My favourite iconic breakfast places in Bangalore

Bengaluru is often referred as the pub capital of India and it is not without a reason, as you can always spot a new pub every week in Indira Nagar or Koramangala. Same goes with cafes, as the culture has strongly caught up with the silicon capital of India with innumerable cafes with various themes across the city. However, when you talk about the iconic places for breakfast in the city, it is a stroll back to the days of the 20^th century Bangalore. That was a period when many restaurants such as Mavalli Tiffin Room, Vidyarthi Bhavan, Central Tiffin Room, Veena Stores, Koshy’s, Peco’s, Airlines hotel and many more thrived and had even personalities from various fields visiting them for the delicious dosas, idlis, appams and coffee. Many such restaurants have shut down over a period of time due to various reasons. Thankfully, a few of them have survived the urbanization and café culture to serve delicious breakfasts and satiate the taste buds of their guests and fans.

If you aren’t a Bangalorean, but still would like to explore these breakfast options, do not ponder much and book flight online to Namma Bengaluru at the earliest. The city is well connected with all major metros and there are frequent Mumbai to Bangalore flights, New Delhi to Bangalore flights, and Chennai to Bangalore flights and Pune to Bangalore flights.

Though it was tough to pick, here is a short list of my favourite iconic places in Bangalore for some scrumptious breakfast. Am sure there are more which you would like to add to this and I look forward to those in the comments.

Mavalli Tiffin Room:

One of the oldest breakfast places in Bangalore, MTR as it is fondly called, first served idlis and dosas in 1924. The legendary place is synonymous with Karnataka food and is known for their crisp masala dosas, idlis and tumbler coffee. MTR also claims to have invented rava idli which they experimented during WWII when idli was scarcely available. The place is crowded through the day and it is recommended to head there early for breakfast.

Must try: Rava Idli and Masala dosa

Located next to Urvashi theatre near Lalbagh, MTR is open from 6.30 AM to 11 AM, from 12.30 PM to 2.30 PM and from 3.30 PM to 8.30 PM.

Vidyarthi Bhavan:

Vidyarthi Bhavan opened in 1943 for students and has been serving lip smacking dishes ever since. The old fashioned ambience with wooden benches, portraits of personalities and slow service (due to the rush) takes you back a few decades and reminds you of the typical old Bangalore. Vidyarthi bhavan is popular for its khara bath, masala dosas (with the delicious chutney) and coffee. The place gets quite crowded during weekends and you may have to wait until your name is called out to get hands on those crisp dosas.

Must try: Masala dosa

Located on Gandhi Bazaar main road in Basavanagudi, Vidyarthi bhavan is open from 6.30 AM to 12 noon and from 2 PM to 8 PM.

Koshy’s:

A melting pot for artists, journalists, writers and many others, this establishment which opened its doors in 1940 has served quite a few personalities including former Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru and Queen Elizabeth II. Known for their Kerala cuisine and English breakfast, Koshy’s comprises of Parade café and Jewel box. While Jewel box looks quite contemporary, Parade café with its old wooden tables, old fashioned fans and laid back ambience has the charm that would make sure that you stretch your breakfast to lunch at the same table. Koshy’s is probably my favourite in this list and four generations of my family has visited this iconic place.

Must try: Minced mutton toast and English breakfast

Located onSt. Mark’s road at the intersection of M.G.Road, Koshy’s is open from 9 AM to 11.30 PM.

Airlines hotel:

An open air restaurant surrounded by trees, Airlines hotel has an incredibly charming ambience. Known for their one by two coffees, kesari baths and dosas, this is an ideal place to chat gleefully listening to the chirping of birds. A filter coffee, a book and the calm surroundings of Airlines hotel are an ideal way to start your weekend. Though it did close down for a while, Airlines hotel is back in action doing the best they are known for- satiating taste buds.

Must try: Dosas and Channa Battura

Located on Madras Bank road, off Lavelle road, Airlines hotel is open from 7 AM to 10 PM.

P.S.: This post is in collaboration with Jet airways but opinions are my own.