MTR — Restaurant in Bengaluru

A Timeless Bangalore Culinary Journey at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) Our evening visit to MTR was an absolute delight, a true testament to the legendary eatery's enduring appeal. Stepping into MTR feels like stepping back in time, with its charming, no-frills ambiance that speaks to decades of culinary tradition. For dinner, we opted for the special thali, and it was nothing short of magnificent. Each component, from the array of curries and vegetables to the perfectly steamed rice and a crisp papad, was a testament to authentic South Indian flavors. It was a well-balanced and incredibly satisfying meal that truly showcased the breadth of MTR's culinary expertise. Beyond the thali, we indulged in several other MTR classics, each delivering on its promise of deliciousness. The dosa was archetypally perfect – golden, crispy, and served with their signature sambar and chutneys that are simply unparalleled. The rava dosa offered a delightful textural contrast, light and flavorful. The bonda soup was a comforting revelation, with perfectly soft bondas swimming in a savory, aromatic broth. And of course, no MTR meal would be complete without their iconic bisibele bhat – a rich, comforting, and subtly spiced rice dish that is a meal in itself. We also enjoyed the cooling and tangy curd rice, a perfect counterpoint to the more robust flavors. To conclude our feast, a steaming cup of their famous coffee was the ideal finish. It's strong, aromatic, and provides that quintessential South Indian coffee kick that leaves you feeling utterly content. Before leaving, I couldn't resist picking up "The MTR Story" book. Having now delved into its pages, I can confidently say it's a must-buy for anyone interested in food history, the evolution of a culinary institution, or simply a fascinating read about the legacy of MTR. It offers wonderful insights into the brand's journey and ethos. Our evening at MTR was more than just a meal; it was an experience. It's a place where tradition meets taste, delivering authentic South Indian cuisine with unwavering quality. Whether you're a local or a visitor, MTR is an essential stop for anyone seeking a true taste of Bangalore's culinary heritage. We left feeling nourished, satisfied, and already planning...

A Disappointing Experience at MTR Indiranagar, Bangalore – Hygiene Must Be Taken Seriously

Today, I visited the well-known MTR branch in Indiranagar, Bangalore, for breakfast. The place was crowded, with many people enjoying their morning meals. Trusting the brand’s legacy and reputation, I ordered a simple, classic South Indian dish — idli.

However, what followed was truly disappointing. As I took the first bite, I was hit by an unpleasant smell — almost like that of an unwashed cloth or a vessel used in steaming without proper cleaning. It was off-putting and concerning, especially from a restaurant of such repute.

Wanting to do the responsible thing, I walked up to the cashier at the counter to share my feedback politely. But to my surprise, his response was dismissive and defensive. He simply said, “Since morning many people have had the same item, but no one has complained.”

This is exactly the problem. Just because people don’t complain doesn’t mean everything is fine. Many customers may ignore the issue, assume it’s normal, or simply not want to create a scene. But when it comes to food and hygiene, silence can lead to serious consequences.

If something as basic as an idli — a steamed dish — smells off, it raises concerns about the overall hygiene in the kitchen, the cleanliness of vessels, cloths used in steaming, and storage practices. If standards are compromised in a simple item, one has to wonder about the safety of other complex preparations.

👉 My appeal is to fellow food lovers and responsible citizens: • Don’t hesitate to raise your voice when you notice poor hygiene or food quality. • Giving feedback is not complaining — it’s caring. • If we stay silent, restaurants assume everything is okay. • Only by speaking up can we hold establishments accountable and encourage them to maintain high standards.

MTR, Indiranagar, please take this seriously. Your legacy deserves better. People trust you for taste and quality — don’t let that trust break.

Let’s support safe, clean, and respectful dining experiences — not just for ourselves, but...

It’s unfortunate to hear about my disappointing experience at Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR), a legendary restaurant that has been a part of Bengaluru’s culinary heritage for nearly a century. Many loyal customers share my sentiment—while MTR was once celebrated for its authentic taste, warm ambiance, and reasonable pricing, recent changes have left some patrons feeling let down.

Why Some Feel MTR’s Charm is Fading: Steep Price Hikes MTR was always premium, but recent increases (especially in combo meals and signature dishes) make it feel overpriced compared to the portion sizes. Example: A basic Rava Idli + Filter Coffee combo now costs significantly more than before.

Decline in Service & Crowding Long waits, rushed service, and a "commercialized" feel have replaced the old-world charm. The original Lalbagh branch’s vintage appeal is now overshadowed by overcrowding.

Inconsistent Taste Some regulars complain that the flavors aren’t as consistent as before—especially in dishes like Bisi Bele Bath, Masala Dosa, or Rava Idli. The packaged MTR foods (sold in stores) sometimes overshadow the restaurant’s fresh offerings.

Alternative Options Newer restaurants (like Veena Stores, CTR, Brahmin’s Coffee Bar) offer similar quality at better prices, making MTR seem less special.

Is MTR Still Worth Visiting? Yes, for nostalgia & a few classics—their Filter Coffee, Khara Bath, and Poori Saagu still hold up for many. No, if you expect old-school value—the premium pricing may not justify the experience anymore.

What Could Make MTR Better? ✔ Revisit pricing strategy – Balance heritage with affordability. ✔ Improve service & ambiance – Retain the old-world charm. ✔ Focus on consistency – Ensure every dish lives up...