I have just come back from Bangalore, a city that continues to surprise me. It is bold, it is modern, it is innovative, yet it is rooted deeply in its heritage. During my recent visit, the city’s passion for experiential dining was notable. While everyone assumes the food culture of Bangalore is all about non-vegetarian cuisine, I was pleasantly surprised by the growing awareness that gourmet vegetarian cuisine is catching up.
One such instance was the trendy Handkerchief Pasta, a dish that beautifully marries Italian heritage with contemporary flavours. This culinary creation, which is increasingly favoured within the city’s gourmet landscape, represents an artistic interpretation of traditional Italian pasta, meticulously prepared using ethereal, thin sheets and complemented by sumptuous sauces and fresh, premium components.
Handkerchief pasta, a delicate and visually captivating dish, stands as a classic of Italian cuisine that has been introduced to India through a café located in Bangalore. Finely crafted sheets of handmade pasta are gracefully enveloped around a flavourful filling and accompanied by a luxurious, creamy sauce. This dish, characterized by its gourmet constituents and genuine Italian flavours, serves as a definitive indication of the transformation of global cuisine within the Indian context.
One of the most breath-taking variations I had was the Handkerchief Pasta with mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and broccoli. The earthy mushrooms, the creamy mashed potatoes, and the tender crunch of broccoli all together presented a heavenly harmony. The dish was paired with a rich butter sauce flavoured with garlic and onions, which enhanced the flavours and made each bite a rich experience.
Another tasty variation was the Gratinéed Handkerchief Pasta Primavera. The dish highlighted the freshness of bright vegetables such as asparagus, corn, and broccoli, interspersed with creamy mashed potatoes. The pasta was baked golden with a delectable, basil and parsley-flavoured butter sauce, topped with a luxurious and fragrant finish.
In addition to pasta, Bangalore’s cuisine never disappoints with its interpretation of international cuisine. A highlight of the meal was a colourful Buddha Bowl, which was a mix of fresh ingredients like avocado, chickpeas, edamame, zucchini grilled to perfection, and red peppers, all placed atop perfectly cooked rice. This nutritious, healthy meal was a welcome respite from the richness of pasta, proving that healthy food can be just as tasty.
Another standout item is the Balsamic Spinach & Mushroom Bagel. The sandwich was the perfect blend of earthy mushroom, fresh spinach, and the barest hint of balsamic glaze, a tasty combination of flavours. A toasted, lightly crunchy bagel was a pleasant texture, and it was an excellent choice for someone looking for a filling yet sophisticated meal.
Roastea, a restaurant that has become very popular in Bangalore’s gourmet culture, is unique in its well-designed menu that demonstrates an amalgamation of Pan-Asian and European tastes. The restaurant has adopted the concepts of fine dining with a modern touch. The dishes presented at Roastea demonstrate a focus on quality ingredients, meticulous preparation methods, and enthusiasm for global cuisines.
While Bangalore continues to be a hub of gastronomic experimentation, restaurants like Roastea are revolutionizing the way we eat—offering authenticity, creativity, and quality on every plate. Whether you like traditional Italian, health bowls, or experimental fusion food, the city’s food scene has great options.
