Are You In Bengaluru? Try Bonda Soup For Breakfast Today

Fluffy urad dal bondas dipped in a bowl of thin, moong dal ‘soup’ is a match not made in heaven but in Karnataka. While conversations about the different types of dosas and idlis can go on and on, the little lesser known Bonda Soup is also winning breakfast for many in South India. Kannadigas - especially, people in Mysuru - love this one-pot breakfast meal, but you can also enjoy this as a snack in the evening with a cup of filter kaapi or tea. 

To make the bondas (or fritters), you’ll need urad dal, green chilli, curry leaves, black pepper powder, freshly grated coconut, baking soda and salt. For the soup, on the other hand, the ingredients include yellow moong dal, tomato, ginger, green chilli, cumin seeds, asafoetida, turmeric powder, salt and water. 

Bonda Soup is delicious, comforting and makes for a wholesome breakfast. While you’ll find Bonda Soup on the menu in almost every other eatery serving traditional dishes in Bengaluru, there are a few places where it comes as a speciality. So much so that the Bonda Soup they offer has even built a fan base over the years. Here’s a quick guide.

Besides Idli Manchurian, Button Idli, Green Masala Idli, Akki Roti and Rava Pongal, the New Krishna Bhavan is well-known for its Bonda Soup. Established in 1954, this is one of the oldest restaurants in Bengaluru and a popular heritage breakfast spot located in the heart of the city. Currently run by Gopinath Prabhu, this eatery in Bengaluru at one point used to offer meals for just ₹1. New Krishna Bhavan is also known for its zero-waste initiatives. 

Address: Opposite Sampige Theatre, Sampige Road, 33/39, S End Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560020

Timings: 7.30am to 9pm

Meal for two: ₹300

Said to be one of Bengaluru’s first darshinis, Upahara Darshini in Basavanagudi is a food culture relic and is well-known for the Bonda Soup they serve. Pulao, Ghee Rice, Vada, Rava Idli, Set Dosa, Onion Dosa, Rava Dosa, Pineapple Kesari Bhath and Badam Halwa are among the other popular items on the menu. This no-seating eatery has a branch in Jayanagar too. 

Address: DVG Road, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560004

Timings: 7.30am to 1pm and 4.30pm to 10pm 

Meal for two: ₹200

The Bonda Soup at this heritage restaurant in Bengaluru is a must-try! In business since 1926, Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan is regarded as a gem of the city’s culinary culture. Masala Dosa, Sagu Dosa, Idli Sambar, Uddina Vada, Baale Yele Oota, Gulab Jamun, Damrot Halwa and Badam Halwa are among the traditional top sellers at the eatery. It currently runs under the supervision of HS Subramanya Holla. The outlet located in the Balepet area is its original branch. 

Address: No.115, 116, Gandhi Bazaar Main Road, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560004

Timings: 8am to 10pm 

Meal for two: ₹400

The Bonda Soup served at Paakashala has often received good reviews. Although a relatively new restaurant (started in 2018), they have outlets located in different parts of the city - MG Road, Ulsoor, Indiaranagar, Malleswaram, Jayanagar, Kanakpura Road and Rajarajeshwari Nagar among others. Other must-have items on their menu include a variety of dosas, vadas and chaats. 

Address: Shop No. 104, Dhavanam Emporium, MG Road, next to Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560001

Timings: 8am to 10pm

Meal for two: ₹300

Located at a prime area in the city, Sanman offers select items for breakfast and lunch, and Bonda Soup features as a favourite on the menu, alongside Chitranna, Khali Dosa, Set Dosa, Pudi Masala Dosa, Bisi Bele Bhath and Chow Chow Bhath. The restaurant was established in 1983. 

Address: 212, SC Road, Nehru Nagar, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560020

Timings: 7.30am to 10pm

Meal for two: ₹800