Vidyarthi Bhavan is on the quintessential foodie’s guide to Bangalore. A legendary south Indian vegetarian breakast joints, it is located in the heart of Bangalore in Basvangudi. Bearing very simple interiors, usually crowded with a roll call way of getting tables, surprisingly quick and efficient service, and a pulse that is eternal – is how I would summarize this place in a rather long sentence. While I’ve visited Vidyarthi Bhavan during my college days here, during a food walk organized by Swiggy and powered by Seek Sherpa. Our guide Meghna had a lot of history to share as we walked through the streets of the Old Bangalore, meandering through houses and lanes, and ending up at the forever crowded Gandhi Bazar.

We reached Vidyarthi Bhavan that morning to see the long queues outside. Luckily, one of the regulars – Naveen – had already put down his name in the register, so it wasn’t a long wait. We huddled in a line and entered, squeezed into the benches allotted. There’s a strange decorum in the busy humdrum there. We kept our orders simple – Masala Dose, Vade, Upma, Kesari Baath and Filter Coffee summed up our order. Food efficiently came within a few minutes, and got unceremoniously placed on the table. In fact, one of the things you need to watch out here for is the way they carry over a dozen plate of dose while serving!

They serve several kind of dose – plain, sagu or masala. The dose here is different from what we usually have. It’s crispy golden brown, and firm in consistency, doesn’t break or droop if you pick it up, one of the curious facts of Vidyarthi Bhavan dose that my dear friend Soham shared with us. The vade was crisp, despite being practically doused in sambar, while the kesari baath was just delicious – reminded me of my college days! Coffee summarized our meal, happy and sated we left Vidyarthi Bhavan.

Vidyarthi Bhavan is one of those places where many dignitaries have visited over the years, including erstwhile CMs of the state. Around from 1943, this continues to be one of the most popular food joints of Bangalore, and a must visit for all to experience the food and heritage of the city.

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