In honour of its appearance, the kodubale derives its name from the combination of two words – kodu, which means elongated and bale, meaning bangle. The bangle-shaped snack that is usually made with rice flour, is considered to be not only a favoured option when it comes out of a packet, but also when it is freshly fried and served as street food. Broadly divided into three main types, the kodubale are enjoyed across the city of Bengaluru in its many forms based on personal preferences.
The most popular kind – the Mysuru kodubale, is a crunchy, deep-brown snack that uses chiroti rava, rice flour and spices in the dough, whereas the Malnad-style kodubale swaps the rice flour with maida. On the other hand, the street food variant of Mosaru kodubale uses sour yoghurt for flavour, having a texture that is slightly fluffier a la medu vada. Served with tamarind and coconut chutney, the mosaru kodubale is considered to be the best tasting amongst the three. With time, other variations have also included the addition of onions and coconut to the batter, before the kodubale are fried to crispy perfection.
We’ve rounded up a list of places, with a little help from foodies who grew up in the city, to have you find yourself the best kodubale experience; and for a quick bite, of course!
Adukale Foods – Recommended by Vivek G (@thefoodquest.in)
The popular snack brand in Bengaluru, which currently has an expansive experience centre located in Jayanagar, is a haven for all snack lovers. Besides having the opportunity to taste a variety of snacks before one buys them, there’s more than just the kodubale that will grab everyone’s attention here. From pickles to spice blends and even payasam mix, there’s something for every kitchen pantry!
Phone Number: 8147994553
Timing: 9am–9pm
Location: 105/A/2602, Poonam Plaza, 38th Cross, 9th Block, Near Shakthi Medicals, 26th Main Road, Jayanagar, Bangalore
Cost for two: ₹100
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Snacks
Old Bangalore Café – Recommended by Kripal Amanna (@kripalamanna)
For all things traditionally Karnataka, find your way to Old Bangalore Café to sample a delicious fare of majjige hulli, nucchina unde, baale yele idli and mennasu halu. Known to also make some excellent kai kodubale – where coconut is added to the batter, make sure to pack some and take home for solitary munching.
Phone Number: 9591324087
Timing: 7am–8:30pm
Location: 70, Ground, 1st & 2nd Floor, 21st Main, Banashankari, Bangalore
Cost for two: ₹300
Available Cuisines: South Indian
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Snacks
Gururaja Coffee Bar – Recommended by Vinesh & Mahii (@starving.tummy)
This hole-in-the-wall breakfast spot located in Mandya comes to life as early as 5:00 am where hot cups of filter coffee form a precursor to the delicious breakfasts which begin rolling out a couple of hours later. Go as early as 7:00 am to get your fill of benne idlis, vangi bath served with coconut chutney and of course, the kodubale. Enjoy the kodubale in combination with the nipattu for a full gastronomic experience.
Timing: Opens 5am
Location: GVCP+XX9, Mandya, Karnataka, India
Cost for two: ₹150
Available Cuisines: South Indian
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Snacks
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Arya Vysya Refreshments – Recommended by Vaishali Yegi (@mad.over.f00d)
Located in the bustling VV Puram food street, Arya Vysya has been one of the go-to spots for locals to enjoy mosaru kodubale. The yoghurt-based variation, which is served with coconut and tamarind chutneys, is made fresh to order as you can watch the staff roll and stack the dough to cater to the influx of customers. If appetite permits, ask for their ragi mudde meal to share with a friend.
Phone Number: 9901903396
Timing: 7am-11:30pm
Location: 12/1, Food Street, Old Market Road, VV Puram, Basavanagudi, Bangalore
Cost for two: ₹150
Available Cuisines: South Indian
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Snacks
Sreenivasa Brahmins Bakery – Recommended by Jay R. (@thehungryveggie)
The iconic establishment located in Basavangudi enjoys a legendary status of its own. Besides the kodubale, the bakery is also the birthplace of the famous ‘Congress’ kadlekai. Enjoy freshly baked veggie puffs – known as pupps colloquially, kara bun with butter congress, soft and fluffy potato buns as well as their many baked options. Make sure to purchase a packet or two of their Chintamani peanuts to take home as well.
Phone Number: 9845133692
Timing: 7am-2:30pm; 4pm-9:30pm
Location: 125, 1st Floor, Abalashram Building, DV Gundappa Road, Basavanagudi, Bangalore
Cost for two: ₹250
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Snacks
SR Hot Chips Corner – Recommended by @foodstorieswithus
This 26-year old establishment is a fried food lover’s paradise – think freshly fried potato chips, banana chips and of course, the kodubale. SR also offers a variety of flavoured chips for patrons to choose from and enjoy alongside meals or as a snack. And while you’re at it, stock up on some amazing traditional snacks like the mixture, murukku and their curry-leaf loaded jackfruit chips.
Timing: 9am-10pm
Location: XGFQ+5XV, 5th Main Rd, SBI Staff Colony, Hoshalli Extension, Stage 1, Vijayanagar
Cost for two: ₹200
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Snacks
Kannadada Thindi Kendra – Recommended by @eattoday_kannada
A thindi kendra – which roughly translates to eating centre – is one of the best kind of spots to get a glimpse of the local culture of a city. In Bengaluru, the Kannadada Thindi Kendra serves up crisp kodubale as an accompaniment to their many varieties of chitranna – lemon rice, vangi bath and curd rice. Served on banana leaves, the freshly prepared meals also come with an assortment of chutneys and sambar, so you can pick and choose your preferred combination.
Timing: 6:30am-7pm
Location: 2nd Main Road 7, 3rd Cross Road, Opposite Bata Showroom, Chamrajpet
Cost for two: ₹150
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch, Snacks