10 Best Tiffin Places in Bengaluru

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They say that for some people, the more they travel the world, the more they realise how much they love their homeland, home, roots. And that’s so true. Every time I come back to India, I cannot but feel so proud of my country, of its history, culture, traditions, places, and most importantly, Indian food.

Food is a human emotion and with so many diverse lands in India, every place has its own unique food. With agriculture being one of the major occupations in the country, we have a plethora of different kinds of fruits and vegetables that grow here. What makes us different? The kind of spices we grow and use to flavor our food and the varied recipes that originate from having such an abundance of ingredients. And in this expansive culinary landscape of India, Bengaluru, nestled in the southern state of Karnataka, emerges as one extravagant haven of food. My parents live in Bengaluru, a metropolitan city in the Southern part of India. It’s famous for being the garden city of India and currently the IT hub of the country. Bengaluru's food scene is absolutely bonkers, and it's been that way for ages! Ever heard of 'tiffin'? It's like a Bengaluru breakfast ritual—picture fluffy idlis or crispy dosas with a steaming cup of filter coffee. And guess what? This tradition isn't just a morning thing anymore; you'll find it popping up in cafes all day long! How cool is that?

My post below highlights the 10 best cafés and restaurants in Bengaluru that serve tiffin the old school way. Most of these places don’t even have proper seating, because the hustle is what people enjoy most about these eateries.

#1 Vidyarthi Bhavan, The Timeless Masala Dosa Haven

When you see visitors lining up at a restaurant straight from the airport, baggage in tow, it’s clear that the place's fame has skyrocketed.

When the owner and his son personally attend to you in a renowned establishment like Vidyarthi Bhavan, it’s evident why its reputation is so well-deserved. In the bustling flower market of Basavangudi, a modest canteen was established for National High School and Acharya Patashala students. In the early 1940s, Mr. Venkataramana Ural from Saligrama couldn’t have imagined his humble canteen becoming such a popular spot for both locals and tourists. But when his brother Parameshwara Ural took over, the sky was the limit.

In 1970, Ramakrishna Adiga from Shankaranaryana near Kundapur assumed control of the legendary Vidyarthi Bhavan. To this day, the eatery retains its humble charm, and the taste remains timeless. The beloved name, traditions, recipes, and loyal staff have stayed the same. Its soaring popularity is proof that the taste is still unbeatable!

• Most recommended: Masala Dosa

• Timings: 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Closed on Fridays)

• Address: 32, Gandhi Bazaar Main Rd, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004, India

#2 Brahmins, Where Tradition Meets Chutney Magic

Brahmin's Coffee Bar in Basavangudi, Bengaluru, is an iconic establishment with a 52-year-old history. Set up by Adiga’s father, Narasimha Rao, in the 1960s, the menu hasn't changed in over four decades – Idli, Vada, Kara Bath, and the sweet Kesari Bath. The main ingredient in that formula is their legendary chutney. KN Saraswathi, the founder’s wife, who is in her 80s, is still believed to supervise the preparation of the restaurant’s chutney every single day. This legendary eatery is a must-visit spot for locals and tourists, offering delicious, freshly prepared food in a no-frills, bustling atmosphere.

• Most recommended: The Chutney that goes with Idli, Vada, and Kesari Bath

• Timings: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

• Address: BRangarao Rd, near Shankar Mutt Road, Shankarapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004, India

#3 Umesh Dosa Point, Crafting Benne Dosa Bliss

Umesh is a tiny joint in 4th Block Kumara Park West, Seshadripuram in Bangalore, literally just 10 square meters. Despite its small size, the place is known for its incredible benne dosas, made by skilled hands working round the clock. One bite of their dosa, and it just melts in your mouth—it's almost divine! You don't even need chutney or sambar to enjoy it. They also serve Idli, Vada, and Uttapams. There's no seating available, so you'll be eating standing up. However, the quality, quantity, and cleanliness of this place are truly impressive.

• Most recommended: Benne Dosa

• Timings: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM

• Address: 21, 1st Main Rd, 4th Block Kumara Park West, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru 560010

#4 Rameshwaram Cafe: South Indian Delights 'Round the Clock'

Meet the unicorn of South Indian cafes, open from the crack of dawn 'til the witching hour, catering to people from all walks of life - the one and only Rameshwaram Cafe. Every time I’m in B’lore and I’m craving some South Indian goodness along with my morning coffee, I swing by Rameshwaram Cafe in JP Nagar. And they are always there, dishing out deliciousness 'round the clock. Rameshwaram Cafe isn't your average South Indian joint. We're talking top-notch grub served with a side of trademark flair. They whip up all their idlis, dosas, pongal, vadas, milkshakes, kesari, you name it, fresh, on-the-go, using only the finest, freshest ingredients and recipes that have stood the test of time.

So, what sets them apart? No matter which outlet you hit up, you're guaranteed the same lip-smacking, quality food every single time. The cafe is run by a powerhouse duo - Mrs. Divya Raghavendra Rao (Chartered Accountant slash IIM A grad) and her husband Mr. Raghavendra Rao (CEO & Founder, Mechanical engineer and over two decades in the food biz).

During the mango season in India, they also dish out hot crisp Puris with the delicious aamras. In this cafe, every bite's a winner, you see.

• Most recommended: Ghee Idli, Tatte Idli, and Pudi Idli

• Timings: 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM

• Address:

• Green Avenue, Plot 1, ITPL Main Rd, EPIP Zone, Brookefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560037, India

• 52, Outer Ring Rd, Jeewan Griha Colony, 2nd Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078, India

• Indiranagar 2nd Stage 2984, 12 Th Main Road, Bengaluru 560008 India.

#5 IDC (Idli Dosa Coffee), A Symphony of South Indian Flavors

IDC stands for Idli, Dosa, and Coffee, the flagship offerings of this establishment. IDC Kitchen Pvt Ltd is a chain of vegetarian South Indian self-service restaurants found across the country. I had the pleasure of visiting the branch in HSR Layout, Bengaluru. The ambiance was pristine, the service quick, the quality impeccable, and the prices affordable. If I lived near IDC, it would definitely be my go-to spot for breakfast or a tea-time snack.

• Most recommended: Ghee Pedi Idli, Butter Masala Dosa, Filter Coffee

• Timings: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM

• Address: Several locations

#6 Taaza Thindi: Simplicity Served with a Side of Flavorful Charm

My first visit to Taaza Thindi left a lasting impression, thanks to the incredible crowd gathered at its doorstep. Taaza Thindi is a legend in the Bengaluru food scene, known for its minimal menu items and limited outlets. They excel at perfecting simple breakfast food that can be enjoyed any time of the day. The experience was fantastic! The idlis were like fluffy cakes fresh out of the idli maker, and the chutney was incredibly fresh with the perfect texture.

Heads up: The cutlery is kept in a steel pan right below a heater for disinfection, and it's so hot that I burned my fingers while taking a few.

• Most recommended: Vada Sambar

• Timings: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM

• Address: 1004, 26th Main Rd, 4th T Block East, Jayanagara 9th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560041

#7 Bengaluru Cafe, Benne Dosa Bliss in Every Bite

My first visit to Bengaluru this summer, after hearing about this place from family and friends, was nothing short of satisfying! Located near the BBMP office in Jayanagar 2nd Block, this self-service restaurant for South Indian food lives up to its reputation. According to my masala dosa-obsessed mom, this place serves the best benne dosa in town! The dosa is golden brown, with the perfect crispness, thickness, and potato masala stuffing, cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. The chutney is thick and perfectly spiced. After seeing the pongal, I had to try it. What a treat! It was generously dolloped with ghee and served steaming hot from the kitchen. They also offer the delicious ‘Chow-Chow Bath’ – a morning combo of Upptitu and Rava Kesari (Sheera). All items are served on eco-friendly disposable plates made from betel nut matte (Aḍike Tatu). We finished our meal with a cup of filter coffee and were ready for a long, satisfying nap.

Heads up: The place could use some improvement in terms of seating and standing space. It’s not very well maintained in that aspect.

• Most recommended: Pongal, Benne Dosa

• Timings: 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM

• Address: #6, 9th Cross, 9th Main, 2nd Block Jayanagar, Bengaluru 560011

#8 MTR (Mahavali Tiffin Room), A Taste of Bengaluru's Rich Culinary Heritage

MTR is a must-visit when you're in Bengaluru! If you haven't heard of it, you might want to do some homework before your trip. The original MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room) restaurant, located on Lalbagh Road, has been serving delicious vegetarian food since 1924. It even featured on the global travel show Globe Trekker. The restaurant spans two floors and offers authentic Karnataka Brahmin cuisine. Sundays are especially busy, and part of the charm is vying for a spot among the locals. It's not the ambiance that draws people in but the amazing food at affordable prices. Their dosas come in all sizes, and the idlis and vadas with sambar are irresistible. The coffee is excellent, and you'll leave completely satisfied. Experience the true taste of Bengaluru where the locals eat.

• Most recommended: South Indian Thali

• Timings: 6:30 AM - 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

• Address: #14, Lalbagh Road, Bengaluru 560027

#9 Central Tiffin Room (CTR) - Shri Sagar, Where Crispy Dosa Dreams Come True

This restaurant is located near Margosa Road in Malleswaram, Bangalore, right in front of the Malleswaram playground. It's a quaint eatery with old-world charm, complete with marble-topped tables. They serve the most delicious crispy benne dosas, delightful coffee, and pooris, all at very affordable prices. Evenings are always bustling with people eager to grab a seat and enjoy the food. The service is quick, and the food is truly excellent. They only serve breakfast and snacks.

• Most recommended: Masala Dosas, Mangalore Bajji, and Coffee

• Timings: 7:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Address: #152, 7th Cross, 3rd Main, Margosa Road, Bengaluru 560003

#10 Davengere Benne Dosa, Bringing Davangere's Flavor to Bengaluru

As a child traveling by car from Mumbai to Bengaluru, we often stopped in Davengere to visit my cousin who studied at Davengere Medical College. During these visits, we'd frequently go to a dosa corner that served the famous Davengere Benne Dosa. Fast forward almost 20 years, and now you can enjoy the same delicious dosa right in the heart of Bengaluru! For the best Benne Dosa experience in the city, head to this cozy joint in Koramangala.

• Most recommended: Benne Dosa

• Timings: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

• Address: 48/1, 6th Block, Koramangala 6th Block, Bangalore

Closing Thoughts

Personally for me, exploring these fantastic tiffin spots in Bengaluru has been such a delightful journey through the city's vibrant food culture. So, next time you find yourself in this bustling metropolis, make sure to savor the flavors and stories behind each bite at these incredible tiffin spots. Have you tried any of these places, or do you have a favorite tiffin spot in Bengaluru? Let me know in the comments! Safe travels and happy eating!

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