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In pictures: Bangalore's eccentric jail-themed restaurant is a culinary adventure behind bars

Karnataka’s first ‘jail-themed restaurant’ is a gritty addition to HSR Layout

Entertainment Desk October 19, 2023

Initially established in Jayanagar in 2016, Central Jail Restaurant relaunched to the Hosur Sarjapura Road (HSR) Layout last year. True to its name, the unconventional dining establishment emulates life behind bars, complete with its heavy iron rods and dimly lit prison cells, save for an ambitious menu that is unlike any jail’s kitchen.

From the more mainstream vegetarian gravies and noodle consortments to signature delicacies such as “Partner in Crime,” “Red Alert” and “DSP Special,” wittily catalogued under the “Jail Menu” selections, the Bangalore eatery makes good on its promise of an immersive meal. According to reviews on food websites and blogs, the restaurant has been received with enthusiasm by Bangalore’s food lovers.

“I had the tomato soup at Central Jail and it was really good. Service was very fast and the container and packaging was really good. Highly recommend for quick bites and fast food,” commented one customer. The waiting staff dresses like prison wardens to serve patrons their wide array of global cuisines in cheap metal flatware.

The restaurant also offers jail props such as handcuffs and pillbox hats for people to don for pictures. Customers can choose to dine in the somber prison cells behind bars or the tables arranged outside for the more claustrophobic public.

In a video review shared by Central Jail Restaurant’s official Instagram account, another customer toured the dining facility and complimented its ambiance. The post’s caption read, “Ambiance is properly-themed and you would definitely get jail vibes inside. Entire place is designed like a prison and even the staff will be in a jail attire to serve food for customers which is actually Instagrammable.” Considering this positive reception, Central Jail Restaurant is a provocative exercise in mining the ordinary horrors of crime and violence to bring a unique culinary adventure.