A Brief Introduction
Ask any true foodie about the best place to experience authentic South Indian cuisine in Bengaluru, and Mavalli Tiffin Room ( MTR ) is sure to top the list. This iconic restaurant has been serving delectable meals since 1924, making it a perfect must-visit destination for those fond of traditional South Indian flavours. Whether it's their famous rava idli or crispy dosas, MTR, with its authentic taste, has a great history in every bite. This iconic restaurant's commitment to providing genuine and quality food has made it a favourite eatery among locals and visitors.
Video Credits: Food Travel Company/ YouTube
A Great History And Origin
Mavalli Tiffin Room, famously known as the MTR, is one of Bangalore’s oldest tiffin rooms, which was started in 1924 by Mr. Parampalli Yagnanarayana Maiya and his brothers. A hundred years on, the Mavalli Tiffin Room or MTR, is the hot favourite of old Bangaloreans. Named after the locality Mavalli, where the first MTR started in the first quarter of the 20th century, the Mavalli Tiffin Room still has an authentic and simple décor; however, due to its popularity and demand, the sitting area has been expanded to accommodate its loyal patrons, and tourists, who do not want to miss eating tiffins at the legendary Mavalli Tiffin Rooms.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The Great Innovations Of Iconic Dishes
Rava idli or semolina idli is a favourite among most people, but it would be great to know that it was invented due to a rice shortage, and MTR is the only one who invented it. During World War II, when rice, which is the staple item used in idli, was in short supply, they experimented with making idli using semolina and created rava idli. The iconic restaurant served rava idli with chutney and a small bowl of ghee to pour over the piping-hot idlis.
Image Credits: MTR/ Google
Another great invention of Mavalli Tiffin Room is the Chandrahara, which is their trademark dessert, served only on Sundays. Started during the 1950s and was originally called the 'French Sweet' because it was a layered dessert inspired by French puff pastry; it was renamed Chandrahara after a movie by the same name running in a cinema hall nearby.
Other Specialities Of MTR
MTR in Bengaluru offers a wide range of traditional South Indian dishes beyond their famous Rava idli and Chandrahara. Here are some of their popular offerings:
Masala Dosa
Masala dosa is a savoury pancake made from rice batter and black lentils, stuffed with spiced potatoes and laced with ghee. It is crispy on the outside and spongy on the inside.
Image Credits: MTR/ Google
Bisibele Bhath
Bisibele bhath is a spicy and tangy rice dish made of lentils, assorted vegetables, nutmeg, cashews, curry leaves and tamarind pulp. It is served with raitha made from curds and onions along with a dollop of ghee.
Khara Bhath
The classic khara bhath is a heady aroma of spices cooked in a blend of roasted semolina, topped with a slice of tomato.
Kesari Bhath
Kesari Bhath is a perfect complement to the Khara bhath and a great sweet by itself too. It is a thick sweet porridge made from semolina, vermicelli, ghee, cashews, raisins and sprinkled with saffron.
Filter Coffee
Filter coffee is the iconic dish of MTR, which guarantees that the customer will keep coming back for more. It is made from coffee beans, which are roasted and ground every single day to ensure the flavour is not lost.
Image Credits: MTR/ Google
Famous Personalities Who Visited MTR Bengaluru
Mavalli Tiffin Room has attracted many big personalities; right from Bollywood veteran Shashi Kapoor to Kannada film legend Dr Rajkumar, everyone has loved the delectable dishes of this iconic restaurant.
Today, the iconic restaurant is headed by Hemamalini Maiya, Vikram Maiya, and Arvind Maiya, the grandchildren of Yagnanarayana Maiya, with the restaurant’s other branches in and outside India.