Bendhoota - Kodava cuisine — Restaurant in Karnataka

We were enroute Madikeri. Since we had an early start, our stomach started signalling to us, even before we reached Kushalnagara, that the consequences of not filling it up might be untenable. Therefore we immediately tasked Google to provide us recommendations and Bendhoota stood out among a sea of mediocre joints.

Though it is right by the main road, it is easy to miss the place since it is situated on the first floor of a small building. And parking will be a problem. As we stepped in the atmosphere was minimalist, just as it should be. The menu too is limited, but both vegetarians and non-vegetarians will not feel a lack of options.

The incessant hot sun had tired us down, and to our delight this place serves 'goli' soda, that too in a variety of flavors! We immediately ordered some and they were refreshing! Our son, who had never ever seen goli soda was both inquisitive and excited at the same time!

Next, it was time to order food and we decided to try and taste a lil of everything. So we ordered Akki Rotti, Noolputtu, Kadambuttu, Egg Curry, Chicken Curry and a Chicken starter whose name I do not remember. If the resturant is busy, as it was on the day we visited, you might expect to wait a while before the food is served. But that is because you'll be served food that is fresh! Also we did not mind, since it gave us the opportunity to try other flavors of goli soda!

Finally the food arrived and I cannot describe the joy that I felt when I put the first morsel of that soft akki rotti and that immaculately spiced chicken curry into my mouth. Ditto with the egg curry and everything else. And when it was time for dessert, we ordered the poppy seed kheer. There is only one way to describe it - Divine. Poppy seed kheer (also known as Gasgase payasa) is a popular dish in Karnataka. But the kheer that we were served in Bendhoota was superlative - it was creamy, not too sweet, and the poppy seeds offered some bite, lending the kheer great texture.

Overall a great climax to our very memorable meal. I do hope Bendhoota maintains its quality, taste and hygiene in the long term. Anytime we're in Coorg again, we'll be back...

Still thinking about that meal — honestly, every bite was a celebration. The flavors were bold, comforting, and completely satisfying. It wasn’t just food; it was pure joy on a plate.

My personal favorites:

🍖 Pork Fry – Perfectly spiced, tender with a slight crisp on the edges. Bursting with flavor and cooked just right — it had that deep, smoky goodness that stays with you.

🍛 Mutton Curry – Rich, hearty, and full of soul. The gravy was thick and aromatic, with the mutton falling apart effortlessly — home-style comfort at its finest.

🎋 Bamboo Fry – This was a surprise hit! Earthy, crunchy, and beautifully seasoned — it added a fresh twist to the spread.

🐔 Chicken Curry – Simple yet so satisfying. The masala was flavorful without overpowering the chicken. A solid classic done right.

🥙 Roti – Soft, warm, and the perfect companion to soak up all those delicious gravies. No curry was left behind.

🍮 Payasa – Sweet ending to a spicy meal. Creamy, lightly sweet, and perfectly balanced — it wrapped up the experience on a nostalgic note.

This meal was a total hit — from the starters to the sweet finish. Every dish had something special, and the flavors felt like they were made with heart. I’ll be thinking about that pork fry and mutton curry for a long time. 😍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Would come back in a...

"Had an unforgettable lunch at Bendhoota, where I got to experience the authentic flavors of Kodava cuisine! The spread was incredible, with each dish showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region. I devoured the Pandi and bamboo curry, which was a perfect blend of spices and flavors. The nolluputtu was soft and fluffy, and the chicken curry was rich and savory. But the real highlights were the kadambettu (I assume this is a type of Kodava-style preparation?) and the mutton biriyani, which was slow-cooked to perfection. And of course, no Kodava meal is complete without akki rotti - crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and utterly addictive. Every bite was a taste sensation! If you're looking to try authentic Kodava cuisine, Bendhoota is an absolute must-visit. Can't wait to go back and explore more of their...