Basic integrity in doing business is what keeps us going, says MTR MD Hemamalini Maiya Premium

Hemamalini Maiya, the managing partner of MTR, spoke to The Hindu about the 100-year-old iconic restaurant of Bengaluru that has only gained in popularity over time with its signature dishes and draws at least 2,000 people every day.

This is a special year for the iconic landmark in Bengaluru, Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) as it completes 100 years of service in 2024. Popular for dishes like rava idli, masala dose and sweets like chandrahara and gulab jamun, the century-old restaurant continues to draw at least 2,000 people every day.

The restaurant was established by three brothers from Parampalli near Udupi district - Yagnanarayana Maiya, Ganappayya Maiya and Parameshwara Maiya - in 1924. At that time, MTR was just a small food joint on Lalbagh Fort Road and eventually, by 1960, it was relocated to the place where it currently is today. Most of the recipes served today at all the branches of MTR were the creation of Yagnanarayana Maiya.

The restaurant is currently run by third-generation Maiyas - Hemamalini Maiya, Vikram Maiya, Aravind Maiya and Priyadarshini Maiya. Even three generations later, the recipes at MTR remain untouched. Not just the owners, but even many employees at MTR are second or third generation employees.

Hemamalini, the managing partner of MTR, spoke to The Hindu about what has kept MTR relevant through a century, the logistical challenges involved in running a famous chain.