Best Breakfast in Bangalore: A Century of Tiffin Rooms

Filter Coffee -- Since 1965

Brahmin's Coffee Bar in Basavanagudi has run the same chutney and coffee recipe since 1965 -- the city benchmark, non-negotiable start to any Bangalore food day. CTR in Malleshwaram pairs it with Benne Dosa; MTR pairs it with Bisi Bele Bath.

Benne Masala Dosa -- Since the 1920s

Crispy dosa slathered with white butter, filled with spiced potato, served with coconut chutney and sagu. CTR has made this since the 1920s, and the queue forms before opening on weekends. Vidyarthi Bhavan in Basavanagudi offers a Khali Dosa variant -- thick and fluffy, a different texture entirely.

Idli-Vada and Rava Idli

Brahmin's Coffee Bar does idli-vada better than anywhere, on a chutney recipe unchanged since 1965 -- come before 9 AM. Veena Stores in Malleshwaram is consistently ranked alongside it. Rava Idli, invented at MTR during WWII rice rationing, remains best at its origin restaurant on Lalbagh Road.

Chow Chow Bath and Akki Roti

Chow Chow Bath -- Khara Bath and Kesari Bath together on one plate -- is legendary at MTR and goes fast; Brahmin's Coffee Bar does a simpler but consistent version. Akki Roti, a distinctly Kannada rice flour flatbread, is best at VV Puram Food Street stalls or traditional Malleshwaram tiffin spots.