Infact, Diana is Udupi’s Cloud 9 for vegetarian short eats. Once you’re inside Diana be prepared to be enchanted by the queer old world charm and abundance of sunshine streaming in. Adding to the old world charm are old(er) timers and regulars merging in like old furniture.
It only gets better with their legendary food such as their sandwiches, potato bondas, cutlets (http://divyascookbook.blogspot.com/2010/05/vegetable-cutlets-udupi-diana-style.html), noodles and channa bhattura amongst other delicacies.
My absolute favourite that deserves mention is the banana bonda, a delectable variation of banana fritters.
Their bread masala I’ve heard, is worth writing home about! Strangely it has been discontinued for reasons unknown however Manipal being the student central that it is, you’ll have ample opportunities to savour some phenomenal bread masala and omelette throughout the night in push carts across the campus.
At Diana’s, theres plenty to try and it’s even better in bigger groups where one gets to sample almost the entire menu. If you happen to head to Diana for breakfast, make sure you try their signature samosa made of beans and carrots. They are only available in the mornings and go by the theory of “He who comes first, eats first(most?)”.
Gadbad, is Diana’s golden girl in the dessert section and although her(ha!) origin is rumoured to be from another joint in Udupi, Diana brought Gadbad to the limelite. It’s a layered ice cream dessert that is as delicious as it is visibly appealing(by now you should know that I love pics as much as I love food so I try and do justice to both).
Diana is a must try and a 9 on my list that’ll make you go back for more.
P.S-This dedication is for you Vicky.Until hunger do us part, I shall eat your share for you.Tee Hee!
