Tiffin Center — Restaurant in Karnataka

For the discerning traveler seeking a respite from the hurried pace of Kempegowda International Airport's Terminal 1, this establishment presents itself as a veritable oasis. Its subtle yet tasteful entrance hints at the refined experience within, while the pristine cleanliness of the space provides an immediate sense of calm. For those without a premium lounge card, this is the premier destination to find solace, uncork a bottle, and tend to a few last-minute emails.

Our culinary journey began with a glass of Shiraz, a commendable varietal that offered a welcome reprieve from the day's exertions, though its cost was a touch elevated. The Madras Chicken 65, a plate of idlis, and a cheese dosa rounded out our order. The chicken was flavorful, but a proprietary chili sauce would have elevated it from good to truly exceptional, providing a more complex and lasting impression on the palate. The idlis, however, were of a delicate texture, perfectly complemented by a generous serving of coconut chutney.

But the true revelation was the Cheese Dosa. This creation was a marvel of balanced flavors, with just the right level of spice, leaving a profound desire for another serving. It was, without a doubt, the star of the show.

The service was nothing short of exemplary. The staff operated with remarkable efficiency and grace, with a typical wait time of under 20 minutes.

My experience was punctuated by two truly remarkable moments:

1.The manager, with commendable foresight, estimated a 20-minute preparation time for the Madras Chicken. To my pleasant surprise, it arrived in a mere 15 minutes, a testament to the kitchen's well-oiled operation.

2.As I prepared to depart, a staff member named Mandal approached me with a genuine, heartfelt farewell. He not only wished me a safe journey but also gifted me a bottle of water, stating, "Sir, your boarding gate is very far and you will fall thirsty; please accept this bottle of mineral water as a small token from us."

This simple act of kindness transcended mere customer service, revealing a level of empathy and hospitality that is rarely encountered.

This gesture alone solidified my impression of the restaurant and its staff. It's clear that this establishment's reputation is built on more than just its menu; it's a place where genuine care and courtesy are as much a part of the experience as the food itself.

I will, without a doubt, return to this exceptional place on all...

This is a true reflection for the saying "All that Glitters is not Gold". Not sure whether this worth for the ratings that have been provided or am I really missing something?

Looking at the ambience (having seen it many a time when I passed the security area) and also the way food is served, I was so tempted to try this out.

I got the place to dine immediately and the lady shared me the menu card. I was quick enough to say that I will go for the breakfast Thali, as it will give me an option to taste everything. She said (believe it's Ms Anu or so) it would take 15-20 mins and was ok for that. They served me the breakfast combo ) Thali within 10 mins or so and it looked so nice from the outset .. It had Kesari Bath, Khara Bath, Pongal, Idly, Vada, Dosa, 2 types of Chutneys, Sambar and Banana.

First tried the Kesari Bath - You can't even call it a sweet. Hardly sweet in that. Tried the Khara Bath. The taste was kind of ok, but it was very cold (remember I went to this place around 6:45 AM). Vada was reasonably hot, but it was not soft. Chutney was pathetic - especially the Coconut chutney was so horrible. Sambar was kind of ok - I managed with that only. Idly - oh boy, can anyone prepare idly with such a bad taste (odour was coming). Dosa was ok types, again it was cold. It was served with Masala separately, but the aloo in that was so hard. Pongal - probably one of the easiest dishes to make, but it looked more like yellow rice. Was cold as well.

The only thing that was worth mentioning was the coffee. Though it was not great, compared to the other dishes, this was ok. It was strong though.

They charge a bomb - obvious as it's located inside the airport terminal. But not a single penny worth the money.

While this was the case with taste, service was poor as well. They don't serve plain water in the table - and just a bottle with a tag - Pick as per MRP. I had to ask for Sambar and they took time to serve even that. Though I informed the attendant to bring the coffee (part of the combo), it took 10 mins to serve that (looks like the lady lost focus on this and had to ask a few people). While they all sported smiles on their faces, but hardly a proactive service.

One of the worst experiences I have ever had till now. Not sure if this is even worth for the ratings that is mentioned or it was just me who was at the receiving end.

Will never try...

Worst service right from showing the seat to give you the bill/check. First you need to figure out on your own where to sit. And then pray to God someone will care to attend your seat. The service is erratic as if some seats are designated to ignore.. after several stares and requests ..someone comes takes an order. Then order comes in as on a conveyor belt meaning they start putting out things on your table as they are available. So we end up having one thali where we ordered for 2 and then after the first one arrived .. waited for many more minutes and the second one came. Then we had to remind the person that we ordered one more item which was then promptly given. After we finished the food, given it was thali we were waiting for a finger bowl and we know that here they give finger bowl. Basic customer expectation is that any employee if they see someone done with their food and hands out there on the table with now food getting dried up on their hands should have a basic sense of either they come and ask or send someone who is responsible for the table to attend and get us what we were waiting for. Again a lengthy stare and ignore game till I have to literally ask who is responsible for waiting the table. The response I got is we are short staffed. And in return I get asked who took the order.. as if the someone who took the order I can recognise as they are some celebrity.. after few minutes wait we get the finger bowl and then the next round of stare and wait started. Now to get the bill/check. This comes after couple of folks randomly coming and asking if we need anything else.. in the bill they missed or omitted not sure the reason didn't bill for the water bottle and the single item we ordered other than thali. We paid and left and that's the last I will go in...