Street food in Bangalore has undergone a makeover. No longer is it just about chaats, bajjis or masala dosa. Now, foodies have welcomed a larger variety, which ranges from momos, sandwiches and mini-pizzas to Chinese fare.
Streets across the City are making way for vendors to churn out innovative dishes, which are becoming rather popular with Bangaloreans.
And even the usual dishes, like chaats and dosas, are taking new shape. Some chaat wallahs offer floating pani puri and one can also find innovative varieties of dosas. Metrolife speaks
to a cross-section of people to find out what makes these new options so popular.
What were once considered to be dishes that were only available in the comfort of restaurants are now easily available at an affordable price. And what really attracts many
is the fact that there is no compromise on taste. “In the last few years, there have been many new cuisines that are served as street food. Even when you go abroad, it’s the street
food that always defines a place. It’s great that Bangalore has developed the street food culture.
And the street food reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the City,” says Denise, a graduate.
Sangeetha, a momo-stall owner from Darjeeling, says that the response to these dishes has been great, especially since momos are a healthier option as compared to other street food.
“Even back home, momos are a staple diet. They are served in restaurants as well as on the streets. And since they are affordable, people don’t mind coming and eating here rather than in restaurants,” she adds.
Karthik, a professional, who enjoys his dose of
momos, agrees.
“At least now, there are more options for people who want to eat at an affordable price. The taste is good and the only thing missing is the restaurant atmosphere,” he says.
Meghna, a student, adds, “Restaurants have been charging exorbitant prices for items like pizzas and noodles, so it’s become impossible to eat out on a regular basis. The only advantage of food being available on the streets is that now, even the common man can taste these dishes at an affordable rate.”
Hygiene is a concern, but most people say that since street food is made right in front of the customer, it’s generally safe.
“Items like boiled corn or sandwiches are far safer than the other chaats or bajjis as there is always the question of the water or oil being used to make the latter,” says Roshan, a student.
Now that these cuisines have found a soft spot among foodies, looks like one can only expect their popularity to only grow.