Nostalgic: Vidyarthi Bhavan Masala Dosa at Gandhi bazaar, Bangalore

Finding a car parking in gandhi bazaar is very challenging on a Saturday evening!! But I assumed, it will be more challenging to get a seat when i saw the mad rush outside the hotel. A gentleman was taking down the waiting list names and calling out the next in-line in kannada.

Saturday evening rush

"So much rush for a Dosa ?? Look at that board. 1943 ??" I thought. The place definitely looked old. As I stood outside, people were coming out of the hotel with a sigh of contentment radiating from their face. Happy foodie faces. Was eager to discover what this is about. It was already 20 mins since we waited and finally they called out our name. We gushed in J

Inside

Another inside pic

Note the pencil sketches

foodie fames:  Vishnuvardhan, Yediyurappa and SM Krishna

Menu as of Dec 2014

We were a bunch of four. As we went in, a supervisor guided us to the seat. I could see the menu hanging on the wall. Limited items. Lots of pencil drawn potraits of kannada literary gaints adorned the walls. And color photos of Vishnu sir and Yeddy as well, as I turned around my head. The place is well maintained, clean and decently lit. The servers were all clad in blue with a panche. There was noise. People anxiously waiting. Chit chatting. Ladies checking out other ladies. A mixture of people from all ages. Food seemed to be served in batches. There was already a scent of filter kaapi and ghee in the air. Someone hurriedly placed water cups on our table. And then waiter came to take the order.

“Sagu masala dose?” a favorite and we asked for same. Waiter replied that it is served only in the mornings. “Ivaga idly, vada, khara bath, dosa: masala/plain maatra” he added. So, we settled with “3 plate rava vade, 2 plain dose, 2 masala dose, 2 coffee, 2 tea”.

Rava Vada

The Rava vades are a must try. They serve as a appetizer until the dosa is served. It is a replica of Maddur vada, half bathed in Chutney. They were soft, not very crunchy and hot. Served in a small sized plate. We were hungry and devoured the same. There seems to be too much of chutney for the small vada. The chutney itself was unlike the regular. We felt the presence of gram flour in it.

Dosa stacked !!

10 mins later, we saw the waiters carrying the dosa out of the kitchen. There is a distinctive style in which they carry the same balancing it against one’s chest. Then our waiter served us with the dosa and continued for another three tables. The dosa was served in a plain plate.

First reaction: "how am I supposed to eat this ?. People were looking at each other !! Something seems to be missing. No sambar or chutney for the dosa? Did the waiter forget to serve the same? " As I was wandering in my thoughts, faraway, i saw the waiter had a utensil (with a stick hand), typically like the one used for making tadka. And he was generously pouring chutney in the plates !! You will not get sambar for your dosa here (not sure if they serve unless asked). We already had a plate full of chutney from the previously eaten vada and decided to use the same instead of wasting it.

Masala Dosa

The Masala Dosa is crisp, slightly thick and soft from inside with a good amount of well made bhaji in it. Already a small amount of oil had gathered at the plate bottom. Ghee was dripping out of it. When you take chutney along side, you fail to see it. As you take a bite, you will understand why it is so sought after. You have the “Melting” feeling in your mouth, seldom experienced. My taste buds seems to be dancing. The gluttonous heart in you will be craving for each bite whilst the health conscious head will be asking you to stop. And then you feel, its once a while that you eat such a awesome dosa. It is the taste that won for me. Definitely, the way to my heart was via my stomach J Visit and decide for yourself.

Half eaten with the bhaji

Check the ghee drippings !!

The coffee was ok in taste. Pricing seems to be moderately decent for the food you get. Service was good. During peak hours, you will spend around 20-40 mins. Say whatever, You have to taste the dosa here !! No second thoughts. This definitely is a breakfast place.

Vidyarthi Bhavan has its history. Since 1943, the board said. Gosh !!, even my dad was not born then :P Gandhi bazaar is one of oldest localities in Bangalore and amidst it stood many eateries. VB has stood the testimony of time. Its walls must have seen it all. The Urals and the Adigas have done a wonderful job. Being in business for 70+ years, the new generation can empathise here with old Bangalore. It was a meeting place for serious discussions, a light chat with friends and for a good time with family. There are memories captured here.

Each pencil sketch adorning the wall was done by VBs very own waiter Su. Vee. Murthy. Another interesting read is about Dr Raj’s visit to this place. I would request you to visit this hindu article here and know more about this place and its humble beginnings.

As we paid the bill, another set of people came and stood next to us. They were waiting for us to vacate the table. And we made our way out.

I have to admit it. It is not only about the dose. It is the place, the people, the humungous history, the overall experience. The foodie in you will sense happiness that lingers in the air. And that is what will make you visit this place many more times. Saw a grandfather quoting his stories, to his grandson about the place. Many families will find connection to the bangalorean roots here. It is reminiscent of taste of bygone Bengaluru, still available to be experienced. Nostalgic indeed !! Visit it for what it is..