Nilgiris: Quintessentially B’lore

A walk down memory lane, more specifically Brigade Road, will have you wistfully smiling at Nilgiris . Bangalore’s first departmental store, it continues to stand its ground despite the mushrooming of other stores in the city, such as, Food World, Spencer’s and Monday to Sunday to name a few.

Set shop in 1939, and best described as being “next to Rex Theatre”, Nilgiris is an iconic landmark to many. Wedged between a small ice-cream parlour on the left and a fruit shop on the right, Nilgiris has always stayed that way as far as one can remember. Practically the whole of Bangalore would run to Nilgiris to get their monthly provisions done or pick up a last-minute item for an evening party.

Nilgiris started off as a small dairy farm and soon expanded to a grocery store, an ice-cream parlour, a bakery and a restaurant. On the main landing there is a counter to your right that serves freshly flavoured milk which is refreshing on a hot day or after a hectic day of shopping. The grocery store is no different from the others, stocking everything from idli rice flour and processed foods to buckets and brooms.

The bakery section is, well, another world altogether. As soon as you reach there, you are hit by a bustling crowd and sometimes harried-behind-the-counter employees. From cakes in every shape, size and flavour to custom-made bakes, Nilgiris has it all. Sweets, not your thing? Fret not, as there are the usual suspects under the savoury umbrella.

And finally, take the flight of stairs up to Upper Crust, the restaurant situated atop, and part of Nilgiris. From soups to salads and main course to desserts, the fare at Upper Crust makes for a good meal.

So, the next time around if you happen to stroll down Brigade Road, hop into Nilgiris, for old-time’s sake!