(Image Source: Bangalore Mirror)
Before you get started on reading, fair warning for the non-walker - this walk is about 3 km or so, and there’s a point where, if you don’t want to walk, you can hop into a rickshaw and pay minimum fare to get from Plan B to St. Mark’s Road.
The first time I hung out with my now-husband alone, was when a common friend ditched me on a kebab plan last minute and asked me to go with his friend instead. He's a nice guy, he said. And we all know how that ended.
Long story, another friend has suggested I go to Siddique behind Johnson Market and eat the beef kebabs there. I was warned to not go there alone, being and to take a biggish guy friend along. Siddique's is now mainstream - take aways in silver bags and foil and a boy blowing a whistle in a tiny lane showing you where you can park your car. It didn't used to be like that three years ago. The food is still great though! The phal is great, as are the seekh kebabs. The masala kebabs are super greasy and swimming around in oil and a delicious red masala and possibly the only chicken kebabs they serve. Eat everything. Pay a little more than I used to three years ago, but enjoy yourself nonetheless.
On the main road is Makkah Cafe where you can buy some harira (badam ka harira) - a warm chai-like concoction with almond milk and dry fruits. The man at the front also sells the day's special - samosas or buns or puffs, and grab one to dunk in the harira, if you really want to.
Further down the road is Fanoos, but I've heard more bad reviews than good and never really been there myself. Look right across the road to Fatima Bakery, though. Buy yourself some mutton puffs (mutton pups, like they're called in some parts, here) and walk down to Plan B for some watered down beer, spicy chicken wings and some good olde college vibe.
If you're feeling posh, walk to Olive Bar or check if you can get a reservation at Toast & Tonic. I've been to the former for my birthday one year and was disappointed at the high headedness of the staff. I've heard some good things about the latter and I'm hoping to go there when a good occasion comes along.
Or then, if you'd prefer something cheap - Walk a kilometre or so and drop in at The Egg Factory on St. Mark's Road or at Koshy's.
The Egg Factory. All things egg. I love the place. The food's not anything out of this world really, but eating it DOES leave you happy. The Mota Special is a personal favourite, as are the Bun Masala, the Egg Chilli and their French Toast.
Koshy's, I'm told, isn't quite the same as it used to be years ago, but I still quite enjoy a good breakfastt here. The mince meat on toast is my favourite. I've had friends who go there to order iced tea and some rum and call it Rum Nasty (Rum n Iced Tea)
End with a pastry or four at Truffles. Go to the smaller store - the hole in the wall, and you'll be happier with their fare than you've ever been. Or then walk further down the road to Bowring Kulfi and Juice stall and get yourself a famed Bowring Kulfi.
