Benne Dosa, a popular South Indian spot from Mumbai, has recently opened an outpost in Delhi which has taken over our Instagram feeds because of the sheer number of people trying to score a dosa at the newly opened joint. After opening its doors to Mumbai diners in May 2024, this is Benne’s second location—and it’s just as popular. So much so that many Gen Zs are completely oblivious to the fact that benne is actually a type of dosa served with ghee or butter, which finds its roots in the bylanes of Bengaluru.
The history of the benne dosa dates back to 1928 in Davanagere, Karnataka, when a woman named Chennamma started selling ragi dosas at a small street-side stall near the Sabalagi drama theatre. Later, her sons transformed the dosa into its well-known version, made with rice, puffed rice, and lentil batter, generously slathered in butter (benne). Benne is distinguished from regular dosas by its soft, crispy, buttery texture, served with potato bhaji and chutney. The generous use of butter (referred to as ‘benne’ in Kannada) during the process of cooking is what makes the dosa much richer and deeper in taste, in comparison to its counterparts.
Unlike its thinner, crispier cousins, the benne dosa is much thicker and has a melt-in-the-mouth texture. It’s cooked in generous amounts of butter, of course, flipped swiftly, and almost always paired with a simple potato palya and coconut chutney that lets the dosa do most of the talking.
So if you’re curious about what the hype is really about, read along. From legendary institutions to cult favourites tucked away in busy neighbourhoods, these are the places in Bangalore that have been doing Benne dosa right long before the rest of us caught on!
Davanagere Benne Dose Hotel
Davanagere Benne Dose is one of Bangalore’s go-to spots to get a taste of the iconic Davanagere benne dosa. Originating from Davanagere, this style of dosa is characterised especially by the generous helpings of butter, which never disappoint here.
At this spot in Bengaluru, the dosas are made in the traditional way and are known for their rich, buttery taste and great texture. The masala benne dosa is a local favourite, thanks to its spiced potato filling that goes well with the butter, and the simple chutney served on the side adds to the flavour without taking over. The dosa is crispy on the outside and soft inside, making it a good choice for breakfast or a filling snack. Other popular dishes include Butter Kali Dosa, Butter Set Dosa, Butter Onion Dosa, and also idlis and puris, both served with extra butter.
While this address is just one of several around the city, it’s widely loved by locals and visitors alike, for straightforward execution of the classic style, making it a standout place to try benne dosa in Bangalore without having to travel to Davanagere.
Address: 12/25, 9th Cross Rd, near Indiragandhi circle, Jeewan Sathi Colony, 1st Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078
Timings: Monday to Sunday (7:30 am–10 pm)
Shri Sagar (earlier known as Central Tiffin Room)
A cornerstone of Bengaluru’s dosai culture, Central Tiffin Room, better known as Shri Sagar or CTR, has been serving up benne masala dosas since the 1920s and remains one of the city’s most iconic breakfast and snack destinations. Originally founded by Y.V. Subramanyam and his brothers as Central Tiffin Room and later renamed Shri Sagar, it’s a staple in Malleshwaram’s Margosa Road neighbourhood and a must-visit for anyone wishing to taste the authentic benne dosa in its home city.
CTR’s claim to fame is, of course, its buttery masala dosa: a golden, crisp-edged rice crepe that is generously cooked with butter and filled with spiced potato sagu. It’s typically served with coconut chutney and even a tomato-peanut chutney that balances the richness of the dosa with a variety of unique flavours. Locals and visitors alike form queues outside the eatery almost every day, drawn by its consistently beloved preparation and over a century of legacy.
While the benne masala dosa reigns supreme, the menu at CTR also includes other classic South Indian favourites like idli, vada, uppittu (upma) and filter coffee—all made in a simple, traditional style that has stood the test of time.
CTR has truly stood the test of time. Hence, its vintage charm, nostalgic patronage and long history make it not just a place to eat but a living piece of Bengaluru’s food heritage.
Address: #152, 7th Cross, Margosa Road, Malleswaram, Bengaluru 560003
Timings: Monday to Sunday (7 am–12:30 pm, 4–9:30 pm)
Sri Guru Kottureshwara Butter Dosa Hotel
On your trail to taste the best Davanagere-style benne dosas in Bengaluru, this neighbourhood favourite is another solid bet. A branch of the famed Karnataka dosa hotel, Sri Guru Kottureshwara’s Bengaluru outlets serve crispy, butter-doused benne dosas that stay true to the North Karnataka original. The focus here is simple: authentic flavour, classic technique, and satisfying portions. Served with spicy chutneys (like a fiery green chutney) and a range of variants, from plain to masala and even open dosas topped with podi, most items served here are fail-proof.
The experience, of course, leans towards traditional rather than trendy. Think bustling, casual seating and quick service that keeps the dosas coming with a click of the finger once you order. Pairing your benne dosa with a strong filter coffee is also a local favourite to round off the meal!
While crowding during peak hours is a common occurrence thanks to just how popular it is, the authentic benne dosa flavour and generous butter finish more than make up for the rush.
Address: Medical College Rd, MCC B Block, Kuvempu Nagar, Davanagere, Karnataka 577004
Timings: Monday to Sunday (7:30 am–9:30 pm)
Airlines Hotel
One of Bengaluru’s most iconic breakfast haunts, Airlines Hotel has been serving South Indian classics, including butter masala dosas, under expansive banyan trees since the late 1960s. Its open-air seating and laid-back garden atmosphere make it a favourite for long, relaxed mornings, especially after a walk or jog in nearby Cubbon Park. The dosa pairs best with the hotspot’s strong filter coffee and other tiffin favourites like akki rotti, idli-vada, and the mixed chow chow bhath (sweet kesari and savoury khara bhath), to enjoy a dose of old-school Bengaluru hospitality.
The dosas here are typically crispy, buttery and generously sized, while the garden-style seating, vintage vibe and simple South Indian spread make Airlines a must-visit for anyone exploring Bengaluru’s dosa culture beyond just benne dosa specials.
Address: No. 4, Airlines Hotel, Madras Bank Road, B.B.M.P East, Karnataka, Lavelle Road, Bangalore
Timings: Monday to Sunday (7 am – 10 pm)
Vidyarthi Bhavan
No exploration of dosa culture in Bengaluru feels complete without mentioning this classic: Vidyarthi Bhavan, an institution that’s been feeding generations, ever since 1943. Originally started as a simple eatery to serve students (hence the name ‘Vidyarthi’ which means student in Hindi), it quickly became a beloved for its dosas, and eventually grew into one of the city’s most iconic food-related landmarks. Located in Basavanagudi, this spot is often considered a ritualistic experience when exploring the charm of old-world Bengaluru.
For the best experience at Vidyarthi Bhavan, order the iconic Benne Masala Dosa, of course widely known for its crisp exterior and fluffy interior. Pair the benne dosa with their classic South Indian filter coffee, served strong and piping hot, in steel containers. Other crowd-pullers include their savoury khara bhath (upma) and sweet kesari bhath, the unique chow chow bhath, and the soft idli served with flavourful sambar and chutney, and the crispy rava vada.
What really makes Vidyarthi Bhavan special is the experience of eating there. It opens early, and by midday, there’s usually a line out the door. This shows not just how good the food is, but also how important the place is to the city. Inside, the old wooden chairs and red-checkered tablecloths make it feel like a living museum, where people have gathered for years to enjoy dosas and share stories.
Address: 32, Gandhi Bazaar Main Rd, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004
Timings: Monday to Sunday (6:30–11:30 am, 2–8 pm), Friday closed
Read more: 5 South Indian Restaurants In Delhi NCR Serving More Than Just Dosa
Also read: Top 5 Fine Dining Spots In Delhi Redefining Indian Cuisine
