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Hey there, foodies! Let me take you on a flavorful journey through the history of street food in Bangalore. Back in the day, the streets of Bangalore were lined with vendors selling typical South Indian snacks like idli and vada. But as the city grew, so did its appetite for more exotic and diverse flavours. And so, the street food scene exploded with a fusion of Indian and international flavours, creating a delicious melting pot of cuisines. The history of Bangalore food is a fascinating tale that spans many centuries and cultural influences. The city of Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, is the capital of Karnataka state in southern India. It has been an important centre of commerce and culture for centuries, and its cuisine reflects its rich history.
The earliest settlers in the Bangalore region were the Kannada-speaking tribes, who cultivated crops like rice, wheat, and lentils. Over time, the region was ruled by several dynasties, including the Cholas, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. Each of these dynasties left its mark on the local cuisine, introducing new ingredients and cooking techniques.
During the 16th century, Bangalore came under the rule of the Mughals, who brought with them the rich flavours of North Indian cuisine. They introduced ingredients like saffron, dry fruits, and aromatic spices, which were used to create new dishes like biryanis and kebabs. In the 18th century, the city was conquered by the British, who introduced new ingredients like potatoes, tomatoes, and cauliflower. They also brought with them their own culinary traditions, which were adapted to the local ingredients and flavours.
Today, Bangalore is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant food scene that draws on its rich history and diverse cultural influences. From traditional South Indian dishes like dosas and idlis to international favourites like pizza and burgers, the food of Bangalore is a reflection of its dynamic and multicultural past. Bangalore has a rich food culture that is influenced by the diverse communities that have migrated to the city over the years. The city is home to people from all over India and even from other parts of the world, and this diversity is reflected in its street food scene. However, the local cuisine of Karnataka has had a significant influence on the street food of Bangalore, and many of the popular street foods in the city are variations of traditional Karnataka dishes. Furthermore, the popularity of Karnataka cuisine in Bangalore is also due to the fact that many of the city's residents take pride in their local food culture and are passionate about preserving and promoting it. This has led to the establishment of many street food vendors who specialize in Karnataka cuisine, and their dishes have become an integral part of the street food culture of Bangalore.
Here are 10 street food dishes from Bangalore-
Bisi Bele Bath
Bisi Bele Bath is a popular rice-based dish from the state of Karnataka in southern India, and it is one of the signature dishes of Bangalore cuisine. It is a flavorful and wholesome one-pot meal that combines rice, lentils, vegetables, and a special spice blend, and it is usually served hot with ghee or clarified butter. The name "Bisi Bele Bath" literally translates to "hot lentil rice" in the Kannada language. The dish is traditionally cooked in a large pot over an open flame, and the aroma of the spices and vegetables fills the air.
Churmuri
Churmuri is a popular street food snack from the state of Karnataka in southern India, and it is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. It is a crunchy and tangy mixture of puffed rice, chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander leaves, and a special blend of spices, all tossed together with chutneys made from tamarind and mint. The dish has a delightful texture, with the crispy puffed rice providing a satisfying crunch, and the chopped vegetables adding a refreshing burst of flavour. The chutneys give the dish a tangy and spicy kick, with the tamarind chutney adding a sweet and sour note, and the mint chutney adding a cool and refreshing flavour.
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Akki Roti is a popular and traditional flatbread from the state of Karnataka in southern India, and it is a staple in many households across the region. It is made from rice flour, water, and salt, and often mixed with finely chopped onions, coriander leaves, grated coconut, and green chillies. The taste of Akki Roti is deliciously unique, with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior. The addition of chopped onions, coriander leaves, and green chillies gives the bread a fragrant and flavorful taste, with a subtle hint of sweetness from the grated coconut. Akki Roti is a gluten-free and vegan-friendly option that is loved by people of all dietary preferences. Its versatility and simplicity make it a beloved comfort food that is perfect for any meal of the day.
Khara Bath
Khara Bath is a popular breakfast dish from the state of Karnataka in southern India, and it is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy and flavorful food. It is a semolina-based dish that is seasoned with a variety of spices and cooked with vegetables, lentils, and sometimes even cashew nuts. The taste of Khara Bath is simply irresistible, with a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavours. The dish is usually prepared with a special spice blend that includes mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, ginger, and green chillies. The addition of vegetables such as onions, carrots, peas, and capsicum gives the dish a delightful crunch and sweetness, while the lentils add a satisfying and nutritious texture.
Maddur Vada
Maddur Vada is a popular snack from the town of Maddur, located in the state of Karnataka in southern India. It is a deep-fried fritter made from a mixture of rice flour, all-purpose flour, semolina, and spices, mixed with finely chopped onions and green chillies. The mixture is shaped into flattened disks and deep-fried until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. Maddur Vada is usually served hot and paired with spicy coconut chutney or tomato ketchup.
Mirchi Bajji
Mirchi Bajji is a popular street food snack from the state of Karnataka in southern India. It is made by stuffing long green chillies with a spiced potato filling, coating them with a batter made from chickpea flour and spices, and deep-frying until crispy and golden brown. The taste of Mirchi Bajji is simply amazing, with a perfect balance of spiciness, tanginess, and crunchiness. The green chillies used in this dish are usually mild to medium spicy, but their flavour is enhanced by the spices used in the filling and batter. The filling is made from mashed potatoes that are seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. The chickpea flour batter is also seasoned with spices such as ajwain, salt, and baking soda, which gives it a light and airy texture.
Goli Baje
Goli Baje, also known as Mangalore Bajji, is a popular street food snack from the coastal region of Karnataka, particularly in Mangalore. It is a fluffy and crispy fritter made from all-purpose flour, yoghurt, and spices, served with coconut chutney. The taste of Goli Baje is a delightful combination of crispy, tangy, and spicy flavours, with a hint of sweetness from the coconut chutney. The fritters are soft and fluffy on the inside, with a light and airy texture that is perfect for soaking up the chutney. The blend of spices used in the batter gives the fritters a unique and aromatic flavour that is sure to tantalize the taste buds.
Vada Pav
While Vada Pav is not originally from Bangalore, it has become a popular street food snack in the city over the years. Vada Pav is a vegetarian sandwich that originated in Mumbai but has since spread to other parts of India, including Bangalore. The taste of Vada Pav is a delicious blend of savoury, spicy, and tangy flavours, with a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior. The blend of spices used in the potato fritter gives it a unique and aromatic flavour, while the chutneys and toppings add a burst of tangy and sweet flavours. It is a popular snack that is both filling and satisfying and is often enjoyed as a quick bite on the go.
Idli Vada
Idli Vada is a popular street food snack in Bangalore, as well as in other parts of India. It is a breakfast dish that consists of two traditional South Indian snacks, idli and vada, served together on a plate. The taste of Idli Vada is a delightful combination of textures and flavours. The soft and fluffy idlis pair perfectly with the crispy and savoury vadas, while the coconut chutney and sambar add a burst of tangy and spicy flavours to the dish. The dish is usually served hot and fresh, making it a perfect breakfast or snack option. Idli Vada is a beloved street food snack in Bangalore, and it can be found in many small eateries and roadside stalls throughout the city. It is a simple yet satisfying dish that is both healthy and delicious and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Congress Bun
Congress Bun is a popular street food in Bangalore that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It is a simple yet satisfying snack that consists of a soft and fluffy bun that is sliced in half and served with a generous layer of butter and a sprinkle of sugar. The taste of Congress Bun is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The soft and fluffy bun is complemented by the rich and creamy butter, while the sugar adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. It is usually served hot and fresh, making it a perfect snack to enjoy on a rainy day or in the evening with a cup of tea.
