Sup and slurp: Bangalore style

Bangalore is a foodie’s paradise! The restaurants that dot the cityscape have redefined the gourmet culture of the city. From sushi to sausages, Kerala parota to kimchi, and cakes to kesar bhat, Bangalore has it all. And for the uninitiated, the best way to indulge in this wide array of scrumptious delights is to dig into it … Bangalore ishtyle!

Though the city’s cuisine sports a very eclectic mix, it still has a strong traditional flavour. Some recipes, for instance, are centuries old, many of them unwritten and passed on like a family heirloom, through generations, from mother to daughter. Sample these gastronomic treasures: kickstart your day with a plate of unbeatable masala dosa, profoundly called “food of the gods”. Other breakfast delights, such as, soft melt-in-the-mouth idlis, and crunchy deep-fried vadas, too vie for attention. And finally no morning is complete without a cup of steaming hot filter coffee.

A typical meal, usually served on a plantain leaf or Muttuga (dry leaves stitched together), consists of steamed rice, flavoured rice, curries, vegetable dishes, pickles, one or two sweet dishes, pappadoms, buttermilk, curd and ghee. It is traditional to start your meal with a sweet dish and finish with curd rice.

Bangalore's cuisine is a rich blend of recipes from all over Karnataka; from the hills to the coastline there is an array of tastes to indulge in. The well-known pandi (pork curry) from Coorg is a delectable dish that can be had with steamed rice or rice rotis. There is also a variety of breads made mostly from sorghum and millet flour that goes well with almost any curry. And no need to be an executive chef to guess that coastal Karnataka’s platter consists of curried dishes soaked in coconut milk and local spices. Sannas (idli fermented with toddy) and akki roti (flaky rice bread) pair well with coastal gravies and fries.

Bangalore too has its version of Mughlai cuisine, a perfect blend of regional cuisine and Persian culinary influences. To indulge in this royal fare choose from the range of biriyanis, various kinds of breads, kebabs, grilled chicken and meat.

Good food warms up occasions and creates everlasting bonds. The way to the heart is truly through food. This is just the icing on the cake and as you dig deep you will discover that the cuisine of Bangalore is as diverse and unique as this wonderful city.

Bon appetit.