A server clad in a blue shirt and dhoti, expertly carrying a stack of crispy dosa or dose is perhaps one of the most popular imagery to come out of the iconic restaurant that has been serving pretty much everyone since 1943. Vidhyarthi Bhavan is iconic, nay, legendary. The 81-year-old eatery is still a go-to breakfast spot for thousands of Bangaloreans throughout the week. And it's best known for its ghee-soaked doses and coffee. It's one of those iconic places in Bangalore that you must visit if you are new in Bangalore or have never visited. It'll be really hard to find a Bangalorean who might have never visited this place.
The inconspicuous eatery was first opened in 1943 by Venkatramana Ural, a native of Udupi, to serve the ravenous students of National College and Acharya Patashala. It's still unassuming, except for the weekend crowd that makes almost everyone walk by glance as to what is happening. There's always a waiting if you are going during rush hour, so you'll have to supply your name to the waiting attendant, and wait around in a small courtyard with other hungry customers. Once in, you grab the nearest vacant bench. Soon, one of the waiters, with his dhoti folded up to his waist, makes an appearance and takes your order; they never use a pen or paper and yet their orders are always spot on.
The menu is simple and you don't get a menu card, instead glance up the wall to see the yellow board with all the items written on it. Start with Khara Bhath doused in chutney. It's smooth and melts in the mouth, unlike any rava upma. Next, the piece de la resistance, the Masala Dose arrives, neatly stacked on the waiter’s arm. You'll see the fresh ghee oozing from the perfectly crispy-on-the-outside and fluffy-on-the-inside dose. Tumblers of frothy coffee are the last thing you can savour before you make your exit.
Must-Try: Masala Dose, Khara Bath, Udin Vada, Coffee
Price (for two): INR 100
Timings: 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 2 PM to 8 PM on Monday to Thursday and 6:30 AM to 12 Noon and 2:30 PM to 8 PM on Saturday to Sunday and public holidays. Fridays closed.
