Created in Bidadi, and coveted by Bangalore locals every morning — Thatte Idli is right up there in the list of the best South Indian breakfast foods of all time. And for good reason — it’s deliciously delicate, definitively hearty, and delightfully easy on the pocket. If you’ve yet to dig into this plated number, here are a few spots to swing by soon.
A steamed lentil and short-grain rice number dominates morning meals around South India — its personalities switching ever so slightly across various regions. In Bidadi — an industrial town nestled somewhere between the Bengaluru – Mysuru expressway — idli is made in a special circular disc-type bowl-plate and goes by the name ‘thatte.’ It’s larger, thicker, and more spongy-soft than its Udipi and Kanchipuram cousins.
Experts note that this unique delicacy was invented by cooks in eateries along the highway who sought to offer a substantial bite to travellers. While some recipes incorporate tapioca pearls to make every bite soft, others recommend using a day-old batter or fermenting in plates directly. It often comes with chutney, podi and ghee, butter, sagu, or even sambar and is delicious when paired with a filter coffee. And while the best Thatte Idli experience continues to be a Bidadi speciality, there are plenty of places in Bangalore that do the job deliciously. Here’s our pick of the lot.
Best Thatte Idli spots for your next breakfast in Bangalore
IDC Kitchen
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In the idli-dosa-coffee game since 2012 — this wildly popular quick-service restaurant or darshini has seven outposts around town, each jam-packed come breakfast hour. The Thatte Idli here is a must-try — spongy and hearty, with options like Plain, Ghee, Masala, and Ghee Podi. These are served with red chutney, green chutney, and sambar — each spiced just right to complement the star creation well. Pair a plate with some filter coffee or Horlicks. Other top options include Butter Masala Dosa, Tomato Uttapam, and Pudi Rice.
Address: Multiple outlets
Brahmins Thatte Idli
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One of the most recommended spots in Bangalore for some spongy Thatte Idli — this breakfast spot is crowded in the mornings. Most diners have plates of the creation in question in front of them — served with two kinds of chutney, red and green. Options include the classic and a butter rendition. “Often at other places, the same batter is used to make ‘ídli’ and ‘Thatte Idli’. Thus the flavour remains the same, though the shape might be different,” co-founder Ranjit Bijoor told Deccan Herald. “Though those are ‘thatte idli’ too, our ‘Thatte Idli’ is different. Ours melts in the mouth,” he added. Pair this with some filter coffee. If you’ve room in your stomach for more, grab the Puliyogare and khara or kesari bath.
Address: Multiple outlets
Rameshwaram Cafe
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Perhaps one of the most popular South Indian breakfast-food brands in Bangalore — Rameshwaram needs no introduction. The Open Butter Masala Dosa, Garlic Roast Dosa, Gongura Rice, Kesari Bath, Ghee Sambar Button Idlis, and Vadas here are quite popular. However, it’s the Podi Ghee Idli that remains iconic — melt-in-the-mouth soft and singing with spices. It comes with two kinds of chutney. Pair this with some filter coffee.
Address: Multiple outlets
Bidadi Thatte Idli
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This low-key, wallet-friendly, two-year-old establishment has no seating available and is almost always crowded. The Thatte Idlis here are believed to be quite authentic — options ranging from classic to podi ghee iterations. We’re eyeing the Bidadi Butter Thatte Idli — spongy and soft, with plenty of Bidadi butter. These are served with two types of chutneys. The baths and coffee here are popular as well.
Address: 18/1, 8, Begur Rd, near St Francis School, Maruthi Layout, Hongasandra
Akash Kunigal Thatte Idli
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From being a street vendor to the owner of one of the city’s most beloved breakfast establishments, the owner of this establishment has come a long way. The space recently shifted from Banashankari’s 2nd stage to Jayanagar’s 4th Block, according to several reports. The menu’s highlight is the Thatte Idli, served with two kinds of chutney and plenty of butter. Every bite is soft, fluffy, and melts in the mouth. The Puliyogare here is worth a try as well.
Address: Address: 60, 7th Main Rd, 4th Block, Jayanagar
Which of these spots are you adding to your breakfast rotation?
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