Bangalore Blues

Masala Dosa

Thin, lacquer-crisp rice and lentil crepe folded around spiced potato filling — the benchmark dish for any South Indian kitchen worth visiting

Rava Dosa

Semolina-based crepe with a lacier, more delicate texture than the rice dosa — often crispier at the edges and worth ordering if you've tried the classic

Idli with Sambar and Chutney

Steamed rice cakes served alongside lentil broth and coconut chutney — a reliable read on whether the kitchen's fundamentals are in order

Vada

Fried lentil fritters with a crisp shell and airy interior — best ordered alongside sambar for dunking

Bisi Bele Bath

Karnataka's signature one-pot rice, lentil, and vegetable dish — earthy, warming, and the right call at a Bangalore-named kitchen

Uttapam

Thick, pancake-style savory crepe topped with onions and tomatoes — a softer, heartier alternative to dosa for those who want something more substantial