Brindhavanam: A Timeless Icon in Bangalore’s Andhra Cuisine Scene
Brindhavanam is one of Bangalore’s oldest and most renowned restaurants serving Andhra cuisine. The Rajajinagar outlet, which has stood the test of time, has become synonymous with authentic Andhra dining. The key to its success as the top Andhra cuisine restaurant lies in its unwavering consistency in quality. Recently, I visited one of their outlets and wanted to share my experience.
Ambiance
The original Rajajinagar restaurant features 4-6 seater tables, making it an ideal spot for meals, giving the place a sophisticated touch. The restaurant is well-ventilated, ensuring a comfortable environment for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Despite the variety of non-vegetarian dishes being prepared and served, there’s no overpowering odor. The service staff is always prompt and attentive to requests. What stands out is the calm and composed demeanor of the serving staff, who, despite handling multiple tables, never seem hurried and always serve with a smile.
Food
Brindhavanam is celebrated for its authentic Andhra meals, which come with a wide array of items. However, the menu also boasts a variety of starters, soups, and main courses.
Starters
Vegetarian:
Vegetarian options may be limited, but each dish is packed with flavor. I visited during the Navratri festival when some non-vegetarians turn vegetarian for the nine days. Among the dishes I tried were Paneer Sholey Kebab, Mushroom Pepper Fry, and Baby-corn Sholey Kebab. The Paneer Sholey Kebab was my top pick, with its soft paneer paired perfectly with mint chutney. The Mushroom Pepper Fry, where mushrooms were well-fried with spices and pepper, was a close second. The starters were delicious and irresistible.
Non-Vegetarian:
Brindhavanam is a favorite among non-vegetarians, offering some of the best starters. My friend who joined me thoroughly enjoyed the non-veg starters, including Chilly Chicken, Guntur Chicken, Chicken Nagarjuna Roast, Chicken Roast, Chicken 65, Chicken Sholey Kebab, Mutton Pepper Fry, Mutton Kheema Balls, and Fish Fry. Each dish was well-spiced and flavorful, making for a satisfying start to the meal.
Main Course
Veg Meals:
Brindhavanam is famous for its elaborate vegetarian meals, featuring items like Rice, Pappu (Daal), Chutney Powder, Gongura Chutney, Ivy Gourd Curry, Sambar, Rasam, Buttermilk, Curds, Papad, Sweets, Pickles, and more. A standout item is the homemade ghee, which enhances the flavors of the dishes. The staff is generous with the ghee, often adding 2-4 spoons unless asked to stop. The central focus is the rice, which pairs wonderfully with all the items mentioned.
The combination of Rice with Pappu/Daal is a favorite among food lovers, with the thick Daal and spinach elevating the taste, especially with added ghee. Rice with Gongura Chutney, which has a perfect balance of spice, tanginess, and sweetness, is another favorite. Rice with Chutney powder and ghee is also highly recommended. Beyond these, Rice is commonly enjoyed with Sambar, Rasam, and Curds. The meal is so satisfying that it often leaves one feeling pleasantly drowsy, almost like being in a half-drunken state. I would advise anyone dining at Brindhavanam to take a power nap before driving or returning to work. I even suggest that the restaurant consider adding dormitories in the future!
Biryani:
Biryani is another popular item on the menu. Instead of indulging in multiple items from the meal, one can opt for Biryani. We tried the Veg Biryani and Mutton Biryani. While I found the Veg Biryani to be average, lacking sufficient gravy and with a moderate spice level, I provided feedback, suggesting they offer Salad, a coconut-based gravy, in the future.
Overall Experience
This was one of the best dinners I’ve had in a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed the Paneer and Mushroom starters at the beginning of the meal, and the combination of Gongura Chutney, Papad, and Chutney powder with Rice was delightful. The consistent quality of food across all their outlets is impressive. I’ve noticed there’s usually a 15-20 minute wait during lunch or dinner, whether on weekdays or weekends. I highly recommend waiting for a table and savoring the wonderful meal at a leisurely pace.
