Thatte means plate in Kannada. A thatte idli is steamed in a shallow plate mould instead of the usual small cup, so it comes out wide, flat and very soft. The style is associated with Bidadi, on the Mysuru road out of Bengaluru, where roadside idli shops made it famous. At Sri Ram Cafe in Koramangala 5th Block you get it three ways, and the ghee podi version is the one to start with.
The idli menu, with prices
- Idli (1 pc), ₹30
- Idli (2 pcs), ₹50
- Ghee Thatte Idli, ₹50
- Butter Thatte Idli, ₹60
- Ghee Podi Thatte Idli, ₹60
- Rava Idli, ₹50
- Ragi Idli, ₹40
- Button Idli Sambar, ₹80
Ghee Podi Thatte Idli, the one to order
One big plate idli comes out of the steamer, gets a spoon of hot ghee, and is dusted with podi, the coarse roasted lentil and chilli powder people call gunpowder. The ghee soaks into the top, the podi clings to it, and you tear it with your fingers and dip it into sambar. ₹60.
If you want it richer, the Butter Thatte Idli (₹60) swaps the ghee for a pat of butter. The plain Ghee Thatte Idli (₹50) is for people who want the sambar and chutney to do the talking.
Rava, ragi and button idli
- Rava Idli (₹50) is made from semolina, not rice batter. It is lighter and has a slightly grainy bite. A good choice if you find rice idli heavy.
- Ragi Idli (₹40) uses finger millet, so it is darker, earthier and the healthiest thing on the breakfast menu.
- Button Idli Sambar (₹80) is a bowl of tiny idlis drowned in sambar. Spoon food, no cutlery skills needed.
The sambar and chutney
Chutneys are made through the day, not once in the morning. The coconut chutney is mild and the sambar is Karnataka style, a touch sweet, with vegetables. If you want heat, ask for extra podi.
What goes with idli
The right partner is a vada. Uddina Vada is ₹40 for one piece and ₹60 for two, crisp outside and soft inside. Add a Filter Coffee (₹30) and you have the full morning plate for ₹120. There is more on the coffee in filter coffee in Koramangala.
Idli as a parcel
Idli is the one breakfast that travels well. Order on WhatsApp for pick-up, or ask about bulk breakfast boxes for office meetings; the cafe does catering from 50 boxes with two days' notice.
Sri Ram Cafe, #53, 17th A Main Road, KHB Block, Koramangala 5th Block, Bengaluru 560095. Open 6:30 AM to 11 PM every day.
