Food & Shopping
Belagavi is a paradise for food lovers, offering a blend of North Karnataka, Maharashtrian, and Goan cuisines. From spicy street food to traditional meals and unique local sweets, the city has something for every palate. Here’s a guide to the best food and culinary experiences in Belagavi:
1. Must-Try Local Dishes in Belagavi
a) Belagavi Kunda (Signature Sweet)
- A rich, caramelized milk-based sweet made by slow-cooking milk, sugar, and khoya.
- Available at Purohit Sweets, Camp area, the most famous place for authentic Belagavi Kunda.
b) Jolad Roti Oota (North Karnataka Thali)
- A traditional North Karnataka meal featuring:
- Jolad Roti (Jowar Flatbread)
- Badanekayi Yennegai (Stuffed Brinjal Curry)
- Kaalu Palya (Sprouted Lentil Curry)
- Chutney Pudi (Spicy Peanut Powder)
- Curd, Rice, and Pickle
- Best Places to Try: Kamath Upachar, Kalyani North Karnataka Thali
c) Girmit (Spicy Bhel)
- A crunchy, spicy version of bhel puri made with puffed rice, onions, and tamarind sauce.
- Popular as an evening street snack.
- Best Places to Try: Street stalls in Shahapur & Market Area.
d) Bhakarwadi (Crispy Savory Roll)
- A deep-fried, spiral-shaped snack stuffed with spiced gram flour.
- Goes well with chai (tea).
- Best Places to Buy: Ajanta Sweets, Purohit Sweets.
e) Mandige (Festive Sweet)
- A thin, crispy sweet bread filled with sugar and khoya.
- Usually prepared during festivals and weddings.
- Best Place to Try: Specially made in homes or sweet shops in Shahapur.
2. Best Street Food in Belagavi
a) Churmuri (Spicy Puffed Rice Snack)
- Similar to bhel puri but with a Karnataka twist, topped with raw mango and peanuts.
- Best Place to Try: Shivaji Nagar & College Road stalls.
b) Pav Bhaji & Vada Pav
- Belagavi has Maharashtrian influences, making Pav Bhaji and Vada Pav popular.
- Best Place to Try: Bombay Pav Bhaji near Ramdev Hotel.
c) Goli Bajji (Mangalore Bajji)
- Soft, deep-fried dumplings made with curd and flour.
- Served with coconut chutney.
- Best Place to Try: Hotel Ajanta, Khade Bazaar.
d) Dosa & Idli Varieties
- Try the Butter Masala Dosa & Thatte Idli at local eateries.
- Best Places: Pai Tiffins, New Grand Cafe.
e) Tandoori Chai
- Special clay pot tea, a must-try for tea lovers.
- Best Place: Tandoori Chaiwala, Udyambag.
3. Best Restaurants in Belagavi
a) New Grand Cafe (Iconic South Indian Breakfast)
Location: Kirloskar Road
- Famous for Dosa, Idli, and Filter Coffee.
- An old-world charm eatery, serving locals for decades.
b) Niyaaz (Best Biryani & Mughlai Food)
Location: Fort Road
- Signature Belagavi Biryani with authentic spices.
- Serves delicious kebabs, curries, and mutton dishes.
c) Zaara Café (Trendy Café with Continental Food)
Location: Khanapur Road
- Best for burgers, sandwiches, and shakes.
- Great ambiance for a casual outing.
d) Sun & Sands (Fine Dining)
Location: Nehru Nagar
- Serves multi-cuisine dishes including Indian, Chinese, and Continental.
- Perfect for a family dinner or business lunch.
4. Unique Culinary Experiences in Belagavi
a) Dharwad Peda Tour
- Though famous in Dharwad, Dharwad Peda is easily available in Belagavi.
- Best Place to Try: Babu Singh’s Peda Shop.
b) Military Hotel Cuisine (Authentic Non-Veg Food)
- Try mutton fry, naati koli saaru (country chicken curry), and ragi mudde at local military hotels.
- Best Place: Rajanna Military Hotel.
c) Farm-to-Table Experience
- Visit local farms near Jamboti to try fresh sugarcane juice, buttermilk, and organic meals.
d) Belagavi’s Special Malpuri
- A unique sweet similar to Jalebi but softer.
- Best Place: Nath Pai Sweets, Tilakwadi.
5. Best Places for Coffee & Chai in Belagavi
a) Ajanta Cafe (Classic South Indian Filter Coffee)
Location: Market Area
- Serves strong filter coffee with crispy dosas.
b) Tandoori Chai Wala (Unique Clay Pot Tea)