Traditionally considered a South Indian breakfast food, idlis are loved by everyone at any time of the day! Be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a tea-time snack. While little beats an idli-vada combo, paired with a spicy coconut chutney and steaming hot sambar, we’ve decided to take things up a notch. We’ve done the research for you, and found some of the best offbeat idlis Bangalore has to offer.
#IdliDay: Hit Up These 5 Places For Offbeat Idli Variations
Idly Burger - Cafe Idly
This little cafe in Frazer Town is dedicated almost entirely to idlis. Their idli burger here is quite delicious — a warm vegetable patty comes sandwiched between two big, fluffy idlis, and it’s probably healthier for you than a KFC burger! They also serve Kadubu, a Konkani speciality and a type of idli steamed in a banana leaf. Plus, the cafe has a Bangalorean twist in all the right ways! You can expect retro furnishings, with the best classic rock numbers playing in the background.
Thatte Idly - IDC
Staying close to the classic, IDC kitchen peppered all over Bangalore offers the best thatte idli accompanied by a delicious sambhar. The idlis are soft, fluffy and super indulgent. Now while chutney and sambar are the traditional and go-to topping for idlis, the Thatte Idly is topped with pudi and ghee a perfect meal, picked from the streets of Karnataka.
Chilli-Fried Idli With Beetroot Rasam - Farzi
Farzi is well known for their eclectic menu, and we love their unique combinations which, in this case, includes some delicious idlis! Their chilli-fried idli is delicious and spicy, and we’re quite intrigued by their one-of-a-kind beetroot and ginger rasam which pairs perfectly. Also try their butter chicken bun, which we were totally surprised to discover came sandwiched between two fluffy idlis!
Green Masala Idly - New Krishna Bhavan
Not only will this dish leave your tastebuds tingling, it’s super healthy for you! The green masala is made from pureed spinach and chillies, giving it a spice that’ll linger in your mouth. The idli itself is quite well-made, but it’s the masala that’s going to have us coming back again.
Thatte Idli - Sri Vishnu Refreshments
Sure, this idli is what Karnataka is famous for, so if you haven’t tried it (or, shame, haven’t even heard of it!) here’s one of LBB’s go-to restaurants for this dish. While it might taste like your regular soft, delicious idli, the flattened texture makes all the difference — it has a melt-in-your-mouth feel, and is excellent when combined with their red chutney.
