New Udupi experience

New Udupi experience
Deccan Herald

An offshoot of a 78-year-old eatery at Balepet, the Udupi Krishna Bhavan at Koramangala offers good food at affordable prices and a cool ambience.

Ever been to the Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan at Balepet? Or wanted to but couldn’t think of driving in the narrow, crowded streets of old Bangalore?

You can now indulge in those tasty dosas, sweets and other items at their branch in Koramangala which also goes by the name Udupi Krishna Bhavan.

Third gen. endeavour
Run by third generation entrepreneur Subramanya and his wife Rashmi, the Udupi Krishna Bhavan in Koramangala is a multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant with an Indian fast foods section and a chaat corner included.

“Our strength lies in the masala dosas, idli-sambar and our sweets,” says Subramanya.

“The dosas and North Indian items are fast moving. Nowadays we have to cater to all tastes.

“That’s why we also have North Indian and Chinese cuisine in addition to our South Indian specialities. Our South Indian food items are from the typical Mysore region,” he said.

The food is mildly spicy to spicy but quite tasty. If you order Chinese, don’t expect authentic noodles /fried rice, but what is served is definitely as good as the ‘Chinese’ in any other hotel. For starters try the Chinese special vegetables Veg/ Gobi/Baby corn/ Paneer Manchurian, Gobi /Baby Corn /Paneer Chilly or even the Gold Coin Veg.

Or take your pick from spring rolls, fried rice, noodles and chopsuey.

North Indian variety
For those who enjoy North Indian food, there’s an array of items to choose from. The menu lists some 40 curries, among which we tried Bhindi Fry and Paneer Shahi Kurma with Naans.

The Baby Corn Green Masala, Alu Rajma and Dal Fry are also quite popular, we were told. Among the rice specials are pulavs and biryanis, which go down well with any of the four raitas offered - tomato, alu, onion and boondi.
Down these with a glass of thick Lassi (sweet/ khara/ kesari) or ask for a fresh fruit juice or a milk shake.

Plate meals
If you want to have lunch without the hassle of going through the menu, simply ask for Meals and choose (according to the needs of your stomach) from North Indian mini/ deluxe meals or the truly South Indian meal/ special meal. There’s also a Lagu Aahara (light meals) for just Rs 20.

For dessert you could choose from 19 ice-creams, including Gud Bud, chocolate fudge and sundaes, or take your pick from the sweets corner. The Badam Halwa and Mysore Pak are not to be missed! An a la carte meal for two costs approximately Rs 230-280.

The restaurant is open from 7 am to 10 pm. Breakfast is a good time to try the Indian fast foods.

The masala dosa is a must-eat as is the rava dosa, which simply melts in the mouth and tastes great even without the chutney/sambar.

Personal touch
Subramanya and Rashmi personally supervise the service. The restaurant seats about 115 people and there are three separate seating areas, including one for large groups upto 15 people. The self-service wing seats about 25 people.

The interiors have soft colours, stone and cement walls, wooden cushioned seats and sofas in the A/C room. Service is quick. The ambience has a modern feel to a traditional place. Quite like the restaurant and its new address.

Udupi Krishna Bhavan is at #91, Jyoti Nivas College Road, 5th Block, Koramangala Industrial Layout, Bangalore-95. Ph: 51507101.