Bangaloreans love their dosas and will relish them in any size, shape, form and stuffing possible. With the number of dosa eateries in every nook and corner of the city, choosing the best place to eat a dosa can be intimidating.
And for that, our #SESExpert Vinay Parameswarappa, founder of Gully Tours and curator of the “Death by Dosa'' food walk, an amalgamation of exploring the neighbourhood and delicious dosas, shares his list of top recommendations that includes dosa eateries old, new, and lesser known. These eateries not only serve the tastiest dosas but also feature different varieties.
Lakshmi Natraj Refreshments, Nagarathpet
Crisp dosas are the speciality of LNR, an eatery tucked away in the bustling streets of Nagarathpet. Their tangy tomato chutney and the tempered green coconut chutney blend well with their masala dosas, which are sprinkled with a slightly sweet chutney podi. Try their Rice Bath Dosa with a bed of Chitranna (lemon rice) for something new or choose the Pudi Masala Dosa from among their many dosa options.
Directions: No. 126, Nagarathpet
Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Hotel Dwarka, Basavangudi
"Kali Dosai" or "Khali Dosa" literally translating to empty dosa without masala, is a common dosa style in Karnataka. To savour the same, head to the iconic Hotel Dwarka and dig into their ultra-soft dosas served with a tasty chutney and a mushy potato palya (the local term for curry in Kannada). The Butter Khali Dosa and Set Dosa are must-trys here.
Directions: 7th Cross Rd, NR Colony, Basavanagudi
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on all days. Closed on Tuesdays.
Siddappa Hotel, Sampangi Rama Nagara
Siddappa Hotel is known for its half-masala dosas. The half dosa is served with fresh coconut chutney on a banana leaf or piece of paper and is uniformly roasted with a moderate amount of crunch and crispness. While this makeshift hotel cum home does not have a signboard, you'll be intimated of the destination when you spy a small crowd chit-chatting while in queue for their turn.
Directions: Ashwath Nagar, 7th Block, Sampangi Rama Nagara
Timings: 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Sundays; 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on other days
Sri Guru Kottureshwara Davangere Benne Dosa, Basavangudi
The characteristic Davangere dosa comprises a soft texture with airy pores evenly spread across the dosa. These dosas are slightly fluffy and utterly butterly delicious. Try the open dosas specked with chutney podi and bathed in white butter which compliments the spicy coconut chutney and mashed potato curry. You won't have to wait long at this eatery, thanks to their speedy service.
Directions: Subbarama Chetty Rd, NR Colony, Basavanagudi
Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sundays; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Mondays; 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on other days.
Mulbagal Dosa Corner, Jayanagar
These dosas, which take their name from the quaint village of Mulbagal, are typically roasted on only one side and have edges that are slightly curled and resemble cast iron, with paper-thin edges and ghee-lathered centres. Mulbagal Dosa Corner is housed inside Hotel Pai Viceroy and has an ambience suitable for family meals. Try the Mulbagal Bath Masala Dosa here.
Directions:16th Cross, 9th Main Rd, Jayanagar 3rd Block, Jayanagar
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on all days.
Umesh Dosa Point, Kumara Park West, Indiranagar
It is also known as UDP and is one of the most well-known dosa eateries in North Bangalore. It serves Mysore Masala Dosa that is laden with Nandini ghee and evenly roasted to perfection. Ask them for a sukka/dry variant if you're on a diet and want to savour the dosas guilt-free. If you have a big appetite, try the Pudi Masala Dosa; if not, stick to the plain dosas.
Directions: 21, 1st Main Rd, 4th Block, Kumara Park West, Seshadripuram
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on all days.
Vidhyarthi Bhavan, Basavanagudi
This legendary dosa joint needs no introduction to Bangalore folks (unless you've living under a rock). The eatery is frequented by celebrities and locals and is known for its crisp Mysore Masala Dosas served with a rustic saagu and coconut chutney. Aside from their dosas, keep an eye out for servers adorned in blue shirts and a panche (white garment worn around the waist by local men) brandishing a heap of over 15 plates of dosas stacked on their arms like it's no big deal.
Directions: 32, Gandhi Bazaar Main Rd, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi
Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays; 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on other days. Closed on Fridays.
CTR, Malleshwaram
CTR, short for Central Tiffin Room, is a 70-year-old establishment that remains synonymous with Benne Masale Dose (Butter Masala Dosa). The compact dosas are crisp and buttery and hold their circular shape. These dosas come in a compartment-like plate with mint chutney and coconut chutney which are the real game-changers. Don't forget to round off your meal with their robust filter coffee.
Directions: 7th Cross Rd, Malleswaram
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on all days.
Himani Sona
I’m a Bangalore based Culinary Chronicler who finds joy in food storytelling and photography. I like to research and document food narratives through writings, illustrations and photographs. When I’m away from the lens and pen, I’m mostly hiking in the woods.
