Vidyarthi Bhavan

I am not a fan of south Indian cuisine especially the one that is served at average restaurants in Bangalore. But there is one place that serves wonderful masala dosa- Vidyarthi Bhavan (VB). Located in Gandhi bazaar, Basavanagudi, the place reminds one of the Bangalore of the olden days. Unlike the plush eating joints that one can find all over Bangalore the ambiance in VB is nothing to write home about(except for the sketches of Kannada luminaries on the yellow, painted walls). It is often overcrowded and the service is not excellent either.

VB serves the usual south Indian fare that most restaurants do but what sets it apart is the hot and crispy masala dosa served with delectable coconut chutney. The dosa is smaller than what most other places serve but by far the best that I have ever eaten. Whenever I visit my friend in Basavanagudi , we often go to VB for the dosa followed by a cup of steaming coffee.

Masala dosa and coffee

The crowd mostly comprises of old timers who have been eating here for decades and they vouch for all the fare that VB dishes out.

The menu

Left:The crowd,mostly old timers.Right:Sketches of Kannada luminaries

To keep up with the changing times the owners of VB may have to change the old-world, homely ambiance that they have had for decades (as the patrons claim). As far I am concerned I do not mind it as long as the masala dosas remain the same.