Darshinis are small eateries that mainly serve South Indian breakfast items, such as dosa, idli, vada, and filter coffee, in stainless steel utensils, at an affordable price. Additionally, they operate on a pay-first-eat-later concept. What makes them unique is that literally every meal you have here is authentic. Another unique aspect is that there is no seating arrangement in a darshini. Instead, you’ll find tall tables, where people gather around and eat. The idea of a darshini was started by R Prabhakar who established his own food outlet, called Cafe Darshini, in the 1980s. The outlet became immensely popular that similar establishments started popping up all around the city, and were referred to as a ‘darshini’. It did not take long for it to develop something of a reputation for being the meeting spot for artists, writers, celebrities, corporate professionals and other illustrious personalities. For the residents of Bangalore, eating at a darshini is an experience like no other. Here’s a round-up of the 10 best darshinis in Bangalore, India.
1. Vidyarthi Bhavan
Long lines snake out the door at Vidyarthi Bhavan, which is a legendary restaurant that remains as popular today as it was when it first opened in 1943. As the name suggests, it was started for Vidyarthi’s, which means ‘students’ in English, but over the years people from all walks of life, including celebrities, bureaucrats, writers, and corporate professionals make a beeline for this humble eatery. It is low-key when it comes to decor, but among the top-class restaurants with regards to quality and hygiene. The Benne Masala Dosa (butter dosa) served with dollops of coconut chutney is a perennial crowd-pleaser. Other favorites on the menu include khara bath (semolina rice) and kesari bath (semolina pudding).
Pro tip: Wait times vary from 15 minutes to an hour, so make sure to reach this restaurant early!
Vidyarthi Bhavan
Address: 32, Gandhi Bazaar Main Rd, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004
Website: Vidyarthi Bhavan
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6:30am - 11:30am, 2:00pm - 8:00pm, Sat - Sun: 6:30am - 12:00pm, 2:30pm - 8:00pm (closed on Fri)
2. MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room)
Another iconic eatery that had its beginnings decades ago and has a devout cult following for its authenticity and flavors. Mavalli Tiffin Room, fondly called MTR, is synonymous with the South Indian breakfast dishes like Rava Idli (semolina cake). While pretty much every table boasts of at least one plate of Rava Idli, the kitchen also churns out other South Indian specialities like masala dosa (pancake made from fermented batter and stuffed with a mixture of potatoes, lentils, curry leaves and spices) and bisi bele bath (rice-based dish), which are worth trying. To wash it all down, there are plenty of beverages, including almond milk, spicy buttermilk, and filter coffee - and these are served in silver tumblers.
MTR
Address: #14, Lal Bagh Main Rd, Doddamavalli, Sudhama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560027
Website: MTR
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 6:30am - 11:00am, 12:30pm - 8:30pm; Sat - Sun: 6:30am - 11:00am, 12:30pm - 9:00pm (closed on Mon)
3. Brahmins' Coffee Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Self service available with all the necessary precautions from today. Come and eat fresh. #idlyvade #kharabath #kesaribath
Posted by Brahmin's Coffee Bar on Sunday, June 7, 2020
Brahmins’ Coffee Bar has been serving the folks of Bangalore since 1965. Though it is a hot favorite among locals for its filter coffee, you can also stop by the joint for a meal of crisp vada (South Indian fritters) and fluffy idlis (savory rice cake) served with coconut and mint chutney.
Brahmins' Coffee Bar
Address: Near Shankar Mutt, Ranga Rao Rd, Shankarapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6:00am - 12:00pm, 3:00pm - 7:00pm (closed on Sun)
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4. Vasudev Adiga's
Vasudev Adiga’s is a very successful darshini in Bangalore, with several venues scattered across the city. The most popular branch, however, is in Jayanagar, 4th Block. Modern and capacious, yet often crowded, this popular chain serves not just authentic South Indian food, but also some of the best North Indian and Chinese fare. Try their tawa podi idli (steamed savory rice cake), Manchurian and special roti curry - and pair it up with filter coffee for a hearty treat.
Vasudev Adiga's
Address: 27th Cross Road, #36, 12th Main Rd, 4th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 6:30am - 11:00pm
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Hello, I am Ramesh Kumar, a Bangalorean, born & brought up in this lovely city. I work as a freelance Tour Guide-Tour Leader-Trip Manager to the foreign travelers who visit Southern India as a destination for travel as well as for the corporate executives who come on business meets taking place. Being a knowledgeable Tour Guide, I curate creative itineraries, all tailor made to suit their tastes, likes & interests. I am conversant with the entire stretch of South Indian monuments. I speak good quality English easily assimible by the travelers. My services are sought after by foreign travelers, travel agents, diplomats & those who wish to travel with their special plans of interest for gaining an experience of Learning and Discovery.
5. Maiyas
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
10 lucky winners get to win exciting gifts hampers from Maiyas. To participate: tag the one person whom you would like...
Posted by Maiyas on Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Ask any long-term Bangalore resident and they will tell you that Maiyas is somewhat of an institution here. Spread over four floors, there’s nothing fancy about it all - simple decor and friendly service. While authentic South Indian food is the name of the game here, the restaurant also serves North Indian food, baked goods, and desserts. One thing that you should definitely try here is the traditional South Indian spread served in silverware on the third floor.
Maiyas
Address: 459, 30, 30th Cross Rd, IV Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004
Website: Maiyas
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 7:00am - 11:00am, 12:00pm - 2:30pm, 3:30pm - 10:30pm
6. Upahara Darshini
The neighborhood of Basavanagudi is one of the oldest and most popular hangout places in Bangalore. Needless to say, it is buzzing with restaurants, especially South Indian tiffin centers. One of the firm favorites among the residents is Upahara Darshini. Though the menu is limited, the sheer deliciousness of the South Indian fare makes up for it. Do savor the shavige bath (savory rice vermicelli), masala dosa and button idlis with sambar (lentil-based vegetable stew).
Upahara Darshini
Address: DVG Road, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 7:30am - 1:00pm, 4:30pm - 10:00pm
7. Shree Guru Kottureshwara Davanagere Benne Dosa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Davangere bene dosa
Posted by Shree guru kottureshwara benne dosa hotel on Friday, October 18, 2019
Shree Guru Kottureshwara Davanagere Benne Dosa is a modest place that is known for its different types of dosas, like the rice and black lentil pancake with fillings of onion, mashed potato, butter or simply plain. The butter dosa and open dosa are a hit among regular patrons. If you’re an adventurous eater, have a go at Girmit, which is a spicy snack made from puffed rice.
Shree Guru Kottureshwara Davanagere Benne Dosa
Address: Subbarama Chetty Rd, NR Colony, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004
Opening hours: Mon: 11:30am - 3:30pm, 6:00pm - 10:00pm; Tue - Sat: 7:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30pm - 10:00pm, Sun: 8:00am - 3:30pm, 6:00pm - 10:00pm
8. Shri Sagar
Posted by SHRI Sagar (C.T.R) on Thursday, 31 January 2013
Also known as Central Tiffin Room (CTR), Shri Sagar dishes out South Indian staples, like vada, dosa, idli, and filter coffee. The first restaurant opened in the 1920s, and today, CTR boasts several outlets across the city. Its Malleshwaram outpost is the most popular, with indoor seating arrangements as well. For those unsure of what to order, the crispy benne (butter) masala dosa and rava idli (semolina rice cake) are great choices. The restaurant also earns points for its no-frills decor, which lends it a tranquil atmosphere, making guests feel at ease.
Shri Sagar
Address: 7th Cross Rd, Malleshwaram West, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 7:30am - 12:30pm, 4:00pm - 9:15 pm
9. Vaibhav Darshini
Stepping into Vaibhav Darshini is like stepping back in time - the decor is simple and hasn’t changed in the last 75 years, and neither has its reputation for high-quality South Indian food and warm ambiance. Its Shavige bath, which is a one-pot meal that sees rice vermicelli infused with vegetables and spices, is particularly worthy of attention.
Vaibhav Darshini
Address: No 60, Opp Movieland Theatre, S.C.Road, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560009
10. Ganesha Darshini
While Ganesha Darshini may be bare-bones in terms of decor, they dish out authentic South Indian snacks that are worth trying. Do order the crispy masala dosa along with the local specialty, filter coffee.
Ganesha Darshini
Address: 17th Cross Road, Ranganathapura, Malleshwaram West, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6:30am - 9:30pm, Sun: 6:30am - 10:15pm
Darshini - a perfect joint for South Indian fare
Despite the constant emergence of modern dining establishments, here in Bangalore, darshinis have always been the top choice for those craving for South Indian food and filter coffee.
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