Heading to Mysuru from Bengaluru? You got to stop at Kamat Lokaruchi for breakfast! Mind you, this isn’t your regular morning meal venue nor is it one of the many dosa-idli places you find in both cities. Located at Ramanagara (remember where the blockbuster Sholay was filmed?), Kamat Lokaruchi is a popular heritage eatery that has been serving rural Karnataka meals to its visitors since 1996. It’s the brainchild of Hubballi’s Anantrai Sheshagiri Kamat.
What makes the place unique though is its rustic vibe and delicious array of breakfast items, most of which are cooked in firewood. Hampi-inspired stone columns, haystack architecture, Mangaluru-style red tile roofing, traditional wall murals and a Channapatna toys shop on the premise complete every traveller’s dream to experience the earthy tastes, aromas, sights and smells of the state. This homely drive-in restaurant gives you the vibe of eating in a hut amid sylvan environs. Lokaruchi is a unit of the popular Kamat Yatrinivas, which is currently run by Narayan Kamat. This was the restaurant chain’s first outlet on the highway.
From six in the morning, Lokaruchi starts serving Akki Roti, Mude (wrapped in screwpine leaves), Jowar Roti, Masala Avalakki with Sev, Button Idli Sambhar, Thatte Idli, Kesari Bath, Jackfruit Mulka, Ragi Roti, Basundi Puri, Goli Bajji, Bonda Soup, Maddur Vade, Pathrode and a variety of dosas. They also serve special thalis for lunch, comprising the flavours from different parts of the state. North Karnataka, Karavalli and Ragi Mudde meals are among the top choices.
Nestled just off the highway, this pitstop has been attracting travellers, trekkers and food lovers alike over the years. And that’s not all, many Bengalureans hit the road during weekends and holidays just to make a trip to Lokaruchi and enjoy a hearty and wholesome traditional meal at the restaurant’s airy, sprawling courtyard. While you tuck into their pillowy idlis and take a sip of filter kaapi or ellu, you can soak in the ambience that’s every bit pastoral and comforting. The waiters’ uniform, the food display units and the style of cooking food, everything will take you back in time - much like watching the scenes of the 1980s’ popular television show Malgudi Days all over again.
