When visiting Bangalore, be sure to try the city's unique blend of South Indian, North Indian, and international cuisines, which offer a diverse range of dishes such as Bisi Bele Bath, Idlis, and Vada Sambar.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Bangalore's cuisine is a reflection of its cultural diversity, with influences from South Indian, North Indian, and international cuisines. The city's food scene is defined by its use of fresh ingredients, spices, and coconut, which is a staple in many dishes. The city's cuisine is also shaped by its Kannadiga heritage, with many traditional dishes made with ragi (finger millet) and jowar (sorghum). Regional variations in Bangalore's cuisine include the Mysore style, which is known for its sweet and spicy flavors, and the Coorg style, which is known for its use of pandi (pig) meat.
Bangalore's food culture is also influenced by its history as a trading hub, with many international cuisines, such as Chinese and Italian, available in the city. The city's street food scene is also thriving, with many vendors selling traditional snacks such as bhel puri and pani puri. In recent years, Bangalore has also seen a rise in modern Indian cuisine, with many restaurants serving innovative dishes such as saffron risotto and lamb chops.
The city's food culture is also closely tied to its festivals and celebrations, with many traditional dishes made during Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Ugadi. For example, during Diwali, many families make traditional sweets such as ladoo and barfi, while during Ganesh Chaturthi, many families make traditional dishes such as modak and undrallu.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bisi Bele Bath | Rice-based | Flavorful rice dish made with lentils, vegetables, and spices | MTR 1924, Vidyarthi Bhavan |
| Idlis | Breakfast | Steamed rice cakes served with sambar and chutney | Idli Factory, Brahmin's Coffee Bar |
| Vada Sambar | Breakfast | Fried lentil doughnut served with sambar and chutney | Vidyarthi Bhavan, Adyar Ananda Bhavan |
| Masala Dosa | Breakfast | Fermented rice and lentil crepe filled with potato and onion | MTR 1924, Dasaprakash |
| Chicken Biriyani | Rice-based | Flavorful rice dish made with chicken, basmati rice, and spices | BonSouth, Nagarjuna |
| Ragi Mudde | Traditional | Steamed ragi balls served with sambar and chutney | Ragi Mudde Center, Kannadiga Mane |
| Jowar Roti | Traditional | Flatbread made with jowar flour, served with vegetable curry | Jowar Roti Center, Coorg Cuisine |
| Gadbad Ice Cream | Dessert | Unique ice cream dessert made with dry fruits, nuts, and cream | Corner House, Gadbad Ice Cream |
| Mangalore Buns | Snack | Sweet banana-based puris served with chutney | Mangalore Store, Iyengar Bakery |
| Pani Puri | Street Food | Crispy puris filled with tamarind water, chutney, and boondi | Street vendors, Pani Puri Center |
Street Food & Snacks
- Bhel Puri: a popular street snack made with puffed rice, sev, and chutney, available for $1-$2
- Pani Puri: crispy puris filled with tamarind water, chutney, and boondi, available for $1-$2
- Chaat: a variety of street snacks such as golgappas, sev puri, and dahi puri, available for $2-$3
- Kachoris: crispy puris filled with spiced potatoes and peas, available for $2-$3
- Samosas: crispy pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas, available for $2-$3
- Vada Pav: a popular street snack made with fried lentil doughnut and bread, available for $2-$3
Drinks
- Filter Coffee: a traditional South Indian coffee made with filtered coffee and milk, available for $1-$2
- Chai: a spiced tea made with black tea, milk, and spices, available for $1-$2
- Lassi: a yogurt-based drink made with yogurt, water, and spices, available for $2-$3
- Fresh Lime Soda: a refreshing drink made with fresh lime juice, soda water, and salt, available for $2-$3
- Kingfisher Beer: a popular Indian beer available for $5-$6
- Wine: a variety of Indian wines available for $10-$20
Dining Customs
- Eating with hands: it is customary to eat with hands in traditional South Indian cuisine
- Using a spoon: it is also common to use a spoon to eat, especially in formal settings
- Tipping: 5-10% of the total bill is customary
- Reservation: reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Dress code: dress codes vary depending on the restaurant, but casual attire is acceptable in most places
- Table manners: it is considered polite to wait for the host to start eating before beginning to eat
Where to Eat
- MTR 1924: a popular restaurant serving traditional South Indian cuisine
- Vidyarthi Bhavan: a popular restaurant serving traditional South Indian breakfast dishes
- Idli Factory: a popular restaurant serving a variety of idlis and dosas
- Food Courts: many shopping malls and markets have food courts with a variety of dining options
- Street vendors: many street vendors sell traditional snacks and drinks, such as bhel puri and filter coffee
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Russell Market: a popular market selling fresh produce, meats, and spices
- Krishna Rao Road Market: a popular market selling traditional snacks and sweets
- Jaynagar 4th Block: a popular food street with many restaurants and cafes
- Malleshwaram: a popular area with many traditional South Indian restaurants and cafes
- Bangalore Food Tours: a guided food tour that takes you through the city's culinary scene, sampling traditional dishes and drinks.