Bengaluru’s Famous Avarebele Mela: A Culinary Winter Wonderland

Location: National College Grounds

Dates: Dec 27 to Jan 5

Time: 10 AM to 10 PM

Bengaluru’s famous winter food festival “Avrebele Mela”  featuring “avrebele” is back and this year (2024-2025) it will be conducted between Dec 27 to 5 Jan 2025 at the National College grounds. 

Check out this link to understand how to reach the location

What is Avarekai?

Avarekai is the Kannada name for the Hyacinth bean which is largely cultivated in Karnataka, mostly in the Mysore-Tumkur- Bangalore regions during the winters. The seasonal bean is used in many south Indian delicacies such as Idli, Dosa, Pongal, Vada, Uthappam, Paddu, Bisi Bele Bath, Rasam, and many more items, In fact, there are several unique Avarebele twists to several food items that are unique to the locals. 

What is Avarebele mela?

The Avarebele Mela which was started in 2000 in VV Puram, Basavangudi by Shree Vasavi Condiments supports the Avarekai farmers of Karnataka. Inspired by Basavanagudi’s Kadalekai Parise, the VV Puram’s popular Shree Vasavi Condiments started the Avarebele Mela in 2000.

The avarekai is directly brought from the farmers, and converted to yummy local delicacies to be sold during the mela. Some of these products are available all year around in the VV Puram Thindi Beedi/Food Street.

What to eat?

Over 100 dishes centered around the Avarekai are expected to make it to the Mela. The seasonal bean is used in many South Indian delicacies such as Idli, Dosa, Pongal, Vada, Uthappam, Paddu, Bisi Bele Bath, Rasam, and many more items. Not just the south Indian dishes but this seasonal veggie will also be included in global cuisines, bringing a local twist to Chinese dishes such as Chow Mein and even the fried rice at the food fest. 

Food lovers can savor more than 100 varieties of dishes prepared using Avarekai (Hyacinth bean). Snacks like Avarebele Chikki, and Avarebele Halwa are among the popular items on the list.

Avarekai Dishes

• Avarekai Dosa: Crisp dosas mixed/topped with spicy avarekai.
• Avarekai Akki Roti: Traditional local rice flour roti studded with avarekai.
• Avarekai Uppittu (Upma): Flavored rave cooked with avarekai.
• Avarekai Vada: Crispy fritters made with avarekai.
• Hitakida avrekai huli : Flavorful lentil-based sambar.
• Avarekai Bisi Bele Bath: A twist to the classic rice-lentil dish with avarekai.
• Avarekai Chaat: A tangy and spicy snack with fresh beans.
• Avarekai Holige: A sweet flatbread with an Avarekai and jaggery filling.
• Avrekai Nippatu/Mosarukodbala: Crunchy, savory, South Indian snack made from rice flour and spices
• Avrebele Paddu: Shallow fry/steamed rice batter

In 2024, a special sweet called ‘Appu Special,’ was introduced as a tribute to the late Kannada star Puneeth Rajkumar.

What can you pack/carry home/order – Order Avrebele online?

You can pack most of the food described above, but a must-try would be the famous Avarebele snack. This is very popular with the locals & is available in several flavors:

• Pepper Avarebele
• Kaju Avarebele
• Mixed Avarebele: Mixed with Congress/peanut
• Special masala avrebele
• Masala Avarebele
• Pudina Avarebele
• Garlic Avarebele

These are priced at Rs100 for 100 grams – To order this to your doorstep anywhere across the globe – Order with us/click here

This mela is not just about food—it’s a celebration of Karnataka’s culinary heritage. The lively atmosphere with stalls, vendors, and the aroma of freshly cooked Avarekai dishes makes it a must-visit event! In case you miss this at National College grounds, head straight to VV Puram Food Street, where you will surely get the same vibes throughout the year.

FAQs

What is the entry fee for Avarebele Mela 2024?

There is no entry fee for the Avarebele Mela.

How much is the ticket for Avarebele Mela VIP?

VIP Ticket is Rs. 100 per person.

What is the history of Avarebele Mela?

The Avarebele Mela, started in 2000 by Shree Vasavi Condiments in VV Puram, Basavanagudi, supports Karnataka’s avarekai farmers. Inspired by Basavanagudi’s Kadalekai Parise, this festival brings fresh avarekai directly from farmers and turns it into mouthwatering local delicacies.

Hosted on the famous Thindi Beedi (Food Street), it attracts food enthusiasts eager to savor these seasonal treats. Beyond the mela, some Avarekai-based products remain available year-round, ensuring the bond between farmers and the community continues throughout the year.

Where is the venue for Vasavi Avarebele Mela 2024?

The venue for 2024 Avarebele Mela which starts from Dec 27 is in National College Grounds, Basavanagudi.

What is avarebele in English?

Avarebele in English is Hyacinth Bean (Fried Hyacinth Bean).