Take one dessert item which immediately springs to mind for most Bangaloreans, and the answer more often than not, would be 'Death By Chocolate.' This ice cream Monster Sundae inspires poetic reverence in some, and utter horror to others. But the fact is, love it or hate it, you just cannot ignore it, and you definitely cannot ignore Corner House as THE Bangalore institution for all things ice cream.
So what exactly is corner house? Started in 1982, Corner House is probably the best known ice cream and Sundae parlor chain in Bangalore. With over 15 outlets, it is a place where you can go to celebrate, to wind down a leisurely meal, to pep yourself up if you're feeling down, or heck, just when you feel like having something sweet and creamy.
THE FOOD
As you would know, the focus here is entirely on the ice creams. The menu has around 20 flavors available in single scoop or double scoop (Rs. 50 - 110, depending on flavor). Well, what flavors do you get. Quite a lot, from basic Vanilla and Chocolate to more indulgent Rum O Raisins, Caramel Crunch, Black Currant etc. A single scoop makes for a nice light budget friendly quick snack.
But let's face it, most of us do not go to corner house to have 'just' a scoop of ice cream. No.
What Corner House is justly famous for are its sundaes. There is a huge range of over 30+ sundaes available, and be warned, all of them are an indulgent, and in my view, best shared with friends.
There are too many to name over here, and a lot of sundaes come loaded with the heavenly hot chocolate sauce and a mountain of peanuts.
My personal favorites are:
Hot Chocolate Fudge Regular - Rs. 110 -Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Sauce and Peanuts - Simple yet Delicious
Death by Chocolate -Rs.180 -Definitely not to be eaten alone, unless you want a chocolate overdose and probably a heart attack. Must for chocolate lovers
Creme De La Caramel - Rs.130 - Caramel in every bite, it is just a good old fashioned delight
Of course, if you have tried out the entire range of sundaes, you will find that many of them taste rather similar, and some of them are just too sweet. Most regulars find one they like, and stick to it.
Apart from the ice cream and sundaes, there are also a few dessert items, which are a nice respite and change from the overdose of ice creamy goodness.
Apple Cake (with just Cream or Ice Cream+ Cream) - You get a nice steaming apple cake with vanilla ice cream or just cream. It is very smooth and the intermingling of hot plus cold is mesmerizing.
Chocolate Mousse- Creamy and well balanced, but personally, I have never been a fan
Fruit Salad (with just cream or ice cream+ cream) - If you have friends who are counting calories, this could (just) about be the only thing they will eat
THE AMBIANCE and SERVICE
Corner House outlets are rather plain, with simple steel chairs and granite topped tables. But they are clean and with no pretensions.
Service is self-service at all outlets. You pay for your items, and then pick them up at the counter. All dishes come in on a steel tray and the ice creams are in plastic containers, to be had with plastic spoons. Paper napkins are available, and a water cooler if someone wants a drink.
VALUE FOR MONEY AND COMPETITION
Corner House used to be good value earlier, with two people being able to enjoy ice cream sundaes for around Rs.150. Recently, though, prices have crept up. Most items are priced between Rs. 100 and 200, prices being inclusive of all taxes. This would make it around Rs. 250 - 300 for an Ice Cream meal for two, as of March 2014.
The full menu is available here:
https://cornerhouse.in/index.php/our-menu
Regarding competition, Natural's ice cream is the one which falls within the same ball park in terms of price. They are a different type of ice cream though, lighter and more natural, as compared to the sweet overdose you find in corner house. Personally, I find Natural's easier to eat on a daily basis, and corner house for special occasions, or weekends.
Baskin Robbins is another competitor price wise, but to me at least, they do not taste as good as Corner House or Naturals.
CONCLUSION
There are a lot of old Bangalore landmark restaurants, which are quite frankly, crap. Corner House, refreshingly, is one that is not. In my 7 years of being here, I have never had a bad ice cream or service here. Of course, I do not go as often these days, as too many trips may make me go up 2 pant sizes. Still, if you can, Corner House is worth it.
