Central Tiffin Room
Established in the 1920s, Central Tiffin Room (CTR) stands as a beloved institution, celebrated primarily for its exquisite benne masala dosa. This iconic dish is frequently lauded as the benchmark for dosas
across the city, characterized by its delicate crispness, even browning, and generous application of butter. Served with traditional accompaniments, it offers a delightful sensory experience. Patrons are drawn not only to the consistent quality and textural perfection of the dosa but also to the nostalgic ambiance, complete with vintage wooden furniture and a timeless breakfast room atmosphere, evoking a sense of enduring charm and comfort.
Mavalli Tiffin Rooms
Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR), which began its journey in 1924, holds a significant place in Bengaluru's culinary narrative, notably for introducing the rava idli during a period of food scarcity. Over the years, it has shaped the city's perception of fulfilling breakfast experiences. Today, visitors continue to form queues for its renowned offerings, including soft, pillowy idlis, perfectly crisp dosas, robust filter coffee, and its celebrated bisibele bath. MTR remains an essential destination for those seeking the authentic, deeply satisfying flavors of traditional Karnataka cuisine, offering a taste of history with every meal.
Mahalakshmi Tiffin Room
Tucked away on DVG Road near Gandhi Bazaar, Mahalakshmi Tiffin Room, a relic from the 1920s to 1930s, continues to be a vibrant hub of morning activity. Its loyal clientele consistently seeks out its delectable benne dosas, crispy vadas, and a straightforward yet intensely flavorful sambar. This unpretentious combination of classic breakfast items has cemented its popularity, ensuring a steady stream of devoted customers for countless generations. The establishment's enduring appeal lies in its commitment to simple, well-executed flavors that resonate with the local palate.
Lakeview Milk Bar
Originally opened in 1930 as an ice cream parlor, Lakeview Milk Bar has masterfully preserved its retro allure, offering a nostalgic retreat with its tall sundaes and frothy milkshakes served late into the evening. This establishment appeals to a diverse crowd, including families, students, and late-night strollers, all seeking classic scoops and chilled desserts that appear untouched by the passage of time. Its enduring charm makes it one of Bengaluru's most cherished spots for sweet indulgences and a palpable sense of bygone eras.
Shivaji Military Hotel
With origins tracing back to the 1930s, Shivaji Military Hotel is renowned for its bold and intensely spiced non-vegetarian preparations. The establishment has cultivated a dedicated following across generations, primarily through its distinctive donne biryani and zesty mutton dishes. Diners are consistently drawn to its old-school, Chettinad-inspired flavors and generously proportioned meals, served in a lively, no-frills environment. The fast service and tantalizing aromas emanating from the kitchen signal the presence of truly legendary culinary creations.
Koshy's
Founded as a bakery in the 1940s, Koshy's evolved into a celebrated St. Mark's Road landmark, frequented by an eclectic mix of writers, politicians, and generations of Bengaluru residents. The eatery continues to attract patrons with its classic roast chicken, delicate pastries, and famously potent coffee, all served within wood-paneled interiors that evoke a more leisurely, club-like era of city dining. Waitstaff in crisp uniforms navigate between closely arranged tables, while ceiling fans gently circulate the air, fostering an atmosphere where conversations can linger long after meals are finished, solidifying Koshy's reputation as a steadfast refuge for locals.
Vidyarthi Bhavan
Serving patrons since 1943, Vidyarthi Bhavan has become the quintessential dosa destination in Basavanagudi. Its thick, butter-laden masala dosas are legendary, arriving sizzling and vanishing quickly from plates, contributing to long morning queues and a lively ambiance. What began as a humble student canteen has transformed into a city-wide icon, cherished for its exquisite taste, efficient service, and the distinctive, old-Bengaluru energy that permeates the air, offering a truly memorable dining experience.
Brahmin's Coffee Bar
A fixture in Basavanagudi since the 1960s, Brahmin's Coffee Bar is celebrated for its incredibly soft idlis, perfectly crisp vadas, and a distinctive coconut-infused chutney that loyal customers rave about. The bustling mornings, swift service, and unwavering consistency of its offerings prove that simple food, executed with precision, remains timeless. This modest establishment, with its clattering steel plates and the inviting aroma of steaming batter drifting into nearby lanes, is an essential stop for early risers and those seeking a nostalgic taste of Bengaluru breakfast.
Airlines Hotel
Gaining prominence in the 1960s, Airlines Hotel is distinguished by its open-air seating and tranquil, garden-like setting amidst the urban bustle. Diners enjoy lingering over crisp dosas, fluffy upma, and strong filter coffee, making it an ideal spot for relaxed weekend breakfasts and unhurried conversations that reflect the essence of old Bengaluru. The airy ambiance provides a welcome respite from the city's pace, allowing patrons to savor their meals and the nostalgic charm of the place.
The Only Place
Making its debut in Bengaluru's dining landscape during the 1950s–60s, The Only Place quickly became synonymous with hearty continental comfort food. It's renowned for classic dishes such as sizzling steaks, shepherd's pie, and rich gravies. This establishment stands out as a nostalgic, meat-centric option within the city's numerous tiffin rooms, attracting a loyal clientele who appreciate its substantial portions and retro dining room ambiance. For many, a meal here evokes a sense of stepping back in time, with its enduring decor, traditional service, and time-tested menu, fostering a sense of familiarity and cherished ritual.
