MTR1924 — Restaurant in London

My wife and I are both vegan and were really looking forward to getting a taste of our favourite South-Indian delicacies at MTR Kenton. We requested that our dosas be made in oil instead of ghee and at the outset were rudely denied. The only options we were given were idli, Vada and puliogre. The owner kept insisting that the taste would be different if it was not made in ghee, and that they would not compromise on their 'standards' even if we as customers were happy to accept it.

It was shocking to see that MTR disregards its customers and prefers to stick to what they call "brand-value." We were told that our preference is not as important as the brand. How pitiful they don't understand that Branding 1-0-1 is "Customer Satisfaction" and don't have the basic courtesy to treat customers with sensitivity.

I cannot believe that in 2023, ghee, which remains a product of animal cruelty, can be the standard that makes or breaks a dish. In a place like London, where every single restaurant and supermarket has vegan options, It's appalling that a well known brand like MTR fails to even recognise or acknowledge this.

Clearly, this is a franchise that is still living in the 1920s, and doesn't belong in present day society where kindness and inclusivity...

It is a new venue on Kenton Road. A friend from Bangalore recommended this place so I went to check it out. The venue: There is a relatively small seating area with four tables in the front. Much of the space is taken by the front desk and the kitchen. It is my perception that it is geared more towards a takeaway model. The wall on the right has a story board of the MTR story with pictures of their history. It seems the prime minister's in laws are also fans.

The service: There being no one for a sit down meal at the time the person at the front desk took his time explaining the various items on the menu. They have a daily special too. It being my first visit I decided on the mini thali.

The food: The food arrived in takeaway plate and cutlery. The portion was large. 9 curry or chutney portions with a large bowl of rice , a small masala dosa and poppadom. The curry and chutney were very tasty. I would have them again. Albeit with smaller portion of rice. The masala dosa was thick and not crispy as you get in other south Indian restaurant.

All in all a...

Without doubt the best dosas in London. As authentic as it can get. The rest of the assortment is also fabulously reminiscent of south Bangalore cuisine from the house of MTR. The outlet is run on a self service basis and is very congested.

While I believe MTR have simply got their location strategy horribly wrong for the quality of their offering - both outlets parked in Kenton, Harrow side, lack of parking, put off high street location etc, the congested outlet felt very claustrophobic. MTR has a brilliant positioning and experience if you visit their outlets in Bangalore/Mysore but these ones are off the mark. The toilet in particular is a disaster - a closet the size of an adult and you can barely even move to close the doors behind you.

This outlet must have been a take away counter as opposed to sit in.

Having said, once again acknowledge the food is fabulous and self service works like magic with highly efficient and...