India’s IT capital, Bengaluru is also known for its microbreweries and a host of heritage food places that are located in different parts of the city, serving authentic regional flavours. Be it biryani, pulau or the popular ‘kaal soup’, the typical naati-style dishes bring you the rustic flavours of rural Karnataka. Needless to say, these flavours come out the best in non-vegetarian food. Meat is mostly cooked with the skin in these preparations, and the gravies boast a thick, rich texture, spiced with a generous dose of local masalas, making the delicacies relatively spicier than the usual fare.
If you too are tempted to taste some delicious naati-style food in Bengaluru, follow this guide that will direct you to some of the best eateries in the city serving an aromatic local spread.
Sri Maruthi Militry Hotel
This popular ‘military hotel’, located on the road connecting Chandra Layout with Nagarbhavi, is a great place for some delicious local non-vegetarian food. The eatery is also open for breakfast. The staples here include dosa, biryani and kaal soup, along with some mutton, chicken and egg starters. The Sunday morning breakfast at Sri Maruthi Miltry Hotel is highly recommended! Other popular dishes served at the eatery are chicken masala and keema masala, brain fry, boti, Kerala paratha and chicken pepper dry.
Address: 28th Cross Road, 2nd Block, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru - 560010
Timings: 7am to 11.45pm
Ranganna Military Hotel
Address: 61, Krishna Rajendra Road, opposite Indian Oil Petroleum, 7th Block, Jayanagar, - 560070
Timings: 7.30am to 4pm; 7pm to 10pm
Reddy Mane Biryani
If owners Gautham Reddy and Christine Barretto are to be believed, Reddy Mane Biryani is the perfect place in Bengaluru to enjoy a naati-style meal. Their biryani goes best with some kabab. The popular rice dish is prepared in less oily and the meat is perfectly cooked. Pepper dry is absolutely delectable. The use of spices here are nicely balanced. Pocket-friendly food and friendly staff are among the USPs of the eatery.
Address: 1247, Venkatadri Corner, BEL Layout, 3rd Block, Vidyaranyapura, 560097
Timings: 12pm to 4pm; 7pm to 10pm
RNR Bar And Restaurant
Serving donne biryani since 1953, this place has its very own regional culinary heritage. They still follow their grandmother’s special biryani recipe. If you wish to parcel your meal, they will pack it and give it to you in a tin box. Apart from biryani, their kshatriya kebab (or the donne chicken kebab) is also very popular. RNR is also amongst the few places in the city that deliver it.
Address: No. 45, Bangalore-Mangalore Highway, SRS Road, Peenya, 560058
Timing: 10am to 11.30pm
Malgudi Mylari Mane
Three childhood friends started the Malgudi Mylari Mane, which is situated on the Bengaluru-Hassan highway. They have a great outdoor and indoor seating arrangement, while the décor includes chittara art made by artists from the Deevaru community. The menu here is simple, with the top picks being chicken fry and steamed rice; akki rotti with home-style mutton meatballs (or kaima unde saaru); mylari dose, paneer pepper dry, paneer chilli and mushroom pepper dry.
Address: No. 21 Yantaganahalli Palya, near Bharat Petroleum Bunk, Mangalore Highway, Nelamangala, 562123
Timings: 8am to 10pm