ITP Indian Travel Places: Food, Travel, Tourism Business Events and Trade Shows
Address: 150, 9th Main Rd, Sector 6, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
Time: 8 AM to 10 PM
Meals for two: Rs. 100
Cuisines: South Indian
Facilities: Breakfast
Raghavendra Tiffin, HSR, Bangalore: DECOR
Do the excesses of Deepavali not call for a deliberate gravitating towards food that is the stark opposite of rich and extravagant? That was why I found myself in this neat little eatery on a pleasant stretch of HSR Layout. Raghavendra Tiffin is entirely unadorned, with several steel benches making up the seating arrangements. The kitchen is open-toview, and I always find that reassuring. It’s also clean and bright, buzzing with the steaming of idlis and the stirring of Kharabhath. The scores of people who come here know they must eat and scoot, not linger.
Raghavendra Tiffin, HSR, Bangalore: FOOD
Raghavendra Tiffin, while just over six months old, is an effort to bring to this part of the city the time-worn and tradition-bound darshini of South Bengaluru.Do not be fooled by its unpretentious air and pricing so low as to be absurd. There is much thought and integrity at work here. The food, cooked in full view of customers, is entirely fresh. I was impressed to see the ingredients that go into the Sambar masala they make inhouse. No wonder then customers keep asking for refills and they are never refused. The Anna Sambar is one of the hot-sellers here wholesome, satisfying meal, priced at a mere `30. It comes accompanied by a delicious Bonda, accompanied by a delicious Bonda, speckled with dill leaves.
There are a fair number of dishes in which millets are the core ingredient. I had a great tasting Millet Bisibelebhath, which uses navane (foxtail millet); I would happily trade it for any pricey quinoa salad or risotto. Raghavendra Tiffin also does a Millet Pongal -a bit runny, but wonderfully soothing. The food is served in areca leaf plates and that is part of the charm of eating here.
Lunch service continues till after 3 pm; office-goers in the area lining up for a plate of rice with Majjige Huli, Puliogare or Chitranna. By 4 pm, it’s tiffin time. The Idli and Vada are of top quality, enhanced by sambar and chutney that are spot-on.Plump Millet Dosas are also available. I found the Kharabhath to be a bit oily, but it was tasty, nevertheless. The Kesaribhath doesn’t have any colour and is studded with pineapple bits. I took away some Bele Holige and Kai Holige -polis stuffed with dal and coconut, respectively -which were perfectly-made sweet treats.
Also stocked near the billing counter are homemade snacks, such as Kodubale and Badam Puri, which is another popular thing here. Order a piece, topped with grated copra, and a glass of coffee, brewed from Sakleshpur beans, and you have a late afternoon pick-me-up that is just right.
With its simple, yet satisfying food, made even more appealing because it’s so inexpensive, Raghavendra Tiffin serves HSR Layout and its vicinity very well indeed.
Raghavendra Tiffin, HSR, Bangalore: SERVICE
It’s self-service here and you’ll scarcely have to wait for your food.
The cleaning staff keeps the place spotless.
Raghavendra Tiffin, HSR, Bangalore: PLUS AND MINUS
This is an excellent place for Karnataka favorites that’s super value for money as well. The millet dishes are a bonus. Don’t expect any frills, though.
