The Arogya Cafe — Restaurant in Bengaluru

Avoid at All Costs – Stale Food, Untrained Staff & Unhygienic Practices. Darshinis have long been trusted for their fresh, wholesome food — that’s why people flock to them. In my 22 years in Bangalore, I’ve never encountered a darshini that served stale dosa — until now.

I dropped into 'The Arogya Cafe' opposite Manyata Tech Park, Nagavara, lured by decent online reviews. Big mistake. Nestled among PGs and other eateries catering to tech park crowds, this place attempts a poor imitation of Rameshwaram Cafe, from its black-toned decor to a similar-looking menu. Unfortunately, that's where any comparison ends.

I ordered Masala Dosa, Ghee Pudi Idli, and Paddu. The Ghee Pudi Idli was hard, dry and clearly not freshly made. The person at the counter didn’t even know how to prepare it – another clueless staffer jumped in to salvage the mess. The result was still bad. Also, the idli size is laughably small.

The Masala Dosa took ages to arrive, and when it did – the appearance alone was unappetizing. One bite in, and I knew something was seriously wrong. The potato palya inside was stale and foul-smelling. Even the chutney was off. Clearly prepared in bulk and left out – I saw a massive container full of this palya sitting in the kitchen. If I could smell the awful stench of rotten potatoes sitting in the palya, the chef cou;dn't have missed it either. It's a deliberate add.

Disgusted, I asked for a refund for the two inedible dishes. After some token resistance, they returned the money. But the experience speaks volumes. If you can’t get a basic Masala Dosa right in Bangalore, you’ve got no business running a restaurant.

To make things worse, I later checked reviews and saw multiple complaints about stale food and zero coordination among staff. It’s not just my experience – it’s a pattern. Frankly, this place should be inspected by the health department and have its FSSAI license revoked. Serving stale food in the name of "Arogya" (health) is both ironic and dangerous.

Verdict: Stay far away. Your health and taste buds...

Being an ardent cook and a passionate foodie, I thought I should pen down this rather detailed review.

I am bringing down the rating solely for crown management.

Pros : Food tastes good.

a. Thatte idli is so smooth that it just melts in your mouth. They serve it hot from the steamer post you handing over the token. Thumbs up to you on this move. Add on are the 2 versions of the chutney. ( Spiced up by Pudina and the other one based on pure coconut ). b. Vada is very less oily and does taste good. It is less crunchy and flaky. Its small in size. c. Masala Dosa is served piping hot but comes at a stupendous cost of a very generous serving of the Nandini ghee fountain. d. Jaggery Pongal did taste impressive with that light tinge of camphor and cardamom bringing in aura of a temple.

Your token system is amazing. This is one of the best practices used in some of the successful hotel establishments.

It is definitely light on your pockets compared to likes of the so called parallels.

Cons :

You need to manage crowd better. I am pretty sure that the people managing their social media handle will take it back to their owner.

Deploy more people to deliver food / parcels on weekends. A ready serving like an idli / vada should pretty much be instantaneous and I barely got to see 1 or 2 people on a very busy weekday morning managing both the idli and the parcel counters. This led to a huge pile-up.

Its sort of nightmarish to get an extra cup of chutney or sambar jostling your way through the crowd hitting shoulders of over half a dozen people. People like me take a lot of pride in tasting the accompaniments than the actual dish. When requested, kindly oblige.

It does take a toll on people serving a big crowd. I could easily sense the dissatisfaction from the employees. A person supervising and manning the whole place should...

A Delightful Brunch at The Arogya Cafe

The Arogya Cafe is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a delicious and wholesome breakfast, brunch, or lunch. My girlfriend and I recently enjoyed a wonderful brunch there, and I left feeling impressed on all fronts.

A Feast for the Health-Conscious Foodie

The menu offers a wide variety of healthy options, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions or simply looking for a lighter meal. But don't be fooled by the "healthy" label – the food is absolutely flavorful and satisfying.

Must-Try Dishes

While everything we had was delicious, two items truly stood out:

1. Ghee Pudi Masala Dosa: This dosa was crispy and packed with a flavorful potato filling. The ghee pudi added a touch of richness that perfectly complemented the masala.
2. Pudi Rice: This dish was another winner. The rice was perfectly cooked and seasoned, with a delightful crunch from the pudi (fried lentil flour).

Sweet Endings

The Arogya Cafe doesn't disappoint when it comes to sweet treats either. We didn't indulge this time, but the dessert selection looked tempting, with options to satisfy any craving.

Comfortable Atmosphere

The cafe itself boasts comfortable seating arrangements, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Overall Impression

The Arogya Cafe is a hidden gem that offers a delicious and healthy dining experience. The combination of flavorful food, comfortable seating, and a wide variety of options makes it a perfect spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. I highly recommend checking it out, especially if you're looking for a satisfying and...