Namaskara! Today we are headed to the cultural capital of Karnataka which is Mysore. Mysore, officially known as Mysuru is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka. According to hindu mythology, Mysore was ruled by the demon Mahishasura, known as a buffalo-headed monster. It is apparently said, that the demon used to terrorise the local population and in response to their prayers to save them from the demon, goddess Parvati took birth as chamundeshwari and killed the demon on the top of the Chamundi hill. Thus, the city got its name as Mysore.
Our food journey started with Keerthana accompanying us.
Along with Keerthana, we headed to the famous Mylary Agrahara and tried their Mylari dosa. It is really soft in its texture served with coconut chutney and onion sagu. The softness of the dosa filled us to the brim and we then headed towards Amruth Veg. Here we tried a combination of three different dosas also known as the Amruth special dosa. These were Ragi masala dosa, pudi masala dosa and plain dosa served with vegetable sagu, chutney and loads of butter! The meal was followed by a yummy frothy and strong filter coffee. Keerthana, later introduced us to Mallige idli, these are soft, spongy aromatic idlis got its name due its texture and resemblance to jasmine flowers.
Our next destination was Hanumanthu hotel, a pretty old establishment. Well, 1932! You can imagine how old it must be! We came here to try their famous mutton pulao which is cooked from bullet rice and mutton fat.
Further, to try the rural food of Karnataka, we went to Uncle Loobo’s- Sugi mane. We had an amazing experience learning how to cook Ragi Mudde. Moreover, you get to have a totally authentic experience as the food is served on banana leaves. We had the amazing keema sambhar which was served with minced meatballs and had to be consumed with little bites of Raggi Mudde. Having Raggi Mudde, only makes us realize how we are slowly coming back to our roots as we try to cure various lifestyle diseases, like diabetes. Ragi or finger millet is a staple rural food of Karnataka which is consumed frequently.
To try some classic home-based Karnataka dishes we visited, Anima Madhva Bhavan. Here we tried their, well-known heritage platter which is served without any onion and garlic. The platter consists of paddu, these are steamed rice balls and they are deep-fried served with coconut chutney. The next item is, nucchinunde these are dumplings made up of lentils. This was followed by gojjuvalakki, a popular breakfast dish prepared using beaten rice with rasam powder and tamarind. The meal ended with ghodi payasa, which is cooked broken wheat kheer.
We then headed towards, Guru Sweet mart for Karnataka’s one of the most loved sweets Mysore Pak, which is made up of gram flour, ghee, cardamom, turmeric and sugar. This was originally invented in the royal kitchen of Mysore by Kakasura madappa. The sweet dish later went on to win the hearts of many!
A great day spent exploring food and traditions ranging from the best Malhari dosa to the creamiest Mysore pak which simply melts in your mouth! Go try and we’d love to know your experiences with the city of culture, Mysore.
Places Visited:
Mylary Agrahara
Agrahara Fort, Karnataka, 67/4, Sayyaji Rao Rd, Agrahara, KR Mohalla, Fort Mohalla, Mysuru, Karnataka 570004
Amruth Veg
42, Dr. BR Ambedkar Road, Chamarajapura, Chamaraja Mohalla, Mysuru, Karnataka 570024
Hanumanthu Hotel
1720, Akbar road, Mandi Mohalla, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001
Uncle Loobo’s- Sugi mane
Near Speech & Hearing Circle, Bogadi main Road, Bogadi, Mysuru, Karnataka 570007
Anima Madhva Bhavan
12th Cross Road, Gokulam 2nd Stage, Vani Vilas Mohalla, Mysuru, Karnataka 570002
Guru Sweet mart
Shop No: 1, Devaraja Market Building, Near K.R. Circle, Sayyaji Rao Rd, Devaraja Mohalla, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001
