Returned to Bangalore, India

The restaurant Hallimane, in Malleswaram is known for its true Karnataka cuisine. We have been there a few times times for lunch and snacks and have liked the way they try and keep the taste simple and authentic. For Ugadi, Karnataka’s New Year, the restaurant announced that it was offering a Ugadi spread yesterday and today, both for lunch and dinner. It was going to be an authentic 5 course meal served on plantain leaves. And that, we had to check it out. So, off we went yesterday for lunch with the kids. The folks at Hallimane really go to lengths to give you the whole experience. As we approached the restaurant, we saw lovely traditional decor inviting us in. There was even a rangoli at the entrance.

 

As we entered, the bevu+bella (neem leaves+jaggery) was awaiting us at the entrance. See to the left. Traditionally, the new year is welcomed with the bitter and sweet tastes of neem and jaggery. Also, there was fruit juice served as refreshment with the bevu+bella.

 

Their entire seating arrangement has been changed for the occasion. It was more like the seating arrangement of a marriage hall. The entire place, in spite of the number of people there, was very clean. The plantain leaves were laid out on the tables and the crew was waiting for people to come and take their seats.

We had to first buy the coupons priced at Rs. 100 per adult. After finding seats for ourselves, we were served a 5 course meal along with everybody else sitting with us.

It included payasa, a few vegetable curries, pickle, 2 types of mixed-vegetable rice, happala, sandige, bajji, idli made in jackfruit leaves, 2 types of chutney, rice+dal, rice+sambhar, rice+rasam, a piece of mysore pak, a sweet pongal-like dish, hollige, rice+curds. I am sure I am missing out a few items. While I am not really into eating too much at once, what I really liked was the simplicity of the taste. It had an almost home-made feel to it! I really appreciate their effort at keeping it real. Everybody was served bottled water. So, you didn’t have to worry about contamination! But then, this is their regular practice even for regular lunch thalis.

And as we left, there was the beetle leaves+arecanut+bananas waiting at the exit for everybody who had finished with the lunch. Overall, a nice, warm, and a unique experience. The taste was down to earth and authentic, the place clean, and our stomachs full.

HAPPY UGADHI, folks! May the new year bring in joy and happiness into your hearts and your homes.

Filed under: plantain leaf, bevu bella, bella, belu, lunch, tradition, ugadi '08, karnataka cuisine, authentic cuisine, vegetarian, rangoli, Karnataka, Family, Life, Simple R2I Luxuries, desi food, Bangalore living, Hallimane, New Year, Ugadi, Malleswaram, Bangalore