22nd FBAB Meetup at Malgudi Days themed restaurant “Malgudi Vattika”

March 8, 2016 Naveen Suresh

Whenever I think about a word “Malgudi” there will be Goosebumps. Since, Malgudi Days was one of the most popular Kannada TV Serials during my childhood days. It became even popular after they dubbed to several languages. Malgudi Days was written by RK Narayan & directed by Mr. Shankar Nag (An Iconic & Legendary Actor in Kannada Film Industry).

RK Narayan loved Malleshwaram and Basavanagudi, two prominent and old areas of Bangalore and used the first few letters from Malleshwaram (Mal) and last few letters of Basavanagudi (gudi) to create Malgudi. Being a Vegetarian Foodie, I too love these two localities more than others. Since most of the legendary restaurants are part of these two areas. The restaurants in these two localities still have tradition of good old Bangalore. Most popular dishes are Idly & Dosa in every eatery and one must definitely love it here!

I am anytime fond of South Indian Cuisine and I have visited most of the eateries, which serve decent South Indian Food in Bangalore. My Exploration never ends! The reason is, one or the other new eatery will open and that makes me crave to try out as soon as I hear about the Place.

Through Food Bloggers Association, Bangalore we have visited so many restaurants, tiny eateries and Pubs in Bangalore. However, on the occasion of 22^nd #fbab meet we decided to Visit “Malgudi Vattika” – A less than a year old restaurant, which is located in Bangalore, Mysore Highway and Precisely 1 KM after Wonder La, if we are going towards Mysore. It’s not a difficult to Pin-Point the Place though you are not familiar.

Malgudi Vattika is situated in the green belt; one could see the greens everywhere. The Property is huge with the ample parking place, play area and there is something called “Halli Katte” in Malgudi Vattika. It’s a Private dining open area with few artistic dining tables. They will give this area to people who want to celebrate birthdays, small family gatherings and get together.

There is nothing called dislike when we think of an Ambiance at Malgudi Vattika. The Place has a Malgudi Days themed décor with so many antiques like Gramophone, Wooden almirah, Metal Trunk Box, Book Shelf, Veena (Musical Instrument), Hand Fan, Wooden Dining Tables, Copper Plates, Copper Tumblers and there are so many like these, which showcases the good old Malgudi Days. The restaurant Management bought all these products from a Personal Collections, which is something commendable. There is almost a 1000 sqft of green grass lawn with sitting tables, which is really needed after your lunch to relax & restart your Journey!

The Cuisines at Malgudi Vattika is more of a South Indian & North Indian. However, they also serve Chinese delicacies. During our visit, we got an opportunity to try Authentic South Indian, North Karnataka Thali and North Indian Dishes like Kashmiri Pulao, Makki Roti, Sarsan Ka Saag.

Well, we were welcomed with a Glass of Lime Juice, which was much needed to beat the summer heat. After having a conversation with restaurant folks, our dining table was placed on outside Lawn and the experience was memorable!

Our Lunch started with a Kayi Obbattu & Michi Bajji – Kayi Obbattu was Paper Thin and perfectly stuffed with Grated Coconut & Jaggery. It tastes as good as we prepare at Home. When it comes to Mirchi Bajji, it was usual by looks. However, they stuffed some Masala in Chili, which gave a different taste!

Next dish arrived on our Table was Paneer Tikka – The dish was presented perfectly and looks appealing, one cannot stop loving this dish. The Paneer was soft and marinated accurately. It tastes divine with Green Chutney.

As I said before, it’s a place for South Indian & North Karnataka Thali – Both the Thali’s were perfect without any complaints! I loved the Ennegayi with Jowar Rotti especially in North Karnataka Meal. The Sambar, Rasam, Palya, Koothu and other side dishes were brilliantly done! However, the North Indian dishes like Kashmiri Pulao, Biryani and Sarsan Ka Saag could have been better. But the South Indian Food is top notch with Good Taste & High Quality ingredients.