Central Tiffin Room
Established in the 1920s, Central Tiffin Room (CTR) is a culinary landmark renowned for its exceptional benne masala dosa. This dish is widely considered
the benchmark for dosas in Bengaluru, characterized by its thin, uniformly golden-brown exterior, generous butter coating, and traditional accompaniment of assorted chutneys. Patrons are drawn not only to the dosa's consistent crispness and quality but also to the nostalgic ambiance of the vintage breakfast room, complete with its classic wooden furnishings, which evokes a sense of timelessness.
Mavalli Tiffin Rooms
Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR), which opened its doors in 1924, holds a significant place in Bengaluru's culinary history. It is credited with introducing the rava idli, a staple born out of wartime necessity, and subsequently shaped the city's perception of satisfying tiffin meals. Today, MTR continues to attract patrons who eagerly await its soft idlis, perfectly crisp dosas, potent filter coffee, and its highly acclaimed bisibele bath, offering an authentic and deeply comforting Karnataka dining experience.
Mahalakshmi Tiffin Room
Tucked away on DVG Road near Gandhi Bazaar, Mahalakshmi Tiffin Room, dating back to the 1920s or 1930s, remains a vibrant morning destination. Its loyal customer base consistently returns for the delicious benne dosas, crispy vadas, and a simple yet incredibly flavorful sambar. This unpretentious yet satisfying breakfast combination has cemented its status as a beloved eatery, fostering generations of devoted patrons who appreciate its straightforward approach to classic South Indian breakfast fare.
Lakeview Milk Bar
Launched in 1930 initially as an ice-cream parlor, Lakeview Milk Bar continues to charm visitors with its enduring retro appeal. Serving classic sundaes and rich milkshakes well into the night, it appeals to a broad audience including families, students, and late-night diners. Its unchanged menu of scoops and chilled desserts offers a nostalgic sweet escape, cementing its reputation as one of the city's most beloved and timeless dessert destinations.
Shivaji Military Hotel
With origins tracing back to the 1930s, Shivaji Military Hotel is celebrated for its potent and spice-rich non-vegetarian cuisine. The hotel has cultivated a dedicated following across multiple generations, primarily for its signature donne biryani and intensely peppery mutton preparations. Diners are drawn to its old-school, Chettinad-inspired flavors and generous, hearty portions, all served in a lively, no-frills environment where the aroma itself signals a legendary culinary experience, and waiting is often part of the ritual.
Koshy's
Beginning its journey as a bakery in the 1940s, Koshy's evolved into an iconic St. Mark’s Road establishment frequented by writers, politicians, and generations of Bengaluru residents. The eatery remains popular for its traditional roast chicken, delicate pastries, and famously robust coffee, all served within wood-paneled interiors that evoke a bygone era of leisurely dining. It retains its atmosphere as a communal hub, a place where conversations flow easily amid the whirring ceiling fans and the murmur of contented patrons.
Vidyarthi Bhavan
Serving patrons since 1943, Vidyarthi Bhavan is the undisputed king of dosas in Basavanagudi. Its thick, generously buttered masala dosas are legendary, arriving sizzling and vanishing quickly, contributing to the perpetually long queues and lively atmosphere. What started as a humble canteen for students has transformed into a city-wide institution, cherished for its distinctive taste, efficiency, and the vibrant, old-Bangalore spirit it embodies.
Brahmin's Coffee Bar
A fixture in Basavanagudi since the 1960s, Brahmin's Coffee Bar is a modest breakfast spot lauded for its incredibly soft idlis, crisp vadas, and a distinct, coconut-rich chutney that its regulars passionately endorse. The consistent crowds, rapid service, and unwavering quality at this simple establishment demonstrate that well-executed traditional food never loses its appeal. It's a crucial stop for early risers and those seeking a taste of Bengaluru's breakfast heritage.
Airlines Hotel
Gaining prominence in the 1960s, Airlines Hotel is celebrated for its refreshing, open-air ambiance and garden-like setting in the heart of the city. It provides a tranquil escape where diners can leisurely enjoy crisp dosas, fluffy upma, and strong filter coffee, making it an ideal spot for relaxed weekend brunches and engaging conversations steeped in Bengaluru's classic charm.
The Only Place
Established in Bengaluru during the late 1950s or early 1960s, The Only Place became the go-to destination for comforting continental cuisine, featuring dishes like sizzling steaks, shepherd's pie, and rich gravies. It stands out as a nostalgic, meat-centric alternative to the city's many tiffin rooms, attracting a loyal following that appreciates its hearty meals and vintage dining room aesthetic. For many, dining here is like a journey back in time, with its enduring wooden decor and classic service.
