The review was anonymously done after paying for the meal.

Military Hotels can be found all over Karnataka with Bangalore being the locus of these eateries. According to Wikipedia, “…..after Shahaji Bhonsle's conquer of Bangalore in 1638, most of these hotels were run by his men and the Maratha descendants, and as they were military people, the hotels got this name. ….and there are some people who think that these hotels used to serve mainly the soldiers of Bangalore, both British and Indian, and that's how it got the name.”

Whatever be the history, as a foodie it is difficult to ignore a military hotel (even with a misspelt name) when one is on the highway and come across one. This is what precisely happened to me as I was being driven from Bangalore to the coffee plantation center of India, Chikkamagalur.

We stopped here and my anticipation soared when I saw the local constabulary lunching there en masse. The eatery resembled what one would find on the highway anywhere in the country – a clean, no nonsense, open place with amazing service and…..unlike most of the Highway eateries, great food.

I have often been told not to over order when I am hungry but I ignored the advice, and ordered lots. I started with Mutton Meal (Rs 240) with a dry mutton dish along with mutton curry, chapatti and rice, rasam and buttermilk to follow. The mutton dishes were both delicious though the meat was tough. The curry went amazingly well with Ragi Ball (Rs 20), a poor person’s staple all over Karnataka.

What was the star of the meal was Anjal (a cousin of surmai, Rs 150) which was fresh and oh-so-flaky.  What a delightful meal it was!

On the way back from Chikkamagalur, I insisted we go back to this beautiful eatery because I was determined to explore the fish dishes here further, after my memorable Anjal experience. The staff welcomed us back. Fish Meal (Rs 180) with mackerel curry, fried fish and rice was the starting point, joined later by a delicious Kane (Ladyfish; Rs 300).

This was followed by a freshly made coconutty Kundapura Chicken (Rs 150) with Neer Dosa (Rs 40). The only disappointment here was the neer dosa which was too dry, but the rest of the meal was superlative.

God bless good highway eateries! If you are ever in this area by any chance, you must have a meal here.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 4.0 | Ambience: 3.5 | Service: 4.5 | Value: 4.5 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for two: Rs.500 | Alcohol: No | Credit Card: No | Wheel chair friendly: No

Address: Banglore Shivamogga Road, Mandya – 571448

Tel: +91 99727 79738