<p>South Bengaluru, especially Jayanagar, is known for its food stops. A new one on the block, attached to the Jayanagar bus terminus, is Kannada Cafe.</p>.<p>Started a month ago, it is frequented by people from all over Bengaluru, and is perhaps the only cafe named after the language.</p>.<p>Software engineer Veerendra Kumar, who runs the cafe, says his motive was to help non-Kannadigas learn Kannada, a language rich in culture and literature.</p>.<p>“A month into this and we realise the need to remind Kannadigas of their own language,” he says.</p>.<p>Many NRIs have lost touch with the language, and are reminded of their childhood days when Kannada was their only language of communication.</p>.<p>College students were among the customers when Metrolife visited the place earlier this week. </p>.<p>“Our ‘Mandakki oggarane’ is famous. It is a north Karnataka snack and the crowd loves it here. Our prices are low, and so a lot of college students drop by on their way home,” Veerendra Kumar says.</p>.<p>The cafe is filled with posters of Jnanpith award-winning Kannada writers, and famous places and personalities from Karnataka.</p>.<p>This is Veerendra Kumar’s first attempt at being a restaurateur, and he plans to open 10 branches of Kannada Cafe in Bengaluru. He has also been receiving inquiries from the Kannadiga diaspora in the US and elsewhere.</p>.<p><span><strong>Famous dishes</strong></span></p>.<p>The café serves dishes from every part of Karnataka. The most in demand are:</p>.<p>*Mudde meal</p>.<p>*Mandakki mirchi paddu</p>.<p>*Badam halwa</p>.<p>*Kodagu-style appam and rotti.</p>.<p><span><strong>Cultural events</strong></span></p>.<p>The café hosts a Kannada cultural event every month. It is looking for artistes to perform. Well-known saxophone player Subbalaxmi is playing at the cafe on July 27. </p>.<p><span><strong>Affordable</strong></span></p>.<p>The prices are pocket-friendly at Kannada Cafe.</p>.<p>Idli Rs 10, Vada Rs 15</p>.<p>Meal Rs 55</p>.<p><span><strong>For young poets</strong></span></p>.<p>The cafe has a board dedicated to new Kannada poets, who can post their work there. Photos of the poets are also featured on the board.</p>.<p><span><strong>Distinguished Kannadigas</strong></span></p>.<p>The café displays photos of famous personalities from Karnataka on its walls. From Salumarada Timmakka to Rahul Dravid, you find many who have made a difference.</p>.<p><span><strong>It’s a library too</strong></span></p>.<p>The cafe has a mini-library and you can borrow books for free. It has a collection of about 700 books.</p>.<p>The principle is simple: you deposit the price of the book, and take the money back when you return the book.</p>.<p>The café accepts donations of Kannada books.</p>.<p><span><strong>Location</strong></span></p>.<p>Where: Next to Jayanagar bus terminus, 66/B, 4th Block, Jayanagar.</p>.<p>Timings: 6.30 am to 10.30 pm.</p>
<p>South Bengaluru, especially Jayanagar, is known for its food stops. A new one on the block, attached to the Jayanagar bus terminus, is Kannada Cafe.</p>.<p>Started a month ago, it is frequented by people from all over Bengaluru, and is perhaps the only cafe named after the language.</p>.<p>Software engineer Veerendra Kumar, who runs the cafe, says his motive was to help non-Kannadigas learn Kannada, a language rich in culture and literature.</p>.<p>“A month into this and we realise the need to remind Kannadigas of their own language,” he says.</p>.<p>Many NRIs have lost touch with the language, and are reminded of their childhood days when Kannada was their only language of communication.</p>.<p>College students were among the customers when Metrolife visited the place earlier this week. </p>.<p>“Our ‘Mandakki oggarane’ is famous. It is a north Karnataka snack and the crowd loves it here. Our prices are low, and so a lot of college students drop by on their way home,” Veerendra Kumar says.</p>.<p>The cafe is filled with posters of Jnanpith award-winning Kannada writers, and famous places and personalities from Karnataka.</p>.<p>This is Veerendra Kumar’s first attempt at being a restaurateur, and he plans to open 10 branches of Kannada Cafe in Bengaluru. He has also been receiving inquiries from the Kannadiga diaspora in the US and elsewhere.</p>.<p><span><strong>Famous dishes</strong></span></p>.<p>The café serves dishes from every part of Karnataka. The most in demand are:</p>.<p>*Mudde meal</p>.<p>*Mandakki mirchi paddu</p>.<p>*Badam halwa</p>.<p>*Kodagu-style appam and rotti.</p>.<p><span><strong>Cultural events</strong></span></p>.<p>The café hosts a Kannada cultural event every month. It is looking for artistes to perform. Well-known saxophone player Subbalaxmi is playing at the cafe on July 27. </p>.<p><span><strong>Affordable</strong></span></p>.<p>The prices are pocket-friendly at Kannada Cafe.</p>.<p>Idli Rs 10, Vada Rs 15</p>.<p>Meal Rs 55</p>.<p><span><strong>For young poets</strong></span></p>.<p>The cafe has a board dedicated to new Kannada poets, who can post their work there. Photos of the poets are also featured on the board.</p>.<p><span><strong>Distinguished Kannadigas</strong></span></p>.<p>The café displays photos of famous personalities from Karnataka on its walls. From Salumarada Timmakka to Rahul Dravid, you find many who have made a difference.</p>.<p><span><strong>It’s a library too</strong></span></p>.<p>The cafe has a mini-library and you can borrow books for free. It has a collection of about 700 books.</p>.<p>The principle is simple: you deposit the price of the book, and take the money back when you return the book.</p>.<p>The café accepts donations of Kannada books.</p>.<p><span><strong>Location</strong></span></p>.<p>Where: Next to Jayanagar bus terminus, 66/B, 4th Block, Jayanagar.</p>.<p>Timings: 6.30 am to 10.30 pm.</p>