Namma Bangalore: The Soul of a Metropolis

by Shoba Narayan

What makes Bangalore different from other cities in India? What are some great restaurants for authentic Karnataka food? Where do you go to find a community of wine lovers in Bangalore? What makes Shivaji Nagar special? How does Bangalore deal with its heritage buildings? Is there a nature community in Bangalore? Where do you go birdwatching in this city? What are some great places to shop? Who are the movers and shakers of this city?
In lucid lively prose, author Shoba Narayan writes about Bangalore, the city she has lived in for close to two decades. Namma Bangalore is a series of essays, which will give visitors and new Bangaloreans a taste of what it means to live in India’s most genteel and cosmopolitan city.

Genres: Nonfiction, India, Travel

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[Anand Ganapathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 to 2.5 stars ... bad writing and worse editing ... constant comparison to Chennai not really required... ( couple of times would have been ok ... also wouldn't have minded if there had been a compare and contrast with similar cities in South India )

[Smitha Murthy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s hard for me not to pick up a book about a city I adore. I have read other books by Shoba Narayan, usually with a chuckle or not.

So, it was with much anticipation I picked up ‘Namma Bangalore.’ Only to be increasingly disappointed. From the beginning, there’s a lot of comparison between Bangalore and Chennai. I get it. Shoba wasn’t born in Bangalore, but still, I found the comparison tedious. And while there is a lot of research on the different parts of Bangalore, I found the book leaning toward name-dropping quite a bit. Where are the ‘ordinary’ folks of Bangalore? I do not want to know more about what Prem Koshy thinks or Abhay Kewadkar - who gets a lot of booktime, for some winey reason..

And I do not understand the wish to consistently and repeatedly mention only Blossom Book House. For many book lovers, you would know that Bookworm on the same Church Street has our hearts, too. How ironic that the author attended a book release talk at Bookworm first!

The editing remains choppy - which is what happens when you take a bunch of essays from elsewhere and try to string them together. And I am not sure how the author claims that the auto-rickshaw drivers here go by meter! Ha! “One and a half?” Not heard of that?

Overall, it’s hard to make me dislike a book on Bangalore. This is my city - I don’t know all its nooks and crannies even though I was born here, and I see it from the distanced and weary air of someone who knows this city will be more than its wine, books, and celebrity shopping.

It’s a city that I wait to discover. Every day.

I don’t like to leave negative reviews - this isn’t one. It’s just my opinion. Please support authors

[♡ Diyasha ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✦ 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐀 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐁𝐀 𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐍 ✦

𝐐𝐎𝐓𝐃 : How many of you love to read about your city or any other city? Do you love to cherish their history? ✨

- But yes, I love that. I love that time travel. I love to cherish the history, of that conquest and new appearances. 

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 : 𝙽𝙰𝙼𝙼𝙰 𝙱𝙰𝙽𝙶𝙰𝙻𝙾𝚁𝙴
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞: 250
𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 : 2.84
𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧 : 3.6
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 : @rupa_publications

Somehow I didn't love this book that much. When I was reading this one, the first part of this book seemed engaging - telling the past of Bangalore and how this history involves the lives of the ordinary. I didn't mind knowing the plots and gaining knowledge. Somehow it doesn't sound engaging though, it looks like the sentences are taken from different places and put together to deliver significance. 

The people who are thrilled to read this book will lose their curiosity after some chapters. This book doesn't make me to say awe but the history doesn't leave me disappointed that much. It was interesting to know about the bookstores, new places, travel places and many more but this book didn't match that expectation.

One can argue with me. But I didn't like this one that much. So I'll give 3 out of 5. Have you heard about this book?

[Sudarshan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hidden within the long and meandering ramblings of the author about wide ranging topics such as wine snobbery, Covid, women empowerment etc is what you were truly looking for, restaurants, places and monuments that you can visit in Bangalore.

This truly was a difficult book to navigate. I did end up with a list of places that I now will visit but the constant comparison to Chennai and California was grating. The latter especially since that is a clear exaggeration. There were also very few non vegetarian recommendations too, so it was disappointing to me. The wine snobbery has its place, in a book about wine tasting maybe. But otherwise why this wasn’t edited the hell out, god only knows. I am a newbie in Bangalore so whether or not this book accurately sums up Bangalore, I can’t say.

To save you the time and effort in reading this book, here is my poorly organised list. You are welcome.

MTR
Maiyas
Vidyarthi Bhavan
CTR malleshwaram
Thindi bheedhi
Food Street VV Puram

Sannadige - Goldfinch Hotel
Kudla - Ramanashree Hotel
Bangalore Oota Company
Asha Food Camp
Airlines Hotel
Nagarjuna
Bheema
Eden Park Restaurant- Andhra Food
Honore Bakery
Brik Oven
Pizza Bakery
Rameswaram Cafe
7 Plates
Sendhoor Coffee
Polammas mess
Sri Amba Bhavani Caterers
Shetty Lunch Home
Dalma Odia Food
154 Breakfast club
Naati Kafe
Nasi and Me
New Bilal Tea Center -Russell Market

Coffee
Sri Suma Coffee Works
Gokul Coffee Works
Sri Vasanth Coffee Works
Mahalakshmi Coffee Kendra
Sri Vinayaka Coffee Beans

Lake
Ulsoor Lake
Hesarghatta Lake

Museum
NIMHANS Brain Museum
Cartoon Gallery
Stamp museum

Book
Gangarams Book Bureau

[Jayakrishna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not well thought during writing.

I don’t like to leave negative comments however I would not recommend to pick up to know Bengaluru

[Pallavi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picked up this book with a lot of expectations but was very disappointed with it. The author has just put together a series of articles and compiled it into a book with her very superficial knowledge about Bengaluru. Dead giveaways are her remarks about the rickshaw drivers , her remarks on coastal Karnataka and treating the cuisine of Udupi , Mangalore and Kundapur as if they were in separate parts of the country, her constant harping about sweet sambhar , the white chutney served with idlis and as if the people of Karnataka or Udupi don’t have the imagination or culinary skill to make any other chutney without using onions . Her constant comparison s to Chennai and name dropping . The chapter on Shivram Karanth is more about how she is acquainted with his family and is a synopsis on the book ‘Growing up Karanth ‘ then elaborating on why Shivram Karanth was the extraordinary multifaceted genius that he was . I can go on but will just conclude that it’s poorly researched and very lazy writing and not a true reflection of the city we call Bengaluru. Bengaluru for us who love it is an emotion just like it’s ipl team , and sadly this book is not a true representation of this beautiful city .

[Vinayak Hegde · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mixed bag of listicles and opinion pieces. Looked like hurriedly put together. I felt there was not much depth in most article. However the two stars for some good recommendations though they will wither with time. These recommendations for food, drink, places to visit will change over time. This could have been better served with a website. I hoped for better in-depth book with this name but this is a cross between a travel guide and opinion pieces on food (Some of them quite biased). At best this is a snapshot of a city in transit and will defnitely feel dated in a few years.

[Debabrata Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Namma Bangalore" by Shoba Narayan is a must-read book that vividly explores the distinctive aspects of Bangalore, setting it apart from other Indian cities. Narayan's captivating prose makes it essential for newcomers and visitors to the city, providing valuable insights into its unique character.

This book comprehensively covers every facet of the city, offering a virtual tour that spans from its culinary delights to its art and culture, lifestyle, nature, neighborhoods, and more. Readers can experience the essence of Bangalore without leaving their couch, thanks to the book's in-depth exploration of the city's diverse and captivating aspects.

Narayan's book highlights Bangalore's culinary diversity, focusing on authentic Karnataka cuisine found in renowned eateries like Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR) and Vidyarthi Bhavan. It also caters to wine enthusiasts by showcasing the city's vibrant wine-loving community and recommending places like Grover Zampa Vineyards for an exploration of Indian wines and connections with fellow connoisseurs.

It highlights the unique charm of Shivaji Nagar, emphasizing its lively markets, deep historical roots, and diverse culture. The book also explores Bangalore's approach to heritage preservation, showcasing the city's effort to harmonize modern development with the conservation of its historical architecture. In doing so, it offers valuable insights into Bangalore's evolving identity and its commitment to preserving its heritage.

This book focuses the city's vibrant nature-loving community, directing readers to immerse themselves in Bangalore's natural beauty at places like Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Bannerghatta National Park. For birdwatching enthusiasts, Narayan recommends exploring the diverse avian life in and around the city at locations like Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Nandi Hills. Additionally, the book caters to shopping enthusiasts by providing valuable insights into great shopping destinations such as Commercial Street, Brigade Road, and UB City, offering a wide range of retail therapy options.

This book is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the multifaceted charm of India's "genteel and cosmopolitan".

[Shwe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading "Namma Bangalore" felt like a heartfelt journey through my city's very soul & its existence, capturing its charm and complexities before the rise of IT and the influx of migrants!

Each page resonated with familiar sights, evolved my taste buds sparking memories, and a renewed appreciation for the vibrant community & and culture that I define as nostalgic Bangalore!

[Young Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved my extremely short, 2-day visit to Bangalore. It’s where my partner spent nearly 10 years studying and working. I loved that it was lush, metropolitan, more walkable than any other major Indian cities I’ve been to. Less people stare me down here, and the weather is great. As Narayan says, dosa at CTR was unforgettable. I haven’t experienced the traffic because it was public holiday when I was there. It felt like a city I could move to. I’m basically ready to fall in love with the city and that’s when I picked up Namma Bangalore.

I loved the first quarter of the book or so more than the rest. I think the atmosphere and the scene of the city were well captured with gentle personal touches. I don’t mind the constant comparison to Chennai and other cities and don’t mind the vibe of an elite who likes to occasionally consider themselves one with the people when they crave street food. This sounds bad but honestly I don’t mind, I’m probably close to that person too. After all, this is the author’s personal take on the city. The author shrieks at the pretentiousness of a pour over with medium roast coffee beans that come with the names and altitude profile of the farm, in favour of an old school cup of filter coffee. Yet she is totally unapologetic about name dropping European hills of wineries and price tags of a few hundred dollars for wine bottles she enjoys with her wine club. That’s fine. We don’t have to make sense. We all enjoy what we enjoy and shit for no reason on what others love but we don’t.

The problem I have with the book is about editing. This collection of piecemeal essays into a book without careful coordination results in her talking about her friend who had to wait to pay hospital bills for hours before she can take the body of her dead father home on one page, and on the very next page listing cool places to shop jewelry in the city. The Covid essays and complaints about polarization in WhatsApp groups don’t belong in this book. I also don’t need to be reminded 130 pages into the book that she lives in Karnataka. There are repetitive thoughts that have been pasted into the book without the reader in mind.

I think Shoba Narayan is a good writer and I thoroughly enjoyed reading her honest, personal take on the city. I learned a lot. I hope to be able to reflect on my home city like her. No two people will experience a city in the same way and I respect her experience. I do wish the editing of the book respected the readers the same way.

[LR 135 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bangalore or Bengaluru (which according to the author, the former was kept to keep the book accessible) is an emotion for anyone who has stayed in the metropolis. There are various facets to the city which make it complicated yet has a tender corner in the inhabitant's heart. However, this book is not written by a Bangalorean but rather by someone who is from Chennai who has lived in Bangalore but has not felt Bengaluru. This isn't so much about regional biases, which the author makes amply clear that she has these regional biases (especially with the ample comparisons to Chennai that have been allowed in the book).

It's the plain fact, that this is a book which is lazy and there has been no attempt to learn about the various facets of the city. The sheer laziness and lack of effort that has gone into the book is perhaps what makes the book so insulting towards Bengaluru. Seeing Kundapur, Udupi and Mangalore dishes being described as separate shows me the thought the author has given to this book. Or rather seeing in places to shop in Bengaluru, there was just a mention of Chickpet and no mention of Majestic- with even Brigade Road and Commercial Street getting a combined mini paragraph. Kannada food was researched by attending a total of 4 weddings, with that number I am an expert in Gujarati, Marathi or French food. The author attempts to explore the historical origins of the city but that attempt is also half-baked. An extensive section on the various wines present could've been allocated to exploring the book-lover community (beyond blossoms).

I very rarely put such low ratings for a book as there is always some craft involved. However, the indolence the author has exerted by writing this book is what makes this book bad in my opinion

[Aditi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Namma Bangalore is your passport to a city that's unlike any other in India, and it's the ultimate guide to understanding what makes Bangalore so special.

It is like a warm hug from a long-lost friend, welcoming you to the heart and soul of India's Garden City. Shoba Narayan's collection of essays effortlessly captures the essence of Bangalore.

If you're a foodie, you won't be disappointed!
Narayan takes us on a mouthwatering journey through the city's culinary landscape, unveiling hidden gems where you can savor authentic Karnataka cuisine.

But "Namma Bangalore" doesn't stop at just food. It delves into the cultural and social tapestry of the city.
From the wine aficionados who gather in various corners of Bangalore to the unique charm of Shivaji Nagar, every page is filled with fascinating insights and stories that make this city come alive.

For shopaholics, "Namma Bangalore" is a treasure trove of information about the city's best shopping destinations.

Her exploration of Bangalore's heritage buildings is a poignant reminder of the city's ongoing struggle to preserve its history amidst rapid development.
The delicate balance between old and new is thoughtfully discussed, giving readers a glimpse of the challenges the city faces.

From tech visionaries to creative entrepreneurs, their stories are a testament to the city's forward-thinking spirit.

It's a celebration of a city that's as genteel as it is cosmopolitan, as dynamic as it is historic, and as diverse as it is welcoming. Dive into these essays, and let Bangalore's charms wash over you.

[Mili Das · Rating 3 out of 5]

Namma Bangalore is a necessary book that you need when you are planning to travel or you have a job accommodation at the beautiful city.

What makes Bangalore different from other cities in India? A captivating journey to where some great restaurants for authentic Karnataka food

If you are in the city where do you go to find a community of wine lovers in Bangalore? You must want to know how does Bangalore deal with its heritage buildings?
No more wandering to find some great places to shop here's the list for all you to stay in Bangalore.
Is there a nature community in Bangalore? Where do you go birdwatching in this city?
Who are the movers and shakers of this city?

Everything about Bangalore is at the tip of your hands now. Now you don't have to search in google for anything you need.
In lucid lively prose, author Shoba Narayan writes about Bangalore, the city she has lived in for close to two decades.

Namma Bangalore is a series of essays, which will give visitors and new Bangaloreans a taste of what it means to live in India’s most genteel and cosmopolitan city.

Seems like a good book to read when you are traveling isn't it? Take this book whenever you are planning to visit India's Silicon valley - Bangalore/Bengaluru.

It's an excellent travel guide book for you.

[Promita Bhowmick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book thinking it would give some insights into the city and also share nostalgic memories of old Bangalore. But the book felt like a polished version of a bunch of ads about every possible business in the city. Sure, I got some good recommendations about eating joints and a bit of all those heritage properties turned into bespoke commercial spaces but overall nothing is fascinating about this book. Having lived here for 21 years and also the fact that Namma Ooru is now a home, I think I've experienced much more than the book suggests/portrays. Bangalore is not only about the elite population but also a bunch of caring and warm people who open their doors and hearts for everyone and not only for business.

[Swati · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so immensely disappointing that I cannot find the words for a review. There's nothing to review or recollect in this.

It's a dump of the author's essays collected from different sources (looks like it to me) and just put together hastily with no editing or flow. Shabby, lazy work from the publishing house.

The essays themselves offer no insight into the soul of Bangalore. Too many unwarranted comparisons with Tamil Nadu. And too many digressions into unnecessary things, which make the reading a jarring experience.

I delighted in the author's previous works and this book made me land with a painful thud from that high.

[Vivek · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a collection of columns tied to Bangalore with varying degrees of relevance and depth. Having said that, most of the food sections are mouth watering, while a significant portion of the rest is worth just glancing through. Maybe some of the shops/places named might inspire me to visit it in future.

Surely someone whose lifestyle exactly matches that of the author would find a higher resonance.

Nevertheless, it is a book that inspires to reflect upon the many faces and phases that this city has offered to me as a resident for more than a decade. It has always been a bittersweet relationship with lots of unexplored experiences.

[Prasad GR · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shoba Narayan covers a broad spectrum of topics concerning Bengaluru in this book.

Some of the essays are informative. Some are endearing. And some are just insipid. But the format of the book offers the reader the privilege of skipping such pieces and moving ahead.

All the essays read like newspaper articles, with quite a few points being repeated. The editor has clearly failed - looks like they rode on the name of the author and took the readers for granted.

The end result is a soulless book that fails to showcase the soul of the metropolis contrary to the promise in the subtitle. A huge letdown!

[Enakshi J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Namma Bangalore" by Shoba Narayan is a captivating exploration of what sets Bangalore apart from other Indian cities. This 5 rating is only because of the relatability quotient and the dena vu vibes that I experienced while reading every chapter. Through a series of engaging essays, Narayan delves into the city's unique characteristics and vibrant culture, making it an essential read for newcomers and visitors alike.

Read the full review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...

[Unnikrishnan R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happen to buy this one while browsing around a bookshop. On a quick skimming, it looked promising. One of the rare instances where I bought a book without checking GoodReads reviews. Am I regretting about that?:) Not too bad, I would say. However

1) If you are very new to the city, it may help. But if you have already explored the city to some extend, the book may not have anything new to offer.

2) Seems some persons/brands/shops have been mentioned repeatedly(as mentioned in other reviews as well) where as similar famous establishments had found no mention at all.

[Vignesh Suresh · Rating 2 out of 5]

First Half of the book were mere rambling which were off putting to a large extent! The later half of the book that spoke about drinks, shopping, Covid and what else to do in Luru apart from eating is where the author actually went into actual author mode and the writing came through rather than mere rambling!

[Megha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book but got bogged down by the lack of story across essays. What started out as a good way to discover new places to visit led to uncharted territory with examples on things unrelated to Banaglore. Disappointed!

[Megha Nadig · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not sure who edited this book and why no one pointed out the inaccurate information provided through out the book. More than describing the uniqueness of the city, it ends comparing Bangalore to other Indian cities. Why?
Would not recommend this book.

[Akshay Gupta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Random essays combined in a book

[Meki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of the author's newspaper columns offering a slice of Bangalore life, many in the listicle style and somewhat repetitive. Although a speedy, entertaining read, a deeper analysis of Bangalore's pulse would have strengthened the writing.

[Karyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was influenced to buy this book by a podcast "musafir" I regularly listened to.
As the title suggests, it's all about the authors views on the City and it's vibes.
It's a good book if you want to visit Bangalore as there are multiple lists of what you can do on your stay.
She has written about the people, the culture they follow, the area layouts and many such things.
I recommend it to get some handy information or just to learn about the City.

[Gauri Priya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I approached 'Namma Bangalore' with high hopes, eager to delve into a biography of my beloved city. However, my anticipation quickly turned to disappointment.

While the book's structure appears well-conceived, its contents come across as skewed, biased, and lacking in thorough research. Repeated name-dropping and reliance on Facebook groups for arguments detract from the credibility of the narrative. While it may serve as a useful guide for tourists or newcomers, for those familiar with Bangalore, it falls short of expectations.

The incessant comparison with Chennai feels more personal than pertinent to a city guide, and the content often reads like a blog chain rather than a cohesive book. Moreover, unsubstantiated claims and lack of factual support undermine the book's credibility.

I was reading a biography on Pondicherry and I wanted something similar for my current city Bangalore as I may move from here soon (and eventually I did); I wanted a memory of contemporary Bangalore.

Marketing the book as a guide to the city carries a significant responsibility on the author and the publisher. As a professional suggestion, I think that a Bangalore graphic map along with the book would have been amazing to refer to. Writing a book is a real hard work, I understand. However, this book needed to stretch itself a little more to make it all count.

And no, Delhi does not smell like Garam Masala! I am sorry!

[Jerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent guide for my time in Bangalore. Purchased my copy for $3.85 at Blossom Book House. Superb deal.

I only had a few days so I wasn't able to try out many of the recommendations in the book. I did, however, get to go to Koshy's at the end of Church St. It's not a place I would have gone just looking at the exterior. Without the book, there would have been zero way for me to know about this local establishment's history.

The chapter about learning how to bargain was also a fun read. The author's voice shines through for that essay. If you've ever been in a developing country with a need to bargain, I think you can relate.

I would recommend the book to someone who is planning to visit Bangalore or those with an interest in the city. Don't read it for pleasure outside of a few chapters on the zeitgeist of the city. Use this primarily as a guide book.