Chikkanna Tiffin Room, Cubbon Pete

There is this area in namma Bengaluru where in every major road leads you either to a temple or to a restaurant. When I say temples, don’t imagine it to be temples of the modern municipal era, there are few temples, which are 200-300 years old, and some, which are as old as 800 years. Well that’s the history of the temples at this area and our domain of interest, food joints, has no less history either. There are few teeny restaurants, which have stood through the revolution in food industry for the past 50-60 years and draw the same amount of crowd even today. Hoping that the history has tempted you to visit this place, let us cut down the introduction and head straight to one of the marketing hub of Bengaluru and epicenter of Bengaluru Karaga, Cubbon Pete. Of all the eateries present here, let us pay a visit to

Chikkanna Tiffin Room

Started by Sri Elakki Chikka Hanumantappa nearly 60 years ago, this miniscule food joint has adapted to the changing times of the food industry and according to the opinion of the localites, it is delivering the same quality of food even today. My uncle has been savoring khali dose and rice bath at this joint for the past 40 years. Although the founder is no more, his two sons, who run the hotel at two different locations currently, are carrying the legacy forward.

This outlet has very limited menu viz., masala dose, mini masala dose (miniature version of masala dose), khali dose, idli and rice bath. There is one particular menu, which requires a special mention, Ghee. Yes, you read it right even that’s there on the menu. Having said that, beware, a normal masala dose is replete with ghee and if at all you need some more then there is an option for that as well ;) Although it is priced slightly higher when compared to other eateries, the unique taste they offer supplements the extra cost. Service time is good on a weekday and it takes a little more time on weekends. 

With so much of explanation given above, you might have guessed my favorite pick here. Yes, its undoubtedly masala dose. The palya is served in a plasmic state, which is a very rare and unique composition I have had till date. Each bite of dose is laden with so much of ghee that one can actually feel the ghee spreading to every nook and corner of your mouth. And lastly the amazing coconut chutney leaves a long lasting impression. As the saying goes, experience has to be experienced; one has to actually visit this place to get the ultimate food experience.

The shop is open between 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

It is closed on Sunday evening and Monday morning.

As mentioned above, there are two outlets where one can have the ghee smack doses, but I usually visit the outlet, which is located at: