. It is the perfect spot for a nice meal, or to satiate a craving for a crisp, crunchy dosa. The set dosa or butter khali dosa is a recommended dish, but also popular are some unique variants such as the tomato dosa. We did say Bengaluru loves its masala dosa and gets creative with it.
9. Bengaluru Café
Another beloved spot for dosa lovers in Jayanagar. This stand-in outlet draws customers like bears to honey. The aromas wafting out cause passers-by to pause and rethink their appetites. The crispy, rich, soft dosae coupled with Bengaluru weather and the open setting, leave customers in a peaceful trance. Or is that a food coma? Because you’ll never get enough of this terrific food.
10. IDC Kitchen
This chain of South Indian Restaurants has a reputation for good service, affordable dishes and, most importantly, delicious dosas served in Mangalorean-styled cuisine. Ghee onion masala uttapam and ghee masala dosa paired with rich coconut chutney and roasted pudi spread – this is luxurious food that can stun you with an assault on your senses, in a good way. No wonder it often sees patrons ordering seconds and sometimes even thirds!
Bengaluru loves its masala dosa and celebrates it every day. This list has been difficult to make. We’ve left out several other restaurants and “darshinis” that could just as easily make the cut, and will no doubt earn us the wrath of many Bangaloreans. So, honorbale mentions to restaurants like Chalukya, Hotel Janatha, Shanthi Sagar, Umesh Dosa Point, Om Sai Skanda Dosa, Siddappa Hotel etc. Each restaurant has its own unique, rewarding taste and menu. You'll never go wrong with any of the restaurants mentioned here; each visit is a joy.
A parting comment to those weary of a dosa: maybe you haven't found the right one—maybe there is hope for you yet!
