Prakash Cafe — Restaurant in Bengaluru

Prakash Cafe, located on 1st Main Road in Chamarajpet, is more than just a restaurant; it's a Bengaluru institution. With a history stretching back to 1943, it's a place that offers a taste of old Bangalore and a sense of nostalgia for many. Here is a detailed review of what makes Prakash Cafe a cherished spot: Atmosphere and Ambiance The first thing you'll notice about Prakash Cafe is its vintage charm. The decor is minimalistic and has an old-world feel, with a few fans for ventilation and no air conditioning. The walls are often adorned with historical photographs, including images of prominent personalities and events the restaurant has catered to over the years. This gives the place a unique character, making a visit feel like a trip back in time. It's not a place for modern luxury but for a simple, authentic dining experience. Food and Specialties Prakash Cafe is a pure vegetarian restaurant that specializes in classic South Indian tiffin items. While it has expanded its menu to include other cuisines, its core identity remains its traditional offerings. • Must-Try Dishes: • Masala Dosa: This is one of their most popular items, often praised for its crispy texture and flavorful potato filling. It is a signature dish and a favorite among regulars. • Vada: The vada is another classic, often served with a delicious sambar and chutney. • Filter Coffee: The filter coffee at Prakash Cafe is legendary. It's known for being strong, aromatic, and the perfect accompaniment to the food. Many customers describe it as a true South Indian filter coffee experience. • South Indian Meals: The restaurant also offers a reasonably priced and hearty South Indian thali (meal), which is a popular choice for lunch. The thali typically includes a variety of vegetarian curries, rice, rasam, and curd. • Other Offerings: Beyond the classics, Prakash Cafe also serves a variety of other dishes, including idlis, poori, and upma. It also has a catering business and offers a more extensive menu for events, which can include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options (prepared in a separate kitchen). Service and Pricing Customers generally appreciate the courteous and friendly staff, which adds to the pleasant dining experience. The service is often described as quick and prompt, especially considering the cafe's busy hours. One of the most appealing aspects of Prakash Cafe is its affordability. The prices are very nominal, making it possible to have a satisfying meal for a very low cost. This makes it a go-to spot for locals, students, and office-goers in the area. Areas for Improvement While Prakash Cafe is a beloved spot, some customers have noted a few areas that could be improved: • Cleanliness: A few reviewers have commented on cleanliness issues, particularly in the restrooms. • Ventilation: As a non-AC space with an old-world charm, the lack of sufficient ventilation can be an issue for some patrons, especially during hot weather. • Consistency: Like many long-standing establishments, some reviews indicate that the quality of certain dishes can be inconsistent. While most people praise the dosas and coffee, a few have mentioned that other items might not be as good. Overall Verdict Prakash Cafe is a culinary landmark in Chamarajpet. It's a place that offers an authentic, no-frills South Indian food experience at a very reasonable price. It's not about the modern amenities or the fancy decor; it's about the taste, the tradition, and the sense of community. If you are looking for a taste of "old Bangalore" and a delicious, hot cup of filter coffee, Prakash Cafe is...

A never go there place in Bangalore. The food is bad and service is pathetic. The restaurant waiter was such an argumentative person he made us burn our food there itself. He had problem with customer asking extra samber or anything. We felt like a full time high-court lawyer is working as part time waiter in this place. Our irritation was at such a high level, we were almost bleeding from our ears. Items we ordered are, meal, pakoda, and tea. To be very honest, if we were not dying of hunger, we would have never eaten anything there. A place to lose the self respect and eat the dirtiest food. In one of the wall hangings, it is shown that Nehru jee had eaten here, at that time the management would...

A decades old restaurant ( established in 1943), the place has maintained it's standard over the years. Simple, clean,non cluttered interiors, clean surroundings, tasty food and reasonable price are the highlights of the establishment. The catering services division of the Cafe has catered to luminaries starting from the President and PM to various CMs, sports and movie stars, literary giants... the whole plathora. Chamrajpet's go to place for a healthy, economical and above all,tasty breakfast or...