Kaavu — Restaurant in Bengaluru

I had not heard about it myself, but the name was what made me more inquisitive. ”Is it spelled ‘KAAVU’ which means the ‘sacred grove’ in our old temples,” I questioned him in return, quite surprised by the name. (In fact, most old, small temples in Kerala have one, and happens to be my favourite spot in our family temple too with thick vegetation of trees, overhanging vines and a luscious undergrowth). My mate and me went there by 4.00 p.m on a Sunday to avoid Bengaluru’s infamous traffic, but reached KAAVU, Whitefield without any hassle. Key in KAAVU into your search bar and GOOGLE will navigate you there spot on.

Like great heritage homes in Kerala, the exterior facade did not give us any inkling as to what to expect indoors. Be prepared to walk through an acre of whitefield land on which KAAVU is built with 7 separate clusters of open air and closed seating. KAAVU is designed as a 750 seater dining, cafe, bar, gaming, library and lounge area spread out over an acre of ground space. True to the Kerala origin of its name, you will enter an area of green foliage with bamboo and flowering plants interspersed with the classic granite rock Bengaluru is famous for.

The first space that attracted us was the casually laid out ‘Pet Friendly’ Cafe in the corridor opening out into more dining space. The tables at the cafe called P.U.Ding Ding were lined on one side with a cafe counter displaying all the baked goodies. Life is too short. Eat dessert first seemed to drive the design and layout of KAAVU. That is exactly what we did. We went for dessert first.

We ordered a good ‘ole bundt cake and a steaming black Cafe Africano. The smell of the brew was overpowering and hot and stiff as coffee can get. The Blundt cake called ‘Blundt it like Beckham’ was soft and delicious with its low sugar and flavouring. These were genuinely crafted cakes and Coorgi coffee brews all at an affordable. The Cafe had the vibes of Bengaluru all the way. I’m sure the pets and their owners would nod in agreement.

Next we walked right into the Waterhole. You can’t miss it as it on one side of the massive corridor. The bottles lined all the way up to the top like a rouge’s gallery. We settled for Paul John’s enlightening Nirvana and a splash of Amrut’s Two Indies while Chef Palash briefed us on his stint outside India till he joined KAAVU and convinced us to have a legendary ‘Mutton Pepper Roast’ and the signature ‘Chicken Jaffna curry’ with plain Jasmine Rice.

We moved on to the final destination for a sit down dinner with drinks. The dining restaurant area at the end of your walk through an ‘A Frame’ doorway is aptly called ‘STONEHENGE’. The rock face of the granite on the floor is perfectly complimented with green bamboo and open to sky seating all around the main dining area. It is designed minimalistic and very pleasant to the eye. STONEHENGE has a crackling ambiance to settle you into a casual, dining mood. The crowd was just filling in, and by about 7.00 p.m. all the tables were occupied with mainly families and the young kids were frolicking around the open spaces.

To finish off on we had desserts again like when we started, but this time after a tete-a-tete with Chef Nakul ‘Coolkarni’ who gave us the lowdown on their signature Naughty Hazel PU Ding Ding OG, and the Filter Kaapi Creme Brulee.

We will be back, for sure. Remember, when in Bengaluru, spend an evening at KAAVU with your partner, friends or family. Or all of them together, the more the merrier when they are geared to cater to groups of 25 to 2500. Don't forget to eat dessert first and at finish line too! Monu Danesh Surendran P.S The Desserts are delicious and crafted with care. Especially the Naughty Hazelnut and the Filter Kaapi Creme Brulee for the true Bangalorean who loves his filter kaapi! So is the Jaffna curry. Mentioning them here as there was no option for...

Kaavu is a slice of serenity in the bustling Whitefield, offering not just great food but a soulful experience. Nestled amidst lush greenery, it seamlessly combines nature with culinary excellence. Here’s a rundown of some must-try dishes:

Burrata and Bengal Amsotto Salad: A refreshing delight! The creamy burrata paired beautifully with the spiced aam shotto chutney, raw mango, and crunchy lotus stem crisps. The cherry tomatoes and leafy greens added freshness, while the olive oil tied everything together perfectly.

Bhatti ki Tangdi: Tandoor magic at its best! The chicken thighs were tender, juicy, and infused with the bold flavors of mustard oil, yogurt, and spices. The mint chutney on the side elevated every bite.

Calcutta Fish Orly: A crispy, golden treat! The beer-battered fish, marinated with Kasundi, was perfectly cooked and complemented by the tartar sauce and Kasundi mustard mayo. The fries made it an indulgent affair.

Tangra Style Chili Chicken: This dish brought nostalgia to life! The crispy chicken tossed with soy, chili, and garlic was a spicy-savoury masterpiece, with capsicum and spring onions adding the perfect crunch.

Vietnamese Yellow Chicken: A vibrant dish with a rich yellow curry sauce that was aromatic and comforting. The boneless chicken thigh paired wonderfully with the fragrant jasmine rice.

Sri Lankan Janna Chicken Curry: A burst of flavors! The native spices and turmeric created a robust curry, balanced beautifully with the tang of tomatoes. Served with jasmine rice, it was a wholesome delight.

Jamaican Chocolate Cake: A chocolate lover’s dream! Dense, rich, and perfectly sweetened, it was a great way to end the meal.

Crème Brûlée: The caramelized sugar crust cracked just right, revealing a silky, creamy custard underneath. Simple, elegant, and oh-so-delicious.

Kaavu’s ambiance, attentive service, and diverse menu make it a standout destination in Whitefield. Whether you're dining with family or friends, this is an experience you’ll cherish. Highly...

2025/1.. 5💡✨🎶

One will not miss this huge grey structure by the roadside. A short driveway leads one to its entrance. Valet parking is the deal of the time.. as I guess parking has to find its place. Sat /Sun it's gets choc a block  if not in time and cars can spill into the road.dont forget to collect you car registration no token. The hostesses at the reception were sweet and cordial. It's a big area for the guests to wait for their cars to be brought in while leaving.. and also in case it rains..🌂🌂 were provided for . The open area, stony and greenary path led to the restaurant. As it had started drizzling the furniture found no seating. Bet it would be beautiful under the lights 💡💡✨✨and🎶🎶. Walked into the first section with the constant buzzing of chatter..a majestic german shepherd was on its bed.the next section found couple more dogs.. retriever and a poodle.. and mother and son duo playing chess.. the section where we got table was much bigger and buzzing with chatter and footfalls. More sections to be browsed..in the next visit. Scanning the QR code.. (but the feel is not like the old fashioned menu.. where the pages can be flipped to discuss amongst ourselves or with the staff.).. one browses to get a hang of their menu.. and the staff is there to help you out. Staff were on their toes .. our order was taken..#Rahul Das was attentive, and guided us through our order for drinks and appetisers based on our preferences. No complaints on the presentation,taste,and quick service of our order. There were colouring materials available for children to be kept occupied. Ohhh pet menu is also available for the furriers. As well as seats for them. Umbrellas were placed in a convenient view. One could find a cute, flowery picture perfect as a spot with tree branches and boulders as props. On the way out..one can browse at...