Bengaluru: A wholesome blend of vibes and chaos

Bengaluru, they say, is celebrated for its pleasant weather, tech parks, diverse culture, museums, and lush gardens. However, for some of us who were in the Silicon Valley of India on that day, it was all about exploring food spots across the city and, of course, indulging in some retail therapy.

This city is a mix of everything: IT hubs and party pubs, serene weather and chaotic traffic, ancient temples and modern shopping malls, aesthetic cafés and buzzing street food joints. Bengaluru, mind you, has something for just about everyone.

We began our day at the famous Rameshwaram Café in Indiranagar, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. Though the place was jam-packed with people, it was well-organised, with separate counters for dosas, coffee, and desserts. The open butter masala dosa, generously topped with butter, and the crispy ghee podi dosa were an absolute delight. Paired with the sweetness of gulab jamun, it made for a perfect start. The hype, folks, is real, and the taste—it still lingers!

A visit to Bengaluru isn’t complete without shopping at Commercial Street, which is one of the city’s most popular shopping destinations. From dresses and accessories to jewellery and footwear, it offers a wide range of options at reasonable rates. However, due to recent social media buzz, many vendors have started displaying fixed prices, which makes bargaining difficult now.

Later, we headed to Meghana Foods, famous for its Hyderabadi biryani. Despite its strong reputation, it didn’t quite meet our expectations. Having said that, tastes are subjective, and some may still enjoy its distinct flavour.

To satisfy our dessert cravings, we stopped at Corner House Ice Cream, a Bengaluru classic. Once you are here, Death by Chocolate and Brownie with Ice Cream are a must-try for any chocolate lover.

Auto rides in Bengaluru are nothing short of an adventure. Even amidst the heavy traffic, the auto drivers somehow navigate their way to get you to your destination. We also made use of the local transport system to get around the city.

Traffic, however, is a serious issue here. During peak hours, we found ourselves stuck for hours. Thankfully, Namma Metro was a blessing; it’s undoubtedly the most efficient way to beat the traffic and save time.

In the dead of night, we wandered through Church Street and Koramangala; these places come alive with pubs, shopping, and dining experiences. Church Street offers everything from international brands to quirky local stores. We also visited the Forum Mall and ended our day on a hilarious note at Just BLR, a popular comedy club.

The next day began with a visit to Magnolia Bakery, a charming and aesthetic café. Though the place was crowded, the cupcakes, puddings, and cheesecakes were worth the bide. The cupcakes didn’t just look cute; they tasted awesome!

Despite the city’s hustle and bustle, Bengaluru offers pockets of peace. Cubbon Park, located at the heart of the city, is a serene green space perfect for unwinding amidst nature.

For lunch, we stopped at Nahdi Mandhi, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. The food was absolutely delicious.

Next, we visited the iconic Vidhana Soudha, a historic monument symbolising the city’s political and cultural significance. For Rs 50, tourists can book a slot for a guided walking tour of the building on Sundays and on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.

For us, this Bengaluru trip turned out to be more of a food journey. From traditional Karnataka cuisine to trendy dessert cafés, we explored a variety of flavours. The city is laden with restaurants, cafés, street food stalls, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Amidst the commotion, Bengaluru oscillates with dreams. From the little girl selling flowers by the roadside to the suited businessman marching through traffic, everyone here is in a mad race to build a better future.

All said, there is still so much left to explore in the city. And we can’t wait to return to this vibrant, flavourful, and ever-busy city.

A former journalism student, the writer is a lover of English literature and is set to pursue postgraduate studies in the subject soon.

Tourism