Eating out in Bangalore? Here are some suggestions!

There is much to explore in the Bangalore food circuit beyond MTR points out Harnoor Channi Tiwary

There is something about Bangalore that has always appealed to me.

The charm of a small town, the abundance of greenery, lovely little alcoves where you can lose yourself and not to mention, the food.

Bangalore has some of the most varied food options in the country available at every price point.

This prompted me to plan a weekend in the city solely dedicated to food.

A foodie weekend with the objective of visiting the legends and the spanking new eateries in town.

It did help that my best friends live there and they helped chart out the blueprint for what proved to be a historic weekend.

Here is a round-up of all the places we tried and I suggest you do too.

My quest for mind-numbing good food started at the perfect venue -- Fatty Bao, the new Asian terrace restaurant above Monkey Bar in Indiranagar.

The terrace has mood lighting, a bar in one corner and spaced out tables allowing its patrons privacy.

We ordered a pitcher of chilled Spiced Sangria while we decided on what to eat.

For starters, we decided to pay homage to their title and ordered the Char Siu Bao and Steak Bao.

The Pork Char Siu Bao has earned its place in my elite list of food I've eaten that simply blew me away.

Juicy pork, just the right amount of crunchy kimchi and an open soft bao, if you must order only one dish at Fatty Bao, this is it.

We also tried the Ramen (which could have done with some more broth), Spicy Prawns, tangy Teriyaki Salmon and a delectable Dark Chocolate Mousse with Caramelised Pears.

Fatty Bao is quite simply a must-visit if you're in town.

Meal for two without drinks: Rs 2,000.

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Having overeaten the night before, a light breakfast and foot massage was in order to build up an appetite for the next meal.

We booked foot massage appointments at Kenko Spa on Vittal Mallya Road and let ourselves be thoroughly pampered.

If you have the time, do spend a leisurely afternoon in their sunny and cheery tea room and try the Rose Tea (at Rs 125 for 2 cups).

Rejuvenated and relaxed, we decided to try out Sunny for lunch, an age old favourite of Bangloreans.

Named after the owners' dog, Sunny is located in a beautifully restored heritage home and the alfresco seating area is the perfect setting for lunch with friends.

The Penne Pesto with Sundried Tomatoes and Mushrooms was a terrible disappointment, my first on this trip.

The pesto had the consistency of chutney and the dish was insipid at best.

My Beef Stroganoff, on the other hand, was nothing less than outstanding.

Creamy, comforting and delicious, the beef juicy and mushrooms aplenty.

For dessert, we tried the Raspberry and Chocolate Slice which wasn't bad but if it had been presented as a simple Chocolate Slice with Raspberry Coulis, it would have been in another league.

Meal for two: Rs 1500

Our dinner plans figured themselves out as we got invited to the launch of Bangalore's new Italian restaurant Serafina.

The drive all the way to Koramangala was forgiven as we sipped our chilled glasses of wine while swaying to the live band's tunes.

The well curated finger food kept us smiling. Hot-off-the-oven pizza rolls, Crostinis, Chorizo sticks, Mozzarella Balls and crispy Calamari, each dish was better than the other.

The main course though, was a disappointment in comparison.

Strictly passable, with a risotto that resembled a khichdi, the appetisers scored higher.

Late nights don't deter us and the next morning, we woke up early to make the trek across town to catch breakfast at the iconic CTR (Central Tiffin Room) in Malleshwara.

A canteen-style dining room where it is not uncommon to share tables, I wondered whether it was a sane decision to waste a morning here.

But all my doubts were dispelled the moment I lay my eyes on the Benne Masala Dosa (Butter Masala Dosa).

Unlike the thin dosas served up North and in Western India, the dosa here was fluffy and soft inside while being crunchy and brown on the top.

Served with chutney and prepared in Desi Ghee, the portion may look small but it is an uphill task to finish even one.

If you have the appetite, do try their vadas as well.

And wash it down with the wonderful filter coffee. The damage is so light on the pocket that this can easily be one's weekly ritual.

Meal for two: Rs 100

To round up the weekend, we decided to pay a visit to the eclectic Church Street Social.

A concept unique in itself, the interiors of the gastro-pub create a casual dining atmosphere and everything from the rolled up paper menus to the no-nonsense serving style is interesting.

The food itself is par excellence as well.

We loved the Gunpowder Crusted Calamari which was served in a brown paper bag.

The Pork Ribs sat atop creamy mashed potatoes and came drenched with barbeque sauce but the star of the meal was the Kheema Ghotala Breakfast Platter.

Perfectly spiced kheema with runny yolk sitting on it, to be lapped up with pao and enjoyed with cutting chai and bun maska.

The platter is a must have and offers great value for money. The prices here are refreshingly low and one can feel free to over-order.

The perfect climax to a wonderful weekend and a trip that served its purpose well!

Meal for two: Rs 800