Veena Stores — Restaurant in Bengaluru

Survival of the Hungriest: The Chaos of Breakfast at Veena Stores, A Culinary Paradise or a Wrestling Arena?

I had been assured that Veena Stores, perched at the corner of Sampige Road and 15th Cross, was a culinary paradise. So, like a devoted pilgrim on a sacred quest, I set off at 7 a.m or there about, determined to sample its legendary food.

Finding the shop was easy, thanks to its bold white in both and  Kannada and English lettering. But before I could admire the sign, my eyes widened at the spectacle before me—a human avalanche spilling onto the pavement. There was no queue, no orderly line. Instead, it was an all-out wrestling match, a crowd packed so tightly that if one person moved, the entire mass swayed like a wave.

I hesitated. How was I supposed to squeeze through, pay in advance, and somehow emerge victorious with just an Idli and Vada? The pavement was barely a few feet wide—if they had attempted a proper queue, it would have stretched halfway to the next city.

With no better option, I waded into the human tide from behind, inching my way toward a man who was accepting money and handing out tiny slips of paper—the size of a postage stamp.

He had a thick white bar slapped vertically across his forehead, as if a paintbrush had been in a hurry, with a precise red stripe delicately added on top—because style matters, even in devotion. His face carried the stern expression of a military general surveying a battlefield, except his war zone was a crowd of impatient customers. Form a queue?

Ha! That was their problem, not his. Instead, he hollered out prices with such thunderous authority that even people wandering the distant lanes of Malleswaram probably knew exactly what you were eating and how much they owed—whether you liked it or not.

As I stood at the back of the crowd, I quickly realised that moving forward was a dream best left to optimists. Instead, the sheer pressure of bodies slowly angled me toward the man taking orders, as if I were a helpless log being carried by a relentless river.

Just as I was about to claim my victory—an Idli and Vada within reach—a couple of determined men and women lunged ahead, shoving me backward like a helpless pawn in their breakfast battle of Chess.

I tried reasoning with a young woman in her twenties, saying, “If you want to push me all the way back, go ahead—I’ve got all day.” Unfortunately, my sarcasm sailed past her like a cricket ball over the boundary.

At that moment, I had an epiphany: maybe this idli wasn’t meant to be. Perhaps the universe was sending me a sign—loud and clear—that Veena Stores was not for the weak-hearted. So, with my dignity only slightly bruised, I turned around, walked back to my flat, and vowed never to return. For better or worse, Veena Stores and I were simply not meant to be.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t eat here—go on, live dangerously! But personally, I prefer a place where the food isn’t engaged in a shouting match with the noise. Besides, I can get the same idlies next door, where I remain blissfully unaware whether they’re...

Living in Bengaluru and particularly Malleswaram, you cannot miss the allure of Veena Stores. Presently managed by Shri. Pradeep, the quaint palette friendly eatery has been around for close to five decades (46 years).

I have seen Veena stores grow from a small shop front right next to a MRF showroom to its current bigger redesigned space. I am amazed to say that the owner has maintained the same quality and service over time. Those of the patrons who are regulars can be seen frequently interacting with Shri Pradeep outside the store.

The restaurant opens promptly on weekdays and Saturdays around 7 AM. Stays open from 3:30 till 9 in the afternoon. Sundays the restaurant is open in the morning and closes by noon. You can find parking in the side streets without any issues. If you are coming from near to Malleswaram, I would however recommend you come by Uber or Auto and visit the place.

I personally liked the Idly and Vada with green mint Chutney served over here. Watching the staff take out the piping hot idlis and serve it right to your eco friendly plate is a delight to watch. You can take your plate of idlis and get served the fresh chutney next to the counter.

On days when it is not crowded, you will be able to conveniently sit inside the restaurant and eat your "Thindi" (tiffin or light meal). Veena stores is also famous for their chow chow bath and I had a chance to enjoy this dish as well. This is equal parts of the Kesari bath (sweet semolina dish) and Kara bath (spicy semolina dish). I remember back in the '90s taking all of the wonderful breakfast items from here to my office to the delight of my colleagues. During my recent visit, I had the opportunity to meet with Shri Pradeep and reminiscence those days of enjoying breakfast standing in the street).

I'm glad that this iconic eatery has been able to maintain it's quality and consistency. Some of the other wonderful items that I tried include the Bise Bele bath and Godhi sweet dish (Kothumai in Tamil) (Wheat dish). Lastly, has some nice coffee to complete the breakfast visit to Veena Stores. The Bisi Bele bath served with some kara boondi/mixture can be spicy for some. Recommend you get some oil or ghee to temper the spice level or have water handy.

Overall an amazing experience. I highly recommend Veena Stores for some authentic Karnataka foodie experience. Don't miss this place during your...

The queues begin early. On the verdant Margosa road, traffic is already streaming continuously by 8 am. But the people in the queue are oblivious.

Their attention is on the menu and the orders are placed at a steady clip. Idlis, vadas and Kara as well as Kesari Baath move faster than the traffic.

Those who are a little impatient or tech savvy go to the UPI kiosk. It's a giant board listing the menu. And the regulars navigate with ease, placing their orders and paying in less than a couple of minutes

The self-serve counter is a hub of practiced activity. The idlis arrive in trays and there are 16-20 per tray. The lady pulls up the cloth they are resting on and expertly transfers them to the palm plates.

In the background, in a wok, vadas are turning golden brown and will shortly be dispatched to eager mouths and stomachs.

The chutney is poured over the idlis and the vadas. It's worth the long drive. Idlis are a staple, so improving on it is a tall order. But this delivers. It is soft, melting and still retains its shape after you dig in. Not a mushy mess.

The vadas are crisp, golden and gorge worthy. The kesari Baath is sweet with a graded texture that feels warm and welcoming

Hardly anyone speaks. They sit, stand on the road and silently appreciate the fare. No social media like can capture the fervour.

Don't go to Veena Store for the ambience or the plating. It's food that maintains a sense of nostalgia in a world that seems to move too quickly.

Even if they've deferred to the latest...