Does Bangalore Have The Best Dosa? Ft. @Jordindian & @thatmalluchick

Summary

Embark on a thrilling night food tour through Bangalore's vibrant streets, featuring iconic spots like MTR, Shiva Gali, and the Don Biryani Palace. Experience the rich flavors of vegetarian South Indian dishes, smoky street kebabs, and the uniquely peppery Bangalore Biryani. The journey also highlights the city's sweet side with indulgent desserts from Corner House, including the famous 'Death by Chocolate.' This culinary adventure not only showcases Bangalore’s diverse food culture but also the stories behind its iconic dishes, making it a must-see experience for food lovers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The street food scene in Bangalore comes to life at night, with a variety of unique and traditional dishes to explore.
• 😀 MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room), a 100-year-old vegetarian restaurant, serves iconic dishes like Py (fried bread) and Raava, a rice-based dish born out of necessity during the Emergency period in India.
• 😀 MTR doesn't offer a traditional menu; instead, diners are served what the restaurant prepares, making it a 'love it or leave it' experience.
• 😀 One of the standout dishes at MTR is the Spinach Idly (Raava Idly) dunked in Sagu, a flavorful, traditional Bangalore dish.
• 😀 The tour explores various Bangalorean street food specialties, including the famous Ghee Butter Masala Dosa, which features a filling of potato and chutney.
• 😀 Bangalore's weather is a key highlight, with room-temperature conditions making it one of the most pleasant cities to enjoy food on the streets.
• 😀 Chandi Chowk street food in Bangalore is known for its Halal offerings, with a focus on kebabs, shawarma, and various meats.
• 😀 The first stop on Chandi Chowk Road features the famous Bangalorian Kebab, which has a crispy outer texture and chewy interior, followed by the spicier Bang Chic Kebab.
• 😀 The food tour also includes trying unique dishes like goat brain curry, which is surprisingly creamy and flavorful, showing the variety of meats enjoyed in Bangalore.
• 😀 The final part of the tour highlights two famous ice cream flavors at Corner House – Death by Chocolate (DBC) and Fudge, with DBC emerging as a crowd favorite due to its rich, moist chocolate cake and indulgent taste.

Q & A

What makes the MTR restaurant in Bangalore unique?

MTR, or Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, is a 100-year-old vegetarian restaurant that doesn't use a traditional menu. Instead, they offer a set selection of dishes based on availability, creating a nostalgic, personalized dining experience. The restaurant is set in what used to be a home, adding to its charm and authenticity.

Why is the 'raava' dish at MTR so significant?

Raava is a dish invented during the emergency period in India when there was a shortage of rice. The restaurant had to substitute rice with semolina (raava), which became a staple dish at MTR. This story highlights the innovative spirit of Indian cuisine during times of scarcity.

What is the 'py' dish and why is it special?

Py is a type of fried bread, a traditional dish in Bangalore. It’s a popular street food item that pairs well with a variety of vegetarian dishes, adding a crispy texture and a rich flavor to meals. The bread is freshly made and served hot, making it a favorite among locals.

What makes the Bangalore Masala Dosa different from others?

Bangalore's Masala Dosa is known for its crispy texture and the unique filling of spiced potatoes and chutney. The dosa is served with ghee, which enhances the flavor. It’s a classic Bangalore street food that is different in flavor from other regional dosas due to its local variations and ingredients.

What type of food can you expect at the night food stalls in Shiva Ganga?

At the night food stalls in Shiva Ganga, you'll find a vibrant mix of Halal street foods, primarily featuring meats such as kebabs, shawarmas, and spicy skewers. The street is filled with the aroma of sizzling meats and grilled delicacies, giving it an authentic, smoky vibe reminiscent of old Delhi’s food markets.

What is the significance of the 'Malai Lassi' served in the night markets?

The 'Malai Lassi' is a traditional yogurt drink served in the night markets, topped with cream (malai). It's a refreshing, rich drink that balances the heat and spice of the street foods. The lassi is a popular way to begin a food tour, offering a cool and soothing start before indulging in heavier, spicier dishes.

How does the experience of the street food market on Chandi Chowk compare to other places?

The street food scene in Chandi Chowk gives off a vibe similar to that of Old Delhi’s markets, especially during Ramadan. The street is buzzing with activity, offering rich, smoky aromas from grilled meats, kebabs, and shawarma, creating a lively, chaotic, and exciting atmosphere that food lovers can experience at night.

What makes the 'Don Biryani' from the Doni Biryani Palace special?

Don Biryani, unique to Bangalore, is distinct for its preparation and presentation. Unlike other types of biryani, Don Biryani uses small grains of rice and is cooked in one color, often without multiple layers of masala. The flavor is more peppery than spicy, and it’s typically served with a boiled egg, making it a different and lighter take on traditional biryani.

What does the 'brain curry' dish taste like and how is it prepared?

Brain curry, a delicacy in the street food scene, is made from goat brain cooked in a rich, spiced gravy. The texture is creamy, and the curry is flavorful, with a perfect balance of spices. It’s served with Indian bread, such as paratha, making it a rich and indulgent dish that some people may be unfamiliar with.

Why is Corner House’s 'Death by Chocolate' dessert so popular?

'Death by Chocolate' from Corner House is a decadent dessert featuring layers of soft, moist chocolate cake drenched in chocolate sauce. It’s a rich, indulgent treat, often described as the ultimate chocolate lover's dessert. Its creamy, chocolate-heavy profile makes it an unforgettable finish to a food tour, and it’s highly recommended for anyone with a sweet tooth.