Have Brekkie With A Side Of Heritage At The Oldest Breakfast Joints In Bangalore

Soft idlis, piping hot dosas, old-school Ragi Muddes, parathas, fluffy pancakes, waffles…Bangalore’s got joints for any kind of brekkie you might be craving for. But what you’ll also find, scattered around the city (especially in its older neighbourhoods) are super-old, iconic breakfast places that have withstood the passage of time and changing lifestyles. So, we took up the mission to pick out some of the oldest breakfast joints in the ooru. Get set to break your fast with yummy food and a side of tradition!

CTR

Bangalore Oldest Breakfast JointsPicture Credit: Pramath SB/Facebook
Established in the 1920s, CTR aka Shri Sagar has 100 years of culinary heritage to boast!  Their iconic Benne Masala Dosa is a crowd favourite and rightly so. The crispy dosas pack in a delicious aloo masala mix and are best paired with their plain coconut or the mint coconut chutney. The legendary hotel, which has even hosted the Maharaja of Mysore in its early days, also serves authentic Bangalore-style breakfast with Idli, Vada, Set Dosa and Kesari Bath on the menu. Make sure to end your brekkie with a cup or two of their strong coffee.
Where: CTR-Shri Sagar, 7th Cross Rd, Malleshwaram
When: 7 am to 12:30 pm, 4 pm to 9 pm
Price: Rs. 150 for two
Contact: 080 23317531

Vidyarthi Bhavan

Bangalore Oldest Breakfast JointsPicture Credit (right): gourmetindia.com
When Vidyarthi Bhavan opened up in Gandhi Bazaar, way back in 1943, all it hoped to be was a students’ hangout spot and brekkie joint. However, over seven decades later, the place has become a landmark institution in the city, even a rite of passage for newbies. Their legendary masala dosas are nice and crispy, coming with a simple aloo filling and a generous dollop of butter. We would happily polish off a couple of these with some filter coffee.
Where: Vidyarthi Bhavan, 32, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi
When: 6:30 am to 11:30 am and 2 pm to 8 pm (closed on Fridays)
Price: Rs. 150 for two
Contact: 080 26677588

MTR

Bangalore Oldest Breakfast JointsNearly 100 years old, MTR aka Mavalli Tiffin Room has managed to make its mark on Bangalore’s culinary scene and retained its old-world charm. Set up in 1924, the eatery has been featured in Globe Trekker, an international travel series. The place is popular for its breakfast staples; so much that you might have to wait in line for your order to be ready! Dishing out preparations like Rava Idli, Masala Dosa, Mangalore Buns, Bisibele Bath and Chow Chow Bath. Lunch and dinner times see patrons tucking into their Special Meals or Mini Meals with gusto.
Where: MTR, 14, Lal Bagh Main Road
When: 6:30 am to 11 am and 12:30 pm to 8 pm (closed on Mondays)
Price: Rs. 250 for two
Contact: 9886894128

Koshy’s

Bangalore Oldest Breakfast JointsPicture Credit: Anusha H/Google Images
Whether you’ve been in Bangalore for ages or are new to the city, you’re sure to have heard of or been recommended to visit Koshy’s. Holding its place of pride on St. Mark’s Road, the restaurant was opened around 70 years ago and still enjoys a steady stream of loyal patrons. While its charm and timeless décor are reasons that bring back many customers, the Chicken Liver on Toast, sandwiches and Sunday-special Appom and Mutton Stew are other attractive (not to mention, delicious) features at the iconic restaurant.
Where: Koshy’s, 39, St. Mark’s Road
When: 9 am to 11:30 pm
Price: Rs. 800 for two
Contact: 8022915840

Brahmin’s Coffee Bar 

Bangalore Oldest Breakfast JointsPicture Credit: Sambhavi Vempati/Google Images
Any true-blue Bangalorean will tell you why it’s absolutely worth it for you to make the trip to Brahmin’s Coffee Bar, tucked away in Basavanagudi. Opened in the 1960s, the humble eatery is way over six decades old. Open from 6 am, the place is almost always crowded with people from near and far, all waiting for plates of their super-soft idlis and crunchy vadas, served with their signature chutney. Follow it up with frothy Filter Coffee and your day has just been made!
Where: Brahmin’s Coffee Bar, Shankar Mutt, Ranga Rao Rd, Shankarapura
When: 6 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm (closed on Fridays)
Price: Rs. 100 for two
Contact: 9845030234

Vasu Hotel

Bangalore Oldest Breakfast JointsPicture Credit: Pavan R Sharma/Facebook
While not many in the city might be familiar with Vasu Hotel, the place is a hit with ardent Masala Dosa lovers. So, we aren’t surprised that the tiny dosa joint has quietly stood the test of time for over 60 years! A rustic spot with no-frills interiors, they have a simple menu for you to pick from. Dishing out hot and crispy Masala Dosas and Vadas, the garlic chutney here is what amps up the experience.
Where: Vasu Hotel, Near KSRTC Bus Stand, Kanakapura
When: 5:30 am to 7:30 pm
Price: Rs 100 for two
Contact: 8861102505

Facebook Cover Credit: Shashi Shekar/Google Images and gourmetindia.com

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