After the inception of the Charcoal food trend in the last few years, most chefs seem to be extensively using activated charcoal in their menus these days. If you have seen black burger buns, appam or ice cream and wondered what it is, then let me tell you, it’s just your everyday food that is pigmented due to the addition of activated charcoal powder.
Activated charcoal is nothing but a by-product of burning wood, coconut shells or bamboos. Its when activates when the organic matter is exposed to a high temperature and in the process turns black in color. It is quite different from consuming burnt or charred food. So, you are safe. Activated charcoal is used as a coloring agent to give an extra edge to your regular meal. Its imparts an earthy, slightly smoky taste to your food. Having said that, even though it removes toxins from the body, having too much of it is not good for the body.
Here are 7 places in the Silicon city where you can get your hands on to some delicious Activate Charcoal dishes.
Charcoal Samosa at The Open Box
The Open Box restaurant serves two versions of their unique Charcoal Samosa for the veg and nob-veg lovers. The dough of both the variants is made with activated charcoal while the filling differs. Potato Samosa is stuffed with spicy potatoes whereas the Keema Mattar Samosa is filled with flavourful keema and peas mashed together. This take on infusing Activated Charcoal with our desi Samosas will surely leave you speechless.
If you feel like it, order their Tob Mega Burger with Charcoal Bun just to complete your night with all black meal. This jumbo charcoal bun is filled with a double layer of grilled chicken patties, cheese, dressing with butt lot of yumminess.
9, 4th Floor, Halcyon Complex, St. Marks Road, Bangalore.
Black Dumplings at GYLT
If you are a dumpling fan like me, I would suggest you visit GYLT to grab a bite of their steamed Charcoal dumplings with bell pepper and feta mousse. The soothing taste of this black dumplings will surely blow your mind. This is a unique upgrade to the regular dumplings we are used to and kind of reminds me of the Chocolate Momos of Wow Momos, only more gourmet.
For your sweet tooth, I suggest you try their Black Sesame Crème Brûlée. This is a deliciously decadent, creamy and rich dessert with a wonderful nutty flavor that will sweep you off your feet.
Survey 22 & 125, Byrathi Village, Opposite South Asia College, Hennur Main Road, Hennur, Bangalore.
Black Velvet Waffles at The Belgian Waffle Co.
The waffles are the next best thing and many places have added a touch of Charcoal flavor to their waffles. If you are craving some, then surely try the Belgian Waffle Co’s signature Charcoal black velvet waffle filled with salted caramel and fresh bananas along with a cup of cold coffee from their many outlets throughout Bangalore. The sweet lover in you can thank me later. You could also head out to the Waffle Stories and try their Black Waffle. Let me know, how you liked them in the comments.
1376, 5th Cross, 6th Main E Block AECS Layout, Brookefield, Bangalore.
Black Burgers at Rassasy by Barcelos
The Rassasy of SA based fast-food chain Barcelos serves Black burgers with a handcrafted organic black bun, a juicy patty of your choice along with some peri mayo, jalapeno, lettuce, and tomatoes. These bad boys can make you fall in love with them at the very first glance. These handcrafted gourmet burgers are served with potato skin fries, spicy mayo, and creamy corn and peas salad. The best thing about Rassasy is the variety of Peri-Peri sauces, that can add extra flavors to the dishes.
You can also try their Sliders Platter with four colored mini burgers stuffed with veg/chicken patty, salad, and peri mayo. Get a nice chilled beer to go with your meal!
22 & 23, Upper Ground Floor, Shantiniketan Whitefield Main Road, Hoodi, Whitefield, Bangalore.
Charcoal Lemonade at Enerjuvate Studio & Cafe
A refreshing detox drink that consists activated charcoal, lemon, and ginger with a hint of rosemary that will hit all the right notes of your taste bud. Mind it, its more on a sweeter side. Enerjuvate Studio & Cafe have another outlet in Bangalore other than the one in Koramangala. Alternatively, you can get your hands on some prepackaged Charcoal Lemonade by RAW Pressery brand.
82, 7th Main, 4th B Block, Near BDA Complex, Koramangala 4th Block, Bangalore.
Black Ice Cream at Tera Bites Ice Creams
Black ice creams were a rage at the start of this year. The Instagram famous black ice cream at the Tera Bites Ice Cream parlor looks beautiful and the flavors are refreshingly mild compared to how inky your lips and teeth will be after devouring a cone. Costing mere Rs 50, these cones are available only on the weekends as Tera Bites sell different flavors on different days of the week. You get to choose between having it on a cone or on a charcoal waffle.
127/4, KHB MIG Colony, Near Jyothi Nivas College, Koramangala 5th Block, Bangalore.
Charcoal Pizza at The Bier Library
Don’t go by the looks of it, this black activated charcoal pizza named Pizza Nero tastes awesome! Charcoal is the main ingredient here, the Pizza Nero is built on a thin activated charcoal crust and topped with cream cheese sauce and fresh chopped basil. The chefs Seemanta Baruah and Manjit Singh of the Bier Library have designed its menu as regional as well as eclectic. They serve some of the most unique 21-inch mega pizzas in the city!
To satisfy the sweet lover inside you, I will suggest you try their Serradura which is Portuguese sawdust pudding. This famous dessert of Macau shows a layered outlook with a simple combination of whipped cream and crumbled Marie biscuit.
14, Patel Narayana Reddy Layout, 80 Feet Main Road, Koramangala 6th Block, Bangalore.
Thanks to the city chefs, who are taking notice of this trend, experimenting with the ingredients and incorporating them extensively in their menus. After all, it makes for a fantastic Instagram post which has become a must-do for every foodie nowadays.
If you like this post, don’t forget to share with your friends and family. And, if you have tried any of these Activated Charcoal dishes, tell us all about it in the comments section down below! I am taking my blog to the next level with BlogChatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.
Vartika Gakhar September 24, 2019
This is something absolutely new for me, never heard of this before, thanks for sharing. Once I’m in Bangalore next will check out.
Mrs. Sunshine September 30, 2019
This is completely new for me. I’ve known activated charcoal to be used in beauty products like soaps and face washes but using it in food really surprised me. Thanks for the information.#MyFriendAlexa #CloudandSunshineReads
sushmita September 25, 2019
It’s not just Bangalore but I have had similar food and drinks in Hyderabad as well. I loved the charcoal lemonade! <3
Anwesha Guha September 26, 2019
Yes, Sushmita, I should say Activated Charcoal is taking over India but since I stay in Bangalore, I thought of writing only about my city.
Kinshoo September 26, 2019
Have seen few instagram post of charcoal burger etc. But didn’t know about so many food items. Now I think I have to try some
Asfa September 28, 2019
Charcoal has been a blessing to mankind off lately. Charcoal in food must be droolworthy.#millennialscribbler # myfriendalexa
Pratibha September 26, 2019
Bookmarking this as I am in Bangalore next month, so I should give these a try #myepicareads #MyFreindAlexa
Surbhi Prapanna September 26, 2019
I know about it a little bit, but after reading your post and seeing the pics got a perfect idea about it. Seems like the latest food trend in the food industry..Would love to try this, thanks for sharing this interesting info. #Surbhireads #myfriendalexa
ujjwal mishra September 26, 2019
People want to indulge in anything that’s trending. Although the dishes are unique and very thoughtful of the chef who designed and made it, however, I fill that much of internal cleansing is not required by the body. For fun it’s great. You have really done a wonderful research, I am sure not many people knew about this.
Alpana September 27, 2019
Wow..thats a lot of charcoal. 🙂 So far I have always seen charcoal on Veg Sizzlers. And this is new to me. I will give it a try
Matheikal September 27, 2019
This is interesting. Man’s quest for novelty is reaching amazing and amusing levels.
Shweta Suresh September 27, 2019
Activated charcoal seems to be quite the rage these days! I remember the days when they were confined to face washes, face packs and other cosmetic products. Now they have entered even the toothbrush and food industry too! Thank you for compiling a list of places where we’ll get activated charcoal added foods! This is a foodie’s paradise.
Sindhu Vinod Narayan September 30, 2019
I’ve not heard of this but looks very intriguing and mouthwatering. Will definitely check this out.
#tmmreads #myfriendalexa
Richa MIna September 27, 2019
Well, it doesn’t look that appealing, I’ll try it out to see if it taste better than it looks.
Anahita Irani September 27, 2019
Interesting list of charcoal food items. I have tried a few too. The taste is fine only dont like the look of it.
Pooja Priyamvada September 27, 2019
I am a chocolate lover, this was such a treat
ginia September 27, 2019
This is something totally new! What is the exact health benefits of activated charcoal? Personally though for me, any black colored food is very unappetizing for me.
Vidhi Virani September 27, 2019
I really need to find where i can get these in mumbai. Would love ro try it. Thanks for sharing this.
abhijit September 27, 2019
This is news to me. Adding charcoal on a perfectly good meal! I can understand charcoal can adsorb bad things in the gut. But adding deliberately on food is unusual, to say the least. Bangalore is the place of the hip and happening. So many things are tried and tested there. Charcoal addition is probably one such thing.
Anwesha Guha September 29, 2019
You are right Abhijit. But having said that, you should try some too.
Pr@Gun September 27, 2019
Wow, that’s interesting to know, well-researched post. I would love to try this to get an earthy, smoky taste in my favorite food items.
#PraGunReads #MyFriendAlexa
Trapti September 27, 2019
Wow!! It looks different, it will definitely good.
Anurag Singh September 27, 2019
Wow this is new for me. I never heard charcoal can be edible. I must try some.
Varsha September 27, 2019
OMG, that’s a lot of charcoal 🙂 Totally tempting. My next visit to Pune will be specifically only for charcoal food and desserts. The search will be on!
#MyFriendAlexa #vigorousreads
Sitharaam Jayakumar September 27, 2019
Activated charcoal is totally new to me but the images of charcoal samosa sure makes my mouth water. If I ever get a chance I will try it out. Sure sounds like a novel idea.
Narinder Bhatia September 27, 2019
That’s something new for me 🙂
Couldn’t have imagined it at all. It’s amazing to see how people’s tastes are changing and how the providers are capitalizing on innovative ways to woo the consumers/ customers. To be true, some of it looked really yummy. I am sure you would have tasted them all to share which one tasted the best 🙂
I must compliment you on this wonderfully innovative post!
PRB September 27, 2019
Charcoal Waffles look great! I live in Belgium now but don’t think I’ve spotted them here yet.
Ritu September 27, 2019
This is news to me. I am aware of the activated charcoal but haven’t come across its incorporation in food. Skill skeptical about that taste. You learn something new every day. Thanks for sharing.
Pragnya Mishra September 27, 2019
Till today, I knew about fish/meat/rice balls wrapped in banana leaves charcoal burnt for a meal on special occasions. But this variety of food is new to e. Need to try once.
Sonia Dogra September 27, 2019
Okay. This was so new. I have heard of charcoal packs taking over the market but not this. On another note talk of food inclusivity!
Ninu Nair September 27, 2019
Had never heard of them! Surely next time I visit Bangalore, I am going to try food from the charcoal list 🙂
Nilesh Sharma September 27, 2019
Hi Anwesha, this is a great post. Never heard about this yummy charcoal treats, but try some on my next Bangalore trip. Thank you so much for writing and sharing this post 🙂
Srishti September 27, 2019
Never heard of charcoal foods before. Sounds tasty and interesting. Thanks for sharing. I am a foodie and loved to hear a new variety of today!
Noor Anand Chawla September 27, 2019
I have tried charcoal lemonade in Delhi but none of the other dishes. There are many health benefits of charcoal.
Janaki Srinivasan September 27, 2019
Loved your post. Very informative and detailed. Will certainly try the dishes you mentioned on my next visit to Bangalore. Oh! And by the way, awesome pics.
Gurjeet Chhabra September 27, 2019
This is really different and unique charcoal food, love to try it if available in Delhi.
Arv September 27, 2019
I’m not really a fan of charcoal food. I never liked the taste and smell of charcoal. I believe it is just a fad.
Rajesh N khadkikar September 27, 2019
Superb post with mouth-watering pics, why activated charcoal is good for us?
Anwesha Guha September 30, 2019
Rajesh, if taken moderately, Activate Charcoal will help flush out the toxins from your body but too much will only be harmful.
Harjeet Kaur September 27, 2019
Amazing…I have heard but not seen charcoal foods. I love colour in my food and I don’t think I would like to eat black food. #wordsmithkaurreads #MyFriendAlexa #BlogChatter
Rakhi Jayashankar September 27, 2019
I have tried charcoal face washes and face packs but food is a new info.
Thanks for sharing
Shubhra Rastogi September 27, 2019
Something new and definitely trending. But as for me, I would not like to try the charcoal foods as they don’t look too appealing. #MyFriendAlexa #ShubhraReads
Geethica Mehra September 27, 2019
I was not aware that charcoal is used to make foods also. Although it may be healthy I am not sure if I will be able to have it.
Anwesha Guha September 30, 2019
You can give it a try Geethica. Start with the ice cream. Nobody can turn away from good ice cream.
Debidutta Mohanty September 27, 2019
Wow!! This is something interesting. Though the colour was not that enticing except for icecream. Would love to try that though.
Supriti Garg September 27, 2019
This charcoal food is totally new to me. I just knew about burgers.. that too in some foreign land. Never knew it’s taking over India too.. that too in so much variety.. I wonder what charcoal tastes like!!
Akanksha Singh September 28, 2019
This is new for me… Till now I only knew that activated charcoal can be used on skincare..
Swarnali Nath September 29, 2019
Seems interesting! But I think it will take time for me to grow love for charcoal foods 😛
Anwesha Guha September 30, 2019
That’s true Swarnali. It will take time for us to warm up to Charcoal foods.
Leha Divakar September 29, 2019
Woahh, I have only heard of activated charcoal in face washes and masks. Wonder how these will taste
Anwesha Guha September 30, 2019
Different dishes taste differently. Like the Black Bun Burger I tried, was a mixture of sweetness from Bun and spicy, juicy taste from the Lamb patty inside along with tomatoes and onions.
Dipika Singh September 29, 2019
That’s too much for charcoal in one day for me 🙂 Well, can I please be honest? I still haven’t got the appetite for Charcoal foods. When its in facewash and toothpaste, I can still take it, but food Sorry! I may be an old school or someone who doesn’t like to experiment.
Anwesha Guha September 30, 2019
That’s totally ok Dipika, but if you ever wanna try any of the Charcoal food items, now you know where to find them in Bangalore.
Nazish Kondkari September 29, 2019
I wana try charcoal ice cream. The rest I don’t think looks good to even try. 😅 Just my perception. It’s quite old and have been going around in Mumbai too. But I have never tried anything as of yet.
Anwesha Guha September 30, 2019
I have heard from some that any black food items don’t look so appetizing but I think you should give them a try to judge for yourself.
Sarah September 29, 2019
Yes I am saying such innovative food items and drink seven in Mumbai specially when I am at the reviews
Parul September 29, 2019
Honestly, this is the first time that i am hearing about charcoal food. Now i definitely would like to try
Smitha G Narendramath September 29, 2019
Food in black sounds super cool loved the food in pic making me hungry for new taste…
Mayura Amarkant September 29, 2019
Wow! This is easily one of the BEST posts I have read in #MyFriendAlexa. I am from Mumbai and I have never heard of charcoal being added in food. I checked with my son, he says he has heard of black lemonade and none of the others. On my part, I have never heard of any of these dishes. Thank you for writing such an amazing post! Brilliant post! Keep writing such informative posts. #MyFriendAlexa #DiaryOfAnInsaneWriter
Srishti Rajeev Menda September 30, 2019
Had been hearing about this. Thanks for the detailed post. And the images!
Dr.Amrita Basu September 30, 2019
I simply cant imagine eating activated charcoal.Interesting post.Will keep this in mind and maybe taste the black samosas!
Brinda September 30, 2019
I do like this post on this unusual food! But how much is too much? How safe can it be? I will try it out for sure as a foodie!
Manisha Garg September 30, 2019
Wow this is totally something new for me. Would like to try it myself.
Paresh Godhwani September 30, 2019
This is totally new for me. I have heard about charcoal food but haven’t tried it anywhere and had no idea that it is trending in Bangalore. Will try it soon.
MeenalSonal September 30, 2019
I am yet to try any charcoal food, shall try it after reading your post.
Anwesha Guha September 30, 2019
Yes Arti. I am not telling anyone to try all the dishes in one day. They can try whichever they find appetizing.
Bushra September 30, 2019
I would love to try some of items on the list…