Bangalore, also known as the Silicon Valley of India, is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with its modern cosmopolitan culture. In this bustling metropolis, where technology and innovation thrive, there is still a strong appreciation for tradition and heritage. One aspect of Bangalore’s culture that has stood the test of time is its love for a hearty breakfast. The city is dotted with charming old-school breakfast joints that have been serving delectable morning delights for decades. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through Bangalore, unveiling some of the best places to indulge in a good old-fashioned breakfast.
Best Places in Bangalore for Some Good Old-Fashioned Breakfast
- Veena Stores
First set up as a local condiments store in 1977, Veena Stores has now become one of the city’s most beloved breakfast spots. Located in Malleswaram, this humble eatery is famous for its melt-in-the-mouth idlis that come with a unique mint-coriander-coconut chutney. The menu also features other popular delicacies like vadas, kesari bath, and bisi bele bath. However, be prepared to wait as this place tends to get crowded. Nevertheless, the delicious flavors are well worth the wait.
- Address: 183, Margosa Rd, Malleswaram, Bengaluru
- Contact: +91 80233 44838
- Central Tiffin Room
With a history dating back to the 1920s, Central Tiffin Room is one of the most recommended spots for dosa in Bangalore. Located in Malleshwaram, this establishment is known for its golden dosas that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, paired with a flavorful potato filling. The bajjis and maddur vada are also crowd favorites. Don’t forget to savor a glass of their strong filter coffee, which perfectly complements the meal. Remember to arrive early, especially on weekends, as wait times can be long.
- Address: 7th Cross, Margosa Road, Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 80233 17531
- Vidyarthi Bhavan
For over 75 years, Vidyarthi Bhavan has been serving scrumptious dosas that have won the hearts of Bangaloreans. Located in Basavanagudi, this vintage restaurant offers crisp and golden dosas with a thick and fluffy interior, accompanied by flavorful potato sagu and chutney. The dining experience is unique as servers skillfully navigate plates stacked atop each other around the bustling tables. Apart from dosas, give their kesari bath, medu vada, and filter coffee a try. The filter coffee here has attained a cult following and is a must-have.
- Address: 32, Near Gandhi Bazaar Circle, Basavanagudi, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 80266 77588
- Chikkanna Tiffin Room
Established in 1965, Chikkanna Tiffin Room is a renowned breakfast spot that has been delighting diners for decades. Located in Seshadripuram, this place is famous for its dosas, served with ghee and gunpowder (podi). The podi idlis, mini masala dosas, sponge dosas, and open dosa with saagu are also popular choices. Wash it all down with a cup of their strong and perfectly sweetened filter coffee. Chikkanna Tiffin Room is a must-visit for breakfast enthusiasts.
- Address: 4th Main Road, Subramanya Swamy Temple Street, Kumar Park West, Seshadripuram, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 98863 64466
- Mahalakshmi Tiffin Room
With nearly a century of service, Mahalakshmi Tiffin Room has become an institution when it comes to breakfast in Bangalore. Located near National College in Basavanagudi, this iconic eatery is renowned for its benne dosa, which comes in both masala and plain varieties and is accompanied by the iconic green chutney. The menu also features delicious idlis, rava idlis, set dosas, vadas, carrot halwa, and sagu puri. To complete your meal, savor a cup of their flavorful filter coffee, prepared using recipes that have been passed down through generations.
- Address: 85/1, DVG Road, Near National College, Basavanagudi, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 80229 06305
- Indian Coffee House
Established in 1957, the Indian Coffee House is a nostalgic gem that takes you back in time. Located on Church Street, this old-school establishment is famous for its traditional filter coffee. The walls adorned with yesteryear portraits, service staff dressed in red and white uniforms, and coffee served in traditional cups and saucers create an ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era. Accompany your coffee with masala dosa, beetroot cutlets, or eggs on toast for a satisfying breakfast experience. The best part is that the prices here are ridiculously affordable.
- Address: 19, Ground Floor, Church Street, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 80255 87088
- Airlines Hotel
Located off Lavelle Road, Airlines Hotel is a bustling eatery popular among college students and office-goers. This place is known for its tall glasses of freshly brewed coffee, piping-hot dosas, chow chow bath, kesari bath, and thalis. The airy and breezy ambiance of the place is quintessentially Bangalorean, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxed conversations over breakfast.
- Address: 4, Madras Bank Road, Off Lavelle Road, Lavelle Road, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 80222 18776
- Koshy’s
Rounding out our list is Koshy’s, a legendary eatery that has stood the test of time. Located on St. Marks Road, Koshy’s is a go-to spot for an English breakfast experience. This vintage restaurant has been serving patrons, including popular historian Ramachandra Guha, for decades. The menu boasts delectable items like chicken liver toast, bacon omelet, mushroom toast, and vegetable cutlet. However, the star of the show is the eggs-toast-sausage combination that has its own loyal following. Of course, a cup of their freshly brewed, strong filter coffee is a must-try.
- Address: 39, St. Marks Road, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 80222 13793
Bangalore’s old-school breakfast joints offer a glimpse into the city’s rich culinary heritage. These establishments have stood the test of time, consistently serving delicious breakfast options that have become an integral part of Bangalorean culture. From the melt-in-the-mouth idlis at Veena Stores to the iconic benne dosa at Mahalakshmi Tiffin Room, each place has its own unique offerings that are bound to delight your taste buds. So, the next time you find yourself in Bangalore, make sure to start your day right by visiting one of these time-tested breakfast spots for an epic morning feast!
