The unmistakable taste of South

There is no dearth of darshinis in South Bangalore.

You will find at least one, serving South Indian menu, in almost every street. Many of these food corners have been there for decades and share a strong connection with  people staying in the vicinity.

‘Nityananda Fast Food’, located in Nagasandra Circle, is one such place which has survived the onslaught of modern cafes, coffee bars and restaurants over the last 36 years.

Ranganna, a hotelier from Kundapur, started this joint in 1976 in the name ‘Nitynanda Coffee Bar’. Later, though his sons opened other hotels in the busy market areas of the City, this particular place has retained its charm.

It continues to cater to food lovers under the supervision of Prabhakar Rao, a son of Ranganna.

Five years ago, Jaykar, another hotelier from Kundapur, took over the responsibilities of the joint and now it is operating under the name ‘Nityananda Fast Food’. “This is one of the earliest hotels to introduce self-service system in the City. Since its inception, it is known for its good quality food and the authentic taste of South Canara region that it provides. We have continued that legacy and added some more items from South Canara to the menu,” says Jaykar.

Like any other darshinis in the area, ‘Nityananda Fast Food’ also has a typical South Indian menu, which includes masala dosa, khali dosa, set dosa, plain dosa, onion dosa, idli, vada, khara bath, kesari bath, upma, and rava idli. People who pass by the eatery too drop in here for a chat over a cup of coffee. For lunch, one can order mini-meals, ‘rice-sambar’ and curd rice. One of the most popular items is the ‘sweet banana bath’, which is seldom available in any other eatery. 

Balachandra Chadaga, endorses this place for its quality food and the personal attention given by Jaykar to the customers. “I have been frequenting this place for the last five years. As I come from Udupi, I find the menu ideal. A Jaykar attends all his customers personally and the hospitality makes us come here again and again,” he says.  The place opens at six in the morning and closes at nine. The eatery also undertake outside catering for gatherings up to 100 guests. ‘Nityananda Fast Food’ is located at No. 52, Nagasandra Circle, DVG Road, Basavangudi. For details, call 9448302700.