Gramin, Koramangala 7th Block, Bangalore North Indian Restaurant

Phone: 080 4110 4104
Address: 20, Ground Floor, Raheja Arcade, Koramangala, Koramangala 7th Block, Bangalore, Karnataka 560095
Time: 12 Noon to 11 PM
Meals for two: Rs. 400
Cuisines: North Indian
Facilities: Wheelchair Accessible, Vegetarian Only
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Gramin, Koramangala 7th Block, Bangalore: DECOR

I have watched Gramin go from a tiny, 20-seater eatery to one of Koramangala’s most popular restaurants, one that can accommodate 100-plus diners today. It’s grown in the very spot it began, in Raheja Arcade, and the expansion has been propelled by the crowds that waited impatiently outside. The facade has acquired a rustic finish; inside, it’s still a low-ceilinged space made colorful with some ethnic decor elements.Expect to eat in a fully-packed restaurant at most hours.

Gramin, Koramangala 7th Block, Bangalore: FOOD

Gramin’s reputation has been built on its home-style, vegetarian fare. I’ve picked this restaurant for the Navratri season when lots of meat-eaters, too, turn vegetarian. I go here for the wholesome, home style nature of the food.Though Gramin offers several of the North Indian restaurant staples, it stands out with its commitment to serving food that’s free of additives, preservatives and synthetic colour. Of late, there’s a Diet Subziyan section which is not the bland collection of dishes you might expect it to be; in fact, it comprises lightly seasoned, low-fat and very tasty dishes such as Aloo Jeera and Sukki Sabzi.

The dish I almost always start with here is the Bhindi Rajasthani, adies finger fried to a crisp, but not one bit greasy. The Tawa Karela, scat tered with sesame seeds and cashew is another favourite. The paneer is of excellent quality and the Lasooni Paneer Dhuedar is a notso-common smoked paneer tikka. The Tandoori Chaat is a medley of fruit and vegetables and includes sweet-spicy pineapple chunks.

From the curried dishes, I would recommend the Khatta Mitha Baingan made with small purple brinjals in a piquant masala. Bhindi, which is cooked beyond recognition in most restaurants, appears in all its fresh, green crispness here in dishes such as Bhindi Anardana and Dahi Bhindi. The Papad Curry is delicious and not something you see often on restaurant menus.There are dals besides Dal Makhni here, with a simple Dal Fry -which they will make without onion and garlic if you request -and comforting Dal Ghee Tadka.

I like the fact that they indicate whether rotis are Whole Wheat or Maida. Have the Phulkas if you want to keep it light. Or, indulge with Butter Chilli Roti. The Mumbai Pulao is a slightly spicy rice dish which I tasted on my most recent visit to Gramin.

If you want a quick meal at lunch time, order the Thali, which is a steal at Rs. 136; it comes with dal, two vegetable dishes, rotis or phulka, rice of the day, raita and sweet. Between lunch and dinner Gramin is now also serving Naasta. Stop by for Aloo Wada or plump samosas and a perfectly made glass of Masala Chai.

Gramin, Koramangala 7th Block, Bangalore: SERVICE

It’s quick and efficient, which is necessary in a restaurant that’s busy most days. Owner Kashyap Doshi, who has nurtured this restaurant for over a decade with remarkable passion, is always on hand to attend to customers.

Gramin, Koramangala 7th Block, Bangalore: PLUS AND MINUS

Gramin serves vegetarian food cooked with care at unbelievably low prices. You may often have to wait to get a table.