Gourmands, go the distance!

How far are you willing to go to satisfy your taste buds? An eclectic group of Bengaluru’s food enthusiasts admit that any distance is worth the travel if the plate at the end of the journey bears their favourites. Like Shreyas Raj, an ardent Maggi fan, who shares his secret pleasure, saying, “It is essential for us to take a break from the mundane to travel and enjoy a yummy meal. The best way to gift yourself with a bowl of rejuvenation is this piping hot, soupy and spicy instant noodle with a touch of finesse from their own secret ingredients. With an array of options including veg, chicken or egg noodle, the prices vary between `40 and `60 depending on your choice. These small shops are nestled en route to Nandi Hills.”

Meanwhile, Vijetha Viswanath says there’s nothing more satisfying than a plate of soft idlis. She says, “With absolutely no added preservatives or components to fluff them up, Bidadi serves one of the best thatte idlis I’ve ever eaten. Served with multiple options of chutneys including red chili chutney, coconut chutney and lentils curry, this certainly is the perfect combination for a great Indian breakfast. You can also try the crispy and hot vadas with a glass of strong filter coffee to relax after the drive. The best part is, all of the aforementioned dishes add up to just about `60.” She and her biker friends wake up as early as possible on some weekends to get to this eatery on time.

Anand Srinivasan, a self-proclaimed biryani connoisseur, began his food journey in the search for the best biryani served in the country in 2007. He believes that biryani is certainly one dish that ensures a smile on anybody’s face. Anand says, “In my search for the best, I tried the biryani at Mani’s Centre in Hoskote and surrendered myself to it. Served in eco-friendly plates, this dish is spicy and delivers a host of flavours on your palate at the same time. Several food lovers take their biryani cravings very seriously and travel to Hoskote from as early as six am to feast on this scrumptious dish. This particular place has strict and short timings. They are open just between 7.30 am and 10 am on Monday to Friday, closed on Saturdays and are open from six am to 10.30 am on Sundays.”

Biker Alisha Wilson shares her favourite pitstop. “The Lakshmi Tiffin Centre, in Mulbaglu, around 96 kms from Bengaluru, has a dish that’s worth travelling for. They serve the best crispy dosa, smeared with an aromatic and spicy garlic and red chilli paste with mashed masala potato,” she describes with relish.