10 Best Places to Try Local Delicacies in Karnataka

Karnataka is the land of history, where the indelible mark left by ancient rulers on its culture and landscape, have given it a rich heritage. Karnataka tourism is all about exploring this history and appreciating its natural beauty. From trekking in Coorg to surfing in Mysore, there are numerous things to do in Karnataka for a memorable, fun-filled holiday.

It also has an affluent culinary culture that’s apparent through the variety in restaurants in Karnataka. Club Mahindra has some of its best resorts in Karnataka. They serve as your home base as you explore all the places to visit in Karnataka. Karnataka tourism makes it easy for you to get your sightseeing done with minimal fuss. Exercise those jaws and get set to explore these ten places to visit in Karnataka for tasty adventures.

1. Mavalli Tiffin Room, Bengaluru

Mavalli Tiffin Room has one mission, provide high-quality food at affordable prices, and it has been doing so since 1924. This is one of the most iconic restaurants in Karnataka. This is a no-frills eatery where taste takes precedence over ambience. Try their bestsellers, Ghee Masala Dosa and Rava Idli. For a more filling meal, get the thali which includes over two dozen items. Eating here is among the quintessential things to do in Karnataka.

2. Shri Sagar CTR, Bengaluru

Locals swear by the Benne Dosa (butter dosa) served at Shri Sagar. With roots that go back as far as the 1920s, Shri Sagar has been satiating appetites for close to 90 years. Though the Benne Dosa is the star of their menu, other favourites include Poori Sagu, Mangaluru Bajji, Meddur Vada, and filter coffee. Here, the focus is on food rather than the décor, which is why they still maintain their taste and quality.

3. Vidyarthi Bhavan, Bengaluru

Vidyarthi Bhavan is yet another landmark in the culinary landscape of Karnataka tourism. Just like any time is the best time to visit Karnataka, you can drop into Vidyarthi Bhavan at any time of the day. Service is quick and the waiters balance high stacks of masala dosa plates on their arms. Their Khara Bhath soaked in chutney is legendary as is their Masala Dosa. Finish your meal with decadent Kesari Bhath and filter coffee.

4. Iyer Mess, Bengaluru

This 60-year-old mess in Bengaluru’s Malleswaram believes in preserving traditions. It is a hole-in-the-wall eatery that operates out of a small room of a house. They serve the meals on a banana leaf which include South Indian staples such as Sambar, Rasam, Palya, Gojju, Vada, pickles and papads. The thali is very reasonable priced and offers unlimited helpings. Their menu changes every day, but they serve Majjige-Huli (buttermilk-based pumpkin sambar) and Payasam only on Sundays.

5. Brahmin’s Coffee Bar, Bengaluru

This is the locals’ go-to spot for delicious, steaming-hot, and pocket-friendly breakfast despite having a limited menu. Also, it is strictly standing space only. They serve fluffy idlis, crisp vadas, and soft dosas with their signature coconut chutney that has a hint of mint. But they do not offer sambar. Their fluffy Khara Bhath and sinful Kesari Bhath are equally popular. Finish off a satisfying breakfast with a frothy glass of strong, piping-hot filter coffee.

6. Hotel Atithi, Coorg

Continue your food journey across Karnataka to Coorg. It is an important stop in Karnataka tourism and has some of the most beautiful resorts in Karnataka. It has its share of iconic eateries that are frequented by locals and visitors alike. Hotel Atithi offers an upscale dining experience with a traditional twist. They serve pure vegetarian food on a banana leaf. Though they have a selection of multi-cuisine dishes, their local fare is highly popular.

7. Coorg Cuisine, Coorg

This is one of Coorg’s highest rated restaurants. It has friendly staff and great service. But it’s their food that brings diners back. Offering a wide variety of meat dishes, this is a must-visit checkpoint on the map of Karnataka tourism. Some of their bestsellers include Nool Puttu (rice noodles), Koli Curry (chicken curry), Meen Bhartadh (fried fish) and pork and bamboo shoot curry. It makes for a nice change from the usual vegetarian fare.

8. Hotel Narayana, Mangalore

As you move closer to the coast, you can add fresh sea food to your culinary exploration. With its sprawling coastline, Mangalore is a refreshing pitstop in Karnataka tourism. If you’re looking for the freshest sea food, the locals will guide you to Hotel Narayana, which they say serves the best fried fish in the city. It is an unassuming place but enjoys a loyal patronage from local foodies. Head here for a seafood feast.

9. Giri Manja’s, Mangalore

This Mangalore institution serves a smorgasbord of seafood delicacies that reflects the local flavour culture. A variety of different fish, prawns, crab, and squid are served in several different ways with distinct flavour profiles. The one peculiarity you will find here is that there are no printed menus. The cheerful servers recite their range of offerings along with the day’s specials. It is best to visit here with an empty stomach for maximum culinary fulfilment.

10. Gajalee, Mangalore

Gajalee has made quite a name for itself in the world of seafood lovers, and even has an international presence in Singapore. This is one place you should not miss in your Karnataka tourism odyssey. Set up in a British-era circuit house on a hilltop, it serves up beautiful views of the surroundings along with lip-smacking Mangalorean and Maharashtrian preparations. Their fried Bombay Duck, Prawns Koliwada and crabs are highly recommended by their regular patrons.

Karnataka will pleasantly surprise those who expect cliched South Indian fare. It will widen your culinary horizons with an amazing array of flavoursome food offerings that will tingle your tastebuds.

How to reach Karnataka

Don’t worry about how to reach Karnataka. It is easily accessible by road, rail, and air from across India. You can fly in or catch a train from all major cities. If you’re coming by road, take a Karnataka tourism bus. Any time is the best time to visit Karnataka.