If you are interested in expanding your range of experience of South Indian food, then you should make a beeline for Bengalulru Cafe. It’s the only place in the area I know to discover the food from the largest city in the state of Karnatka. Smack dab in the middle of the region.
We ordered two dishes form the regular menu plus a special temple thali that was being served. All of it was more potently spiced than what I have experienced in our area.
My favorite part of the thali was the puliyogare (tamarind rice) which had its distinctive brown tint and far more complexity than I what I had imagined. Other items were kosumali (cucumber and split gram) ambode (fritters, the only disappointment), a mild vegetable rice in the center, a curd rice (slightly sweet and complex), plus another green vegetable dish I can’t identify, All of it was complex in fact, with two of the items being slightly sweet. The thali was served with a masala dosa and obbat, a sweet flatbread.
We also ordered ghee podi idly, liberally coated with a powder of spices:
And from the touch menu at the counter, I believe our final order was a bisi bele bath, grains and crispy puffs in a gravy covered with a large cracker. This is made with an astounding array of spices. Not timid in the least:
It was crispy on the bottom, and all fluffy and buttery on top. The best of both worlds! A mound of plain mashed potatoes in the middle, and a warm gravy served separately. The gravy was mild, but you have the option of two other sauces to spice things. It was super satisfying.
Next up for me will be medu vada, a peanut masala chaat, and chow chow bhath.
I returned for the peanut masala chaat and the chow chow bhath.
Chow Chow Bhath is composed of two separate mounds. One is slightly sweet, the other slightly savory. Both come under the heading of comfort food. In my case, super comforting.
The savory is semolina and dal, studded with cashew and some chopped veg. Hints of ginger, mustard, and a few other savory elements. Overall a mild, squishy texture like hearty mashed potato.
The sweet mound is semolina with ghee, sugar, cardomom. Also studded with cashew. Mild throughout. On the side is a coconut chutney to add a creamy and spicy element.
The peanut masala chat was also quite mild, a nice, pleasing concoction. Though I expected it hotter, I can’t say I was disappointed.
!
