Street Smart Idlis

The next time you happen to see a major crowd in front of a non descript shop on 15th cross intersection in Malleswaram, Bangalore don’t really pass it off thinking it to be an obsessed crowd at an online lottery shack. You have just seen one of North Bangalore’s hottest and humblest idli and VaDaa joint. Consider yourself plain lucky if you can even get close to getting yourself a plate of steaming idlis and Vadaas here. This place’s been around ever since I remember and I remember it for a long time. Old timers in Malleswaram and surroundings swear by it and rough estimates put the place to be more than 20 years now. If you are still wondering which non-descript place I am referring to - It is Veena Stores, though the place now boasts of swankier addresses like a Citibank ATM, MRF Showroom in the surroundings. It’s a common sight to see people refer to Veena Stores as a landmark and a meeting destination. I wouldn’t be surprised if lakhs of rupees of business deals have been struck here. An old era business center indeed!!

The Fare offered here is simple and comes with no frills. Steaming succulent idlies with coconut chutney seasoned with crisp coriander and mustard. This is complete with a couple of Golden, crispy Vadaas which though is not served by default and a cuppa freshly brewed coffee. You’d be a trivial disappointed if you love having idlies the Madras way as this place does not serve Sambhar!! For Smokers there is the option of a puff along with the great coffee on offer here. The place however has no seating and in the evenings the pavement of the adjoining tyre showroom acts as a makeshift seat though you really have to manage to find a place to squeeze in. Beware of your bags and sundry, as you tend to lose yourself in all that glory of the idli, vadaa and coffee combo. Other delicacies on offer here is the chow chow bath .An evening snack (I’d love to call it a meal) for 2 would make you glad by 50 rupees!! No Credit cards needed and anyway the guys there are too busy to accept plastic money.
Location: Margosa Road –15th Cross Intersection in Malleswaram.Bangalore.