WOODLANDS RESTAURANT

MANGALORE DIARIES

I am sucker of South Indian food which means I always end up in exploring some new joints serving some authentic food.  There are 4 states of Southern India which dishes out some famous south Indian delicacies but every state has its unique flavor, taste, aroma, culinary traditional recipes, food culture, spice blends, texture. This time during Diwali I was in Coorg, Karnataka and on my way back happened to land in Mangalore which is a coastal city of Karnataka and believe me the city treated me very well in terms of its cuisines.

Mangalore, an important port-city on the Konkan coast is emerging as an educational and industrial hub. Between picturesque Kerala and urbanized Bangalore, Mangalore offers the best of both worlds. A melting pot of communities like Beary Muslims, Mangalorean Catholics, Saraswath Brahmins, and Bunts to name a few, the local cuisine is a delicious reflection of this fusion. Some of the ingredients that play an important role in this cuisine are coconut, rice, dried red chilies, garlic, ginger, curry leaves and tamarind. Like all coastal communities, fish is an indispensable part of the everyday meal. But being a pure vegetarian I refrained myself from having any coastal food but I would like to say that Mangalore is a heaven for all those who enjoy having coastal food. You can sample out idlys, vadas, dosas, Mangalore buns, Goli Bhajji at any of the city’s Udupi restaurants. 

Out of the several restaurants I chose to have my breakfast at one of the iconic eatery in Mangalore which is considered as an institution for authentic Mangalorean cuisine. This restaurant was in my list from last many years when it was first broadcasted on a famous food show HOMP by Rocky and Mayur and I had made up mind at that time that whenever I happen to get a chance to visit Mangalore then would surely pay my visit to this place.

Woodlands restaurant is an integral part of Hotel Woodlands located at Balmatta on Bunts Hostel Road. It is in the heart of the city and it opens up its doors at early hour of 6 am. It has a typical mediocre interiors and is successful in preserving the quaintness of past. It has an age old vintage furniture with typical brown wooden chairs and tables having a base of white marble.  Its drab no-frills interiors are the epitome of form and function; whirring ceiling fans on top and waiters with Lungi tucked in  whizzing about with Germanic efficiency. There is no A/C section and place is crammed with tables and you will have a nostalgic feeling on entering it.

Now coming to the breakfast, my picks were Masala dosa, Idly sambhar and Goli Bhajji. Masala Dosa and Goli Bhajji is their signature dishes and sure try out if you are at Woodlands. It is famous for its Crispy dosas and spongy Goli Bhajjis. Service here is very fast and accurate as my order was served within few minutes.

Masala Dosa: Masala Dosa served here has unique taste in itself. It has thick consistency of batter and are crispy from outside and spongy from inside. The inner crust of the dosa has soft batter and it is perfectly cooked in ghee on the tava giving a dark brown texture on outer side. Masala is made up of mashed potatoes, onions, finely chopped green chilies, turmeric and flavored with curry leaves. Also interesting point to note is that Sambhar served here is in a small bowl which we frequently use in our homes for drinking water. Sambhar was too good in taste and served hot. Chutney was fresh prepared from coconuts, urad dal, green chilies, grated ginger and tampered with mustard seeds and curry leaves served in baby bowl.

Idly Sambhar: Idly Sambhar was also good and nothing special about it. It was similar to any idly that we get in other Udupi restaurants. Idlys were soft and pillowy and went well with sambhar and chutney. They serve unlimited Sambhar and chutneys unlike any other Udupi restaurants.

Goli Bhajji: Last but not least was the plate of Goli Bhajjis or Mangalore Bhajjis. Woodlands serve one of the best Goli Bhajjis in Mangalore and they are served piping hot right from the fryer along with coconut chutney. These are fried dumplings made of Maida, curd, finely chopped green chilies and coriander, grated ginger, cumin seeds, rice flour, baking soda and salt. They are fluffy, crispy from outside and just melts in mouth. It is light snack usually eaten in evening accompanied by cup of tea or coffee.

Filter coffee: How can I forget to have a South Indian filter coffee after such sumptuous breakfast. You get one of the best coffee in this region as there are coffee plantations and this region is leading producer of coffee in India. It was served in cup and truly aromatic.

I had a great experience over here for breakfast and place is also pocket friendly. They also serve South Indian meals after 11:30 am and you get the option of Boiled rice and white rice in Thali. If you are in Mangalore don’t miss this place.

Sam’s Report card:

Taste: 9/10,

Ambience: 7/10

Service: 9/10

VFM: 8/10