Breakfast mornings at Chikkanna Tiffin Room
Tucked in the bylanes of City Market in Bangalore is a tiny eatery that satiates the hunger pangs of hundreds of locals. ‘Chikkanna Tiffin Room’ is a not-so-popular yet legendary breakfast haunt of the Garden City.
It may take you a while to find it, since the joint is obscured by buildings twice its size and located on the ground floor of a barely-noticeable house, out of which a family runs the eatery. However, once you do manage to locate it, there is little chance you will forget this food joint.
‘Chikkanna’ has a simple menu comprising of a variety of idlis and dosas. Some of the stars of the fare are the ‘Tatte idli’ and ‘Ghee idli’, as well as the ‘Masala dosa’, ‘Rice masala dosa’ and ‘Kali dosa’.
Having navigated my way to the restaurant, I opted for a ‘Mini masala dosa’ and a ‘Tatte idli’. ‘Tatte’ means ‘plate’ in Kannada, and the rice cake is shaped exactly like that. The idli was steaming hot – with ghee poured generously over it – and served with coconut chutney. It was soft, spongy and melted in the mouth.
As my dosa was being prepared on the tava, my mouth started to water. The salivation got progressively severe as the food was plated and a dollop of ghee was added to the already sizzling dosa – it was utterly delicious, with just the right amount of crispness and a tangy potato filling. What I loved, even more, was the accompanying chutney, which had a slight twang of garlic (this was something different since coconut chutneys served with dosas usually never contain garlic).
The food apart, the place has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Since it is family-run, customers are almost treated like guests who have been invited over for breakfast.
Another factor that adds to the ‘homely’ air of the place is the wall- mounted hook rack for customers to hang their helmets on. Since there is no seating (one has to savour the yummy food standing on the crumbling pavement outside), this is a thoughtful addition by the owners.
Visit ‘Chikkanna Tiffin Room’ early on Sunday mornings and enjoy a hearty breakfast with friends and family. Your taste buds will not be disappointed.
Address: Near Ulsoor Gate Police Station, Cubbonpet, City Market, Bangalore
Cost for two: Rs 150
