Mysuru is known not just for its historical landmarks and royal heritage, but also for its vibrant street food culture. From piping hot dosas to sweet delicacies, the city offers a variety of must-try street foods that capture the essence of Mysuru’s culinary traditions. Here’s a guide to some of the top street foods you should try when visiting Mysuru:
1. Mysore Masala Dosa
- What: The iconic Mysore Masala Dosa is a crispy dosa with a spicy red chutney spread inside and filled with potato masala. It’s typically served with coconut chutney and sambar.
- Where to Try: Popular eateries like Mylari Hotel or street stalls near Chamundi Hill and Devaraja Market serve some of the best dosas in the city.
2. Mysore Pak
- What: This sweet, rich dessert made from ghee, sugar, and gram flour originated in Mysuru and is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of authentic Mysore Pak is unmatched.
- Where to Try: The most famous place to get authentic Mysore Pak is Guru Sweets on Sayyaji Rao Road.
3. Churmuri
- What: A popular street-side snack, Churmuri is Mysuru’s version of bhel puri. It’s made from puffed rice, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, carrots, coriander, and a spicy tangy chutney.
- Where to Try: Head to Kukke Subramanya Road or around Mysore Palace to find vendors serving fresh and crunchy Churmuri.
4. Samosa
- What: The Mysuru version of the Samosa is a bit different from the northern variety. It’s smaller, crispier, and filled with a spicy potato filling. It’s a perfect snack to grab on the go.
- Where to Try: You can find hot samosas at small street stalls across the city, especially in the Devaraja Market area.
5. Vada
- What: The crispy, fried Vada is another popular street snack, usually served with chutney or sambar. The most common type is the Medu Vada, made from black gram batter and deep-fried to golden perfection.
- Where to Try: Many roadside stalls and small restaurants serve delicious vadas, particularly in the Gandhi Square area.
6. Idli-Sambar
- What: Soft, fluffy idlis served with piping hot sambar and coconut chutney is a Mysuru staple for breakfast or an evening snack. Some places even serve thatte idli, a flatter and larger version.
- Where to Try: Look for small eateries and street vendors around Mysore Palace or Devaraja Market.
7. Bajji & Bonda
- What: These fried fritters are a popular street food snack in Mysuru. Bajjis are made by dipping vegetables (usually chilies, potatoes, or raw bananas) in gram flour batter, while Bondas are round, fried dumplings filled with spicy mashed potatoes.
- Where to Try: Street vendors near KR Circle and Jayanagar are known for serving up hot and crispy versions of these snacks.
8. Nippat
- What: A crunchy snack made from rice flour, peanuts, and spices, Nippat is a local favorite. It’s often served with chutneys or just enjoyed plain as a tea-time snack.
- Where to Try: You can find Nippat at various local bakeries and street stalls throughout the city.
9. Holige (Obbattu)
- What: This traditional sweet flatbread is stuffed with a mixture of jaggery, coconut, and lentils, and is usually served warm with a dollop of ghee on top.
- Where to Try: Anand Sweets and Subbamma Sweets in Mysuru are known for their authentic Holige.
10. Mirchi Bajji
- What: Mirchi Bajji is a spicy street snack where green chilies are stuffed with spices, dipped in gram flour batter, and deep-fried until crispy. It’s served hot and can be enjoyed with a side of chutney.
- Where to Try: You’ll find plenty of vendors serving these near Chamundi Hill and Devaraja Market.
11. Coconut Water & Sugarcane Juice
- What: For a refreshing break from all the spicy food, grab a glass of sugarcane juice or fresh coconut water from the numerous stalls around the city.
- Where to Try: Street vendors across KR Market and the Palace Road are known for serving these fresh, cooling drinks.
12. Mangalore Buns
- What: A unique snack with origins in Mangalore, Mangalore Buns are deep-fried, sweet banana-flavored pooris. These are fluffy, mildly sweet, and can be eaten plain or with coconut chutney.
- Where to Try: Try them at Vinayaka Mylari or other local eateries around Mandi Mohalla.
13. Goli Soda
- What: Goli Soda, or Marble Soda, is a nostalgic drink that’s popular on the streets of Mysuru. It’s a carbonated soft drink with a marble that acts as the seal.
- Where to Try: You can find Goli Soda vendors at various locations, especially in crowded markets like Devaraja Market.
14. Pani Puri
- What: Though popular throughout India, Mysuru’s Pani Puri (also known as Golgappa) comes with a local twist. The puris are crisp and filled with a tangy tamarind water and spicy mashed potato filling.
- Where to Try: Look for Pani Puri stalls at Sayyaji Rao Road or near Nazarbad.
Mysuru’s street food scene offers a mix of traditional South Indian flavors with a few surprises thrown in. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty Mysore Masala Dosa or grabbing a quick Churmuri, the city’s street foods reflect its vibrant culinary culture. Don’t miss the chance to savor these local delights during your visit!