A Basavanagudi institution serving South Indian tiffin since 1943, best known for a crisp butter masala dosa. Seating is compact and the queue often stretches onto Gandhi Bazaar at weekend breakfast.
Vidyarthi Bhavan opened in 1943 on Gandhi Bazaar in Basavanagudi and has remained a family business, with the Adiga family running the kitchen. The short menu is built around the masala dosa, cooked on a large griddle and served with a knob of white butter, alongside vada, idli, kesari bath and filter coffee. The room is small and functional, with shared tables, quick turnover and a permanent queue at weekend breakfast. The restaurant is vegetarian and does not serve alcohol. Cash and UPI are standard. Because the restaurant relies on commercial LPG cylinders, supply disruptions in 2026 led the owner to warn of possible reduced hours, so opening hours are worth checking on the day. It sits within walking distance of the VV Puram food street and Brahmin's Coffee Bar, and is a fixture of Basavanagudi food walks.
| Price | INR 100-250 per person (approx $1-3 USD) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, morning and afternoon-evening sessions with a midday break; hours vary |
| Reservations | Not accepted; walk-in with a queue at weekend breakfast |
| Address | 32, Gandhi Bazaar Main Road, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004, India |
Signature dishes
- Butter masala dosa
- Vada
- Kesari bath
- Filter coffee
Good to know
- Known for
- Family-run since 1943, famous for a thick, crisp masala dosa finished with a large knob of butter
Location
32, Gandhi Bazaar Main Road, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004, India
12.9438, 77.5728 View on map
Highlights
- Butter masala dosa served since 1943 in the same Gandhi Bazaar location
- Compact shared-table room with fast turnover
- Filter coffee and kesari bath complete the classic tiffin order
- Walkable from VV Puram Food Street
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 8:30AM on weekends to shorten the queue
- Carry cash or UPI; card use is limited
- Hours can shift with cooking-gas supply, so check before travelling
- Order the dosa first, as the menu is short and items sell out
Accessibility
Older building with a narrow entrance and shared tables; step-free access is limited.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Vidyarthi Bhavan vegetarian?
Yes, the menu is entirely vegetarian and no alcohol is served.
Does it take reservations?
No, it operates on a walk-in basis with a queue at busy times.