Tourist in my own city-4: Nagrath Pete

My gastronomical expedition has no bounds. And that is exactly what brings me and thousands of other Bangaloreans to Nagarath Pete. Although I’m slightly inclined towards a healthy and hygienic diet of late, I’ve never really gone very far from it. I’ve always believed that authentic taste of a certain locality can never be mastered by the wannabe intercontinental chefs. Also since it is equally about namma Bengaluru, I’ve kept my acidity apprehension at bay and come here to give my taste buds a royal treat.

Of late, there is streetfood uprising seen in namma Bengaluru. There’s one in Shivajinagar, Rajajinagar and so many other areas. But other than VVpuram Food Street, the one which has managed to remain in the spotlight for ages is the Nagarath pete street food. Some even say that Nagarath pete street food is older than VV Puram.

Anyone who is familiar with Pete area knows that to get there on a car is almost impossible. And I’ve done my route homework properly for it is so easy lose track and get lost in the gullies of Pete area even when you are taking a walk. After many criss cross junctions, we finally arrive at the Nagarath Pete Food Street.

The constellation of people surrounding Mani’s cart is increasing every minute. As I take pictures, Mani smiles, shies away and gets busy with his chores. I take just a couple of pics and realize that I cannot wait anymore to gobble the refreshments on his cart. I quickly keep the camera inside and order “Ond Masale Dose” as it is called. The tawa is filled with dosa batter swiftly and pure ghee from Nandini refill pack is spouted on top of dosa from a distance. With more people waiting to taste the dosas, the cycle repeats with better speed and better accuracy.

Mani - a very busy man

The guy next to me is worried about his Brand new Hyundai Elantra being parked in one of the gullies of Avenue road. His girlfriend is consoling him that right now satisfying your hunger pangs is more important. I chuckle mildly contemplating that a Bangalorean’s love for food is beyond the social stratification dimensions. Surprisingly to me, looking at a diet fanatic lady like my wife gourmanding on Idlies and ghee rich dosas back to back speak volumes about the palate of Nagrath pete Food Street. I start off with spongy soft idly and spicy chutney, repeat it and then move on to Masala Dosa and idly again.

Idly and dosas, mouth watering chutney

My stomach is more than full now but the creamy Badam milk container is attracting me towards Murthy Kashi’s cart. It is too hard to resist. Before I say anything, my wife orders for all of us and the Badam milk with malai, cashew and badam topping is served hot. The creamy flavour of Badam is felt in every sip. Murthy kashi says he has been doing this for living from past 21 years. He also serves other varieties of sweet savouries but my stomach has already thrown “No space left on the disk” error.

Murthy Kashi's Badam milk with Kesar topping

I’m more than contented that this long pending visit has finally worked out. But the other side of me is not satisfied that I couldn’t try the Chitranna (lemon rice), Fafda, Jalebi, Bombay Sandwich, Vada Pav and so many other delicacies. I convince myself that I’ll come back soon again and force myself out of Nagrath Pete. As I take a turn to reach Avenue Road, a famous Spanish Proverb reverberates in my mind.

“A full stomach makes a happy heart”

This article originally appeared on Huffingtonpost. For complete article click here