Perfect way to start the day

SOUTH SPECIAL

Bangaloreans love their early morning ritual, of idli-vada sambhar and coffee. Providing early morning grub to the residents of Isro Layout is ‘Sri Udupi Upahara’, a pure South Indian restaurant.

‘Sri Udupi Upahara’ is the conventional simple old darshini in every locality, where the residents invariably stop by after a rigorous morning walk or get idlis parcelled due to time constraints in the morning. All it has are a couple of tables where people from all walks of life stand for a few minutes for a quick bite before plunging into the day’s activities.

The small place has its share of regulars who vouch by the consistency in taste that the place offers. The owner Sitaram is seen adorning different roles, sometimes getting idlis parcelled or issuing orders at the counter.

The breakfast menu includes the conventional favourites — idli-vada, masala dosa, set dosa, rice bhath and chow chow bhath. The sambhar and chutney here is legendary and has a distinctive taste which leaves one craving for more. A request for a second helping for either of the two is a common sight.

The true judge of a good South indian restaurant is the filter coffee. ‘Sri Udupi Upahara’ does not disappoint in that department too. After a heavy breakfast, the coffee here gives a fitting end to the dosa-coffee ritual which is an integral part of the South Indian breakfast. A delicacy which is special to this place are the ‘Mangalore Buns’. The buns which possess a sweet tinge are savoured with chutney or saagu and are quite popular here. ‘Sri Udupi Upahara’ also offers lunch for throwaway prices. The South Indian mini meals offered for 22 bucks are both filling as well as delicious.

Sitaram, the owner of ‘Sri Udupi Upahara’, says, “This place has been here since the past seven years and has many loyal customers. Breakfast times are usually pretty busy and a lot of crowd is seen during that time.”

Raghavendra Nayak, a student, who is a regular at Sri Udupi Upahara says, “The masala dosa here is really good. In spite of price rise, this place did not hike its prices and the taste and quality of food continues to be the same. All the breakfast items are really good and the pricing is perfect for a student.”