Bangalore: The Dosa Capital
If there is one food that defines Bangalore, it is the dosa. This thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter is served everywhere — from five-star hotels to roadside carts. But not all dosas are equal, and Bangalore offers a staggering variety.
15 Types of Dosa You Must Try
1. Plain Dosa
The classic — paper-thin, golden, and crispy. Served with coconut chutney and sambar. The benchmark of any South Indian restaurant.
2. Masala Dosa
A plain dosa filled with spiced potato masala. The most popular dosa variety in India. At Brahmin restaurants like Shastrys Cafe, the masala follows traditional recipes.
3. Set Dosa
Bangalore's invention — thick, soft, spongy mini dosas served in sets of 3. Made with a slightly different batter ratio for maximum fluffiness.
4. Benne Dosa
Davangere's gift to the world — dosa made with generous amounts of fresh white butter (benne in Kannada). Rich, flavourful, slightly softer than regular dosa.
5. Rava Dosa
Made with semolina (rava) instead of fermented batter. Paper-thin, lacy, and extremely crispy. No fermentation needed — a quick option.
6. Neer Dosa
Coastal Karnataka speciality — ultra-thin rice crepes made with just rice flour and water (neer = water). Soft, delicate, and pairs beautifully with coconut chutney.
7. Ragi Dosa
Made with finger millet flour — a healthier, gluten-free alternative with a nutty flavour and dark colour. Growing in popularity.
8. Mysore Masala Dosa
A masala dosa with a layer of red chutney spread inside before adding the potato filling. Slightly spicier than regular masala dosa.
9. Paper Dosa
An extra-large, paper-thin dosa that can be over 2 feet long. Usually served on a wooden board. Impressive to look at, crispy to eat.
10. Ghee Dosa
Dosa cooked with generous ghee instead of oil. Richer flavour, slightly softer texture. Popular in temple towns.
11-15. Specialty Varieties
Other varieties include **onion dosa** (with chopped onion batter), **egg dosa**, **cheese dosa**, **paneer dosa**, and **pizza dosa** — though purists might argue these are modern innovations rather than traditional preparations.
Where to Find the Best Dosa in Bangalore
For authentic Brahmin-style dosa — no garlic, pure ghee — **Shastrys Cafe** in Kodigehalli serves masala dosa (₹70), set dosa (₹60), plain dosa (₹50), benne dosa (₹75), and rava dosa (₹65). All made with naturally fermented batter.
