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Berkeley's Bangalore Blues Debuts Tasting Menu Highlighting South Indian Cuisine
The new restaurant from the former Pochys team offers a deep dive into dishes from the Indian state of Karnataka.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:21pm by Ben Kaplan
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Bangalore Blues' tasting menu and a la carte offerings bring the bold flavors of Karnataka to the Berkeley community.San Francisco TodayBangalore Blues, a new restaurant in Berkeley, has opened with a focus on cuisine from the Indian state of Karnataka. The restaurant, from the former Pochys team, offers a $80 tasting menu that showcases lesser-seen dishes from the region, such as a cucumber salad with lentils and carrot, chicken chops, and the signature koli saaru chicken curry. In addition to the tasting menu, Bangalore Blues serves a la carte options for lunch, brunch, and dinner, including dosas, idlis, biryanis, and more.
Why it matters
The opening of Bangalore Blues represents a growing interest and appreciation for the diverse regional cuisines of India in the San Francisco Bay Area. By highlighting dishes from Karnataka, the restaurant provides an opportunity for diners to explore flavors and preparations that are not commonly found at typical Indian restaurants.
The details
Bangalore Blues is the latest venture from restaurateur Aravind Pochiraju, who previously operated the fast-casual spot Pochys in West Berkeley. The new restaurant has been in soft opening since January and recently launched an $80 tasting menu that features dishes like mini bonda (fried potato fritters), chicken Manchurian, a cucumber salad with lentils and carrot, chicken chops, and the signature koli saaru chicken curry. The a la carte menu also includes four types of dosa, idlis, Chicken 65, biryanis, and more. Pochiraju is focused on making everything in-house, including his own spice blends, and using specialty ingredients like seeraga samba rice.
- Bangalore Blues opened in its soft opening stage in January 2026.
- The restaurant launched its $80 tasting menu in April 2026.
The players
Aravind Pochiraju
The budding restaurateur who previously operated the fast-casual spot Pochys and is now the owner of Bangalore Blues.
Bangalore Blues
A new restaurant in Berkeley that specializes in cuisine from the Indian state of Karnataka, with a focus on lesser-seen dishes from the region.
What they’re saying
“It's very reminiscent of the Southern Indian palate.”
— Aravind Pochiraju, Owner, Bangalore Blues
What’s next
Bangalore Blues plans to add a full bar once its liquor license is approved, and the brunch menu will expand with custom teas from a friend who creates blends featuring tea from the Indian states of Assam and Meghalaya. The restaurant will also introduce slow-cooked dishes made with a proper tandoor in the coming months.
The takeaway
Bangalore Blues is bringing a deeper exploration of regional Indian cuisine to the Berkeley dining scene, showcasing the flavors and preparations of Karnataka that are often overlooked at typical Indian restaurants. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and house-made spices sets it apart, providing diners with an authentic taste of South Indian culinary traditions.
