VV Puram Food Street: Bengaluru’s Iconic Vegetarian Heaven
While India is home to countless food streets, each buzzing with unique regional flavors, Bengaluru’s VV Puram Food Street — fondly known as Thindi Beedi — holds a charm like no other. What truly sets it apart? It’s a complete vegetarian paradise. That’s right — not a single non-vegetarian joint in sight. In a country where culinary diversity is celebrated through both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare, this street stands out proudly for sticking to its roots.
Tucked away in the heart of the city, VV Puram has been a favorite haunt for food lovers for decades. What began as a modest stretch with a few authentic food joints has now evolved into a bustling, colorful strip of culinary exploration. However, despite the rapid growth and influx of new-age stalls, the street still carries the soul of its origins — you just need to know where (and how) to look.
In recent years, VV Puram has seen a surge in the number of shops and food carts, many offering trendy, fusion dishes that attract the young crowd — think Chocolate Dosa, Noodle Sandwich, and Schezwan Pav Bhaji. But were these part of the original charm? Not really. The heart of VV Puram still beats strong in the humble stalls that serve the classics — those soft, melt-in-your-mouth idlis and butter-dripping dosais that have won hearts across generations.
One such gem still offers three pillowy-soft idlis for just ₹25 — a price that feels like a love letter from the past. Add a spoonful of butter, and the price inches up, but the joy? Immeasurable. These old joints may not have names, neon signs, or Instagram pages — in fact, many don’t even display a menu — but for true foodies chasing authenticity, they’re impossible to miss. They may be hidden between newer stalls, but their charm, flavors, and legacy are unmistakable.
This blog isn’t about naming specific shops or directing you to GPS coordinates. In truth, some of these places may not even have a name. And yet, they tell stories — of tradition, of timeless taste, and of a city that holds on to its roots even as it embraces the new.
So, what should you try when you’re at VV Puram Food Street?
Here’s a mix of the old, the new, and the forever-loved:
- Soft Idlies – Simple, warm, and soul-satisfying.
- Bennae Dosais – Crisp yet fluffy, slathered with generous amounts of butter.
- Gulkhand Bun with Ice Cream – A sweet and creamy indulgence with a rosy twist.
- Fresh Juices – Perfect to cool down as you hop from stall to stall.
- Chocolate Shots – For the sweet-toothed adventurer.
- Gulkhand Ice Creams – Floral, rich, and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.
- Sweet Beedas – End your meal with a touch of tradition.
- Hot and Variety of Holiges – Karnataka’s favorite festival sweet, served fresh and hot.
- Potato Roll – Crispy, spicy, and a favorite street-side snack.
- Chinese Noodles and Variety Rices – A dash of Indo-Chinese to spice up your plate.
- North Indian Dishes from Rajasthani Food Stalls – The flavors of northern India in Bengaluru.
Even today, you don’t have to struggle to find the authentic stalls. They’re there — quietly doing what they’ve always done — serving great food with love. They may not be flashy or big, but they always have a tale to tell. All you need is an appetite and a little curiosity.
So next time you’re in Bengaluru, skip the malls, turn off your Google Maps, and just walk down VV Puram with an open heart and an empty stomach. Let your senses guide you — the aromas, the sizzling sounds, the soft murmur of conversations, and the happy clatter of plates. Trust us, you’ll find what you’re looking for.