Not just any Masala Dosa…
6

Written by: Vishwanath M Ketkar

What: Masala Dosa
Where: MTR, Lalbagh, Bangalore


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Mr. Ketkar is a retired banker, an email activist, a foodie and a classical music aficionado. He truly lives the maxim “Life begins after sixty!”

There was a time when I lived in Bengaluru (Bangalore as it was known then) for a few years. While I didn’t eat out much, I did have one gastronomic destination that I frequented – the 92-year old Grande Dame of Bangalore – Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, or MTR as it’s popularly known. It still remains one of my favourite South Indian restaurants.

Located in the Lalbagh area, this legendary eatery is packed to the rafters every single day. It is spacious, no-frills and reminiscent of older, simpler times. Opening sharp at 6:30 AM every morning, they are sold out by 9 AM. Go there early to partake in the sublime experience called their 'Masal Dosa' (the last 'a' of 'Masala' is not pronounced here). Beautifully golden-brown and folded into the trademark triangle, the dosa is soft and thick, yet has the slightest whisper of a crunch. It comes smeared with green chutney on the inside and swaddles a tasty potato masala that makes the dosa hearty and filling. Perched next to the dosa is a tiny katori of ghee. Upend the katori over the dosa, let the ghee seep into the golden shell, take a (big) bite and sink into blissful buttery deliciousness!

Washed down with the strong filter 'kaapi' (coffee) served in a silver glass-and-katori duo, this stuff is ambrosia - food for the Gods.

Mavalli Tiffin Rooms
14, Lalbagh Road, Doddamavalli, Sudhama Nagar, Bangalore
Landmark: Next To Urvashi Theatre
Telephone: 080 22220022

 
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