One of India’s top comfort foods is the dosa. This thin, savoury crêpe is made from a fermented batter of ground black gram and rice, and is served hot with chutney and sambar. Its origins are contested between Udupi in Karnataka and the state of Tamil Nadu but what is undisputed is its widespread popularity both in India and abroad. There are many types of dosas such as masala dosas, plain dosas and rava dosas, with more variations being added every year.
Here are the 5 best places in Bengaluru you must visit for mouthwatering dosas.
This vegetarian tiffin restaurant is considered an iconic establishment with its signature dish of crispy butter masala dosa—made in the traditional Udupi style—a particular favourite for generations. It started in 1943 as a small student's eatery and continues to draw people from all walks of life. Historian Ramachandra Guha, former prime minister of India H D Deve Gowda and former chief minister of Karnataka B S Yediyurappa have all dined here at one time or another. Aside from the dosa, try their poori sagu, kesari bath, uddina vade and idli.
Address: 32, Gandhi Bazaar Main Road, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru 560004
Timings: 6:30AM-11:30AM | 2PM-8PM
In operation since 1924, back when it was known as the Brahmin Coffee Club, MTR has a global footprint with branches in Dubai, London and Singapore, among others. Their masala dosa is different from other dosas you get in the city, as they use red rice and urad dal to make the batter. While cooking the dosa, they first apply a green chutney masala on the inside and add the potato masala before finally rolling it into a crispy masala dosa that will tickle your taste buds. The dish is served with Udupi sambar and their signature green coriander chutney. Also try MTR's rava idli, which they claim to have invented during World War II when rice was in short supply.
Address: 14, Lal Bagh Main Road, Doddamavalli, Sudhama Nagar, Bengaluru 560027
Timings: 6:30AM-11AM | 12:30PM-8:30PM | Closed on Mondays
The café’s open butter masala dosa will have you licking your lips in no time and probably ordering another round before you are finished with your first serving. It has a perfect crust, a smooth inside and good curry leaf masala. Also try their garlic roast dosa, ghee podi idli, kesari bath and delicious filter coffee.
Address: Ground floor, No 2984, 12th Main Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru 560008
Timings: 6:30AM-12:00PM | 12:30PM-1AM
Serving piping-hot plates of South Indian breakfast every day, Taaza Thindi is undoubtedly one of the best places for dosas in Bengaluru. It is always crowded regardless of the time of day. Their inexpensive idlis, vadas, plain dosas and khara bath are made using the freshest local ingredients and always pack a punch. The masala dosas here are small, thick and topped with a generous dollop of fresh ghee with a side of chutney.
Address: 1004, 26th Main Road, 4th T Block East, Jayanagara 9th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru 560041
Timings: 7AM-12PM | 4:30PM-9:30PM
No list of the best dosa places in Bengaluru is complete without mentioning the Central Tiffin Room (CTR). Hindi actor Anushka Sharma and Indian cricketer Virat Kohli made headlines when they visited the establishment in April 2023. In business since the 1920s and now known as Shri Sagar, the restaurant's benne masala dosa (benne means 'butter' in Kannada) is a favourite of patrons. Crisp, fluffy, laden with melted butter and served with flavourful chutneys, this should be the first thing you order here. Follow this up with plates of idli, maddur vada and Mangalore bajji.
Address: 7th Cross Road, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru 560003
Timings: 7AM-12:30PM | 4PM-9:30PM