Yogita Uchil
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Bengaluru Oota Company
If you are as passionate about Indian regional food as I am, then Bengaluru Oota Company is a must-visit destination in Bengaluru. Located in the charming Halasuru/Ulsoor area, this restaurant is perfect for those who want to experience and showcase the rich culinary traditions of India, specifically Gowda and Mangalorean cuisines from Karnataka. In a city increasingly drawn to international flavours, Bengaluru Oota Company beautifully bridges the gap to authentic local tastes.
This homestyle restaurant offers a unique tasting room experience with an intimate dining setting. The daily changing menu mirrors the variety of home-cooked meals, where every dish tells a story, culminating in a fairytale ending with Ammani Jamuns and their signature filter coffee.
Our meal began with a refreshing glass of buttermilk, perfect for cooling down in the unassuming Bangalore summer. The sight of a banana leaf placed in front of me filled me with joy, as it is my favourite way to enjoy any Indian meal. This was followed by a delightful succession of dishes, each accompanied by engaging food conversations with Divya and the chef.
We started with Kosambari (salad) and Goli Baje, a nostalgic Mangalorean snack served with chutney. The Kane (lady fish) rava fry is a dream come true for any Mangalorean, with fresh fish fried to perfection. The Koli Saaru, a Gowda preparation, had a wonderful flavour and texture that paired beautifully with akki and ragi roti.
The prawn biryani, made in the Mangalore Christian style, sparked an interesting discussion about the types of aromatic rice. We all agreed that South Indians have a special love for short grain aromatic rice. The mutton pepper chops were tender, with the spice and aroma of pepper enhancing the dish, while the chicken fry reminded me of the beloved chicken 65, showcasing the excellent quality of meat used.
The meal continued with piping hot rasam and palyas (subji), yellow pumpkin, beetroot, and snake gourd, along with a delicious peanut chutney, rounding out this homestyle feast. Just when I thought it was time for dessert, a bowl of creamy curd rice topped with pomegranate seeds appeared, served with the seasonal treat of mensakai (mango curry), bringing back fond memories of my mother’s cooking.
The Ammani Gulab Jamun has its own history and story, but I’ll leave that for you to discover when you visit. The meal concluded with a frothy cup of Karnataka filter coffee, the perfect end to a culinary journey through Karnataka's heritage flavours.
Bengaluru Oota Company offers an unforgettable experience, paying heartfelt tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Karnataka.