If you’re picky about what you eat, here’s why you should be giving the food streets a miss and instead be tucking into treats from our pick of home chefs and restaurants. From Asma Alam Syed’s home recipes to Bilal Bakery's brain samosas, sign up for special dishes available only during the month of Ramadan.
Asma Alam Syed
Homemaker Asma Alam Syed cooks on request. During the month of Ramadan, requests peak owing to the delicious snacks she doles out, among which the Gold Coin is most popular. It’s the rich golden colour of the bread patty filled with potato that’s earned the name. Topped with onion and sev, it’s served with tamarind chutney. Asma also makes mini pizzas, mini burgers, lasagna and steaks. But her Kharaz (scrambled eggs) samosas too are a huge hit. Remember to call early in the day.
Rs 50 upwards. At Ramkrishnappa Road, Cox Town. Details: 9591272136
Bilal Bakery
For those who love bread, this joint is heaven. Bilal Bakery, tucked in a tiny bylane near Elgin theatre, has been serving a variety of naans since 1967, particularly during the Ramadan month. From Mutton naan and Chicken naan to Halva naan, you could get both your savoury and sweet fix here. It’s a bit of a challenge to find the place, but once you do, you won’t regret it. Also try their specialty Brain samosas.
Rs 30 upwards. At Shivaji Nagar Circle, Chandani Chowk Road. Details: 25903115
Anisa’s Kitchen
One of the oldest kitchens in the Frazer Town area, run by the feisty Anisa Siraj, this one is known for its popular Warqi samosas and Madina roti. Specially made during the month of Ramadan, the Warqi (puffed pastry) samosas are filled with minced lamb. Madina roti is in fact a version of the bayda roti (made with egg and flour). The former is a flaky pastry stuffed with kheema and half-a-slice of a boiled egg.
Rs 30 upwards. At MDM Road, Mosque Road Cross, Frazer Town. Details: 9886378762
Karama Restaurant
Known for its Arabic, Punjabi and Afghani cuisine, Karama has lined up an interesting assortment of barbecued dishes for Ramadan. On offer are teetar (quail), chicken, fish, prawns and sheekh kebabs. For something more heavy opt for their thick paya gravy with idiyappams, Karachi naans or buns. Rs 100 upwards. At Mosque Road, Frazer Town. Details: 40947898
Albert Bakery
This bakery is a must-visit for those who like to experiment with different varieties of puffs and samosas. The Brain puffs are what you must consider trying even if you are not a ‘spare-parts’ lover. As you bite into a flaky puff, the gooey brain masala melts in your mouth, giving you a reason to try one more. For the conformists, there are options like the mini samosas (mutton and chicken), which can be bought by the kilo. Rs 30 upwards. At Mosque Road, Frazer Town. Details: 25486410
Mrs Khan’s Biryani
A true-blue food obsessive in Bengaluru will tell you why Mrs Khan’s Biryani is not to be missed. Kishwar Khan’s fragrant biryani sets the standards high because the meat she uses is like no other. They are so tender they fall off the bone. Though Ramadan is a month of fasting and restraint, Khan’s is the best option for those who are hosting iftaar dos. Rs 1,100/kg upwards. On Hutchins Road, Frazer Town. Details: 25475853