New Momo Kiosks in Bangalore

Enterprise is never about big money or big names..often the most innovative ones start really small. In the last 6 months I've noticed a bunch of these mushroom all over a particular area of Bangalore. The target is the ever growing batches of students from the N East India who miss out on their home fare and good quality Momos( which Bangalore was never famous for)

I went up and talked to one of these guys, College students themselves, they said it was just echoing their own feelings ( we want good Momos) that let them to set this up. You'll see these stalls manned by 2-3 people( students) all they have is a table, the steamer for the Momos, some paper plates, spoons & a chair for the guy to sit on. They are usually open around 5 PM to 6..by which time every single Momo is sold out.

Quiet & well behaved, is how their service can be described...Way to go I think & a welcome break for all those who love their Momos.

Mangalore Pearl

( Pork Pepper Fry)

If you are a Costal food freak & looking at eating some fish, try out 'Mangalore Pearl'. Situated in 3 Coles Road, Cleveland Town, Frazer town, Bangalore with a rather nondescript sign board. This place goes by word of mouth and is quite in the heart of the city. Nothing very fancy, but good old world ambiance.

I'm not a Bengali who drools every time you mention 'Fish', but the place is nice, food included. Plus I'm a sucker for Graphiti & the walls are interesting to say the least. The wooden bench type seats add to the charm. A place for a family get-together or buddies from office.

'Mangalore Pearl' serves, Sardines, Pomfret, Squid, Prawns and a host of other sea food. They have Mangalore delicacies, prawns in coconut curry, Masala fish fries, etc. It is recommended that you try out the Mangalorean way and have a Sanna ( A kind of Idly) along with the fish. If you want to have something different try their Squid Butter Garlic or Cocoom Juice, made from a coastal fruit. I found the prices slightly on the higher side. A single serving of fish ( 1 piece of Pomfret & about 2 pieces of Sardines) is anything starting from Rs 250-300. Overall a good experience.

Some 'Tea please' ?

If you are a tea lover in 'Kapi' land and are disappointed by 'Shanti Sagar' s and the 'Sukh Sagar' s then head over to Tea land! For lovers of tea and all that smells( as well as tastes nice) try out 'Infinitea' at Cunningham Road in Bangalore. Situated close to the Kingfisher's office, you can hardly miss it. 'Infinitea', like the name suggests to all the lovers of the language, is a lovely and delightful place where the love of words comes together with exquisite blend of tea from all over the world.

Very tastefully done up with High stools and a little lounge up stairs that go up on a cute winding stair case, the place is abuzz with tea lovers..but hey it also serves great snacks, while you chose a corner to huddle into and read a book.

The walls of 'Infinitea' are a delight to peer over..on the walls are little quotes from 'Alice in wonderland' in the form of photographs or little inscriptions on the walls. Some one actually took the pain to find out all the places in 'Alice in wonderland' that mention tea and put it up in cute lines there! They even have a image of a ' owner of out Moroccan tea point' - A Mr M

The ceiling is high, with long fans, as in the olden days, cool lighting and comfortable seating arrangement. Whether you are spending a lazy afternoon or meeting up with friends ( as I was) the place is perfect for no loud music..no screams kind of ambiance, check it out

Crazy Shoppe

Liked this tie..its full of skeleton images!

Some very hip badges and funky art that's sure to be a hit with college goers

That's the shop signboard..it's called MISFITS, situated near Kamnahali ( Kalyan Nagar, near Sukh Sagar- 1st floor)..personally didn't find anything a misfit..just fun

I think I'll reserve my comments for this..:))) but eye catching is all I'll say

These are some of the masks they sell..fun & quirky

Ok so this is a skull mask..You see lots of associated stuff there too to complete the junkie look & scare the hell out of any of your friends

Loads of fun wigs there..depending on what you want to be on your chosen day, a brunette, a blonde..etc, they have it all...Wish I had tried these one but then thought better of it..am quirky enough I guess :))

The entrance to this shop has a skeleton & a cloth banner with a Bob Marley Picture on it..How cool can it get..was Maha khush

Interesting Balcony

An interesting balcony that I spotted on one of my walks. The green bottles and the wall art made for a rather unique display. Reminded me of the Voodo practice in the Congo basin of a phenomenon called 'Bottle tree spirits'..The bottles in question are supposed to catch the evil spirit and restrict themfrom entering home.

Exploring the 'Sunday Sante'- Bangalore

My first 'Sunday Sante' it was a lovely experience..the 'Sunday Sate' has all sorts of people coming together in Bangalore' s Palace grounds to showcase their creativity and stuff..the exhibits ranged from hand painted cushion covers, to exotic plants, to paintings, to hand made shoes..the works

( Pic on left below), Tibetian artefacts, interesting stuf..I like the man's lush growth of moustache better! Pic on right Coloured glass paintings..lovely!

A girl, was selling silk the cushion covers they are lovely. Priced @ 150, 250 & 300 bucks..they really are good. Im the proud owner of two :) The picture on the right shows these antique finsh clock stall. The man claimed theyr were made in 1700's when I popped my eyes & said really? He said a bit here & there ;))

My first 'Sunday Sante' it was a lovely experience, fun crowds, bizzare woman out to catch eyeballs, creative people..all having a great time.

An African young man managed this stall. He told me he made these himself. Very creative paints in the saucers & some on canvas too. Priced at around 1250, these are really good.

The pictures above ( the one on the right) is that of bottle art. Wonderful pieces. They are a treat to the eye. slightly costly but wondahful! The picture on the right was one of my fav stalls. Dressed like a gypsy, the lady makes shoes as well as these knick knacks in jwelerry and other artefacts. I loved the way she presented the whole thing. Each item was decorated with flowers & the Buddh picture in the corner had a bowl of blue petals gracing it..very bohemian yet calm..wo!

These paintings were priced at 8-10,000. Thats the artist you see arranging them. When I asked her the price, she quoted 10,000 and said you can bargain. When i broke into peals of laughter, she gave me a disgusted look! ;)).....The picture on the right showcases a stall that had these cute shoes..all hand printed..they at least looked amazing!!

The flower walk

It's Spring time in Bangalore like anywhwere else..out on my morning walk I suddenly chanced upon this wonderful scene..it took my breath away...in sheer ecstacy & reverence I took off my shoes & felt the tingle of spring on my feet...Bliss is perhaps this!

Masti ki Pathshallah

While cycling on the roads of Bangalore I often see, so much of the city dug up & constructions happening all over. I also notice that there are so many kids hanging around these constructions. not only are they unguarded but they have to fend for themselves under the circumstances. This was one such scene..was actually delighted to see all the kids reading a book amongst themselves and indulging in a kind of story telling session. Life is of course a bigger & better teacher for these little grown ups on the road.

Lady on the road

Nothing as interesting as watching people on the road..they always fascinate me by their earthly charm. This lady sweeps a road close to my house. Dedication to her work is something prominent about her. Decked in her finery and usually armed with a smile, she was excited at my capture. She wanted to open her bandanna for the camera, but I thought she looked cute in it :) Full of childlike innocence..this one's for you..lady on the road!

An enchanting little Cafe'

Cafe' 'The Sanctuary is off Banswadi main road, on your way from Ulsoor. One one of my walks..my walk of introspection i call it..I discovered this tiny little cafe nestled on the main road & yet affording guests a quiet and laid back zone. Lovingly & aesthetically designed interiors, 'The Sanctuary is a delight for anyone who loves a bit of the old world charm allied with pretty things over a cup of coffee.

They sell these blue mugs & other porcelain stuff along with hand made gloves, clothes, napkins, photo frames, little pottery sets & paintings by local artists..among many other things.

To my delight I discovered a tiny little spiral stairway( see pic right) that leads to a reading room on the 2nd floor...and a portico overlooking it, where you can sit relax..do nothing & read perhaps or even meditate if you please :)

Loved this little settee, on the first floor, set in a colorful ambiance, it gives you a view of the entire room ..ideal perhaps for spending hours on a chess board.

A look at the interiors of the cafe on the ground floor ( where they take your orders) very homely ambiance) I was told that they have bands coming in on weekends. Though food here is mostly limited to coffee(its good) & snacks. They can arrange for lunch too

with a little prior notice. I wouldn't suggest this place if you are a great foodie..go there for charm & the laid back feel of doing nothing. Interiors are very tastefully done up in red & earth colours.


The cuppa you see on the table outside( black) is what I had ( was way to enthusiastic to sit in one place & relax) you see I had to write this post & click pictures :))) But make the most of this smallish front yard. The tiny hanging pots in myriad shapes, make for a delightful ambiance & you can stare into space & compose that poem you've been thinking about since ages! I scribbled ;)

All in all a wonderful tiny little whale of a relaxed experience.

Walk the house

Like I've said before I love walking and whenever I walk I take detours on the little 'oft explored lanes that often bring forth wonderful delights. Look at what I found while rummaging through some parts of Frazer town & Hill street, Cook's town off Banswadi road. These beautiful houses so painstakingly maintained by their owners showcase the true Bangalore that the city once used to be. Full of old world charm, enticing greens and a carelessly woven attitude in these houses almost invites you in to take a peak at the tales they have to tell. On sleepy afternoons, when trees hug these delicate fossils called homes, our little Bangalore of yore seems to cry out..Bring 'em back the old days!