OUR DINING EXPERIENCE: CENTRAL TIFFIN ROOM (CTR)

 OUR DINING EXPERIENCE: CENTRAL TIFFIN ROOM (CTR) 

It's not often that one gets an opportunity to eat at a restaurant that is over 100 years old! The reason is simple- there are not many of them! One of Namma Bengaluru's favourite eating places - which we visit from time to time- does qualify for this honour. 

Central Tiffin Room in Malleshwaram - known far and wide simply as CTR- was established way back in 1920 which makes it 105 years old as I write this post. It has been in its current location at 7th Cross Road, Malleshwaram since 1952. 

For most patrons- CTR means Benne Masala Dosa- the South Indian dosa/ crepe which is cooked with a liberal amount of butter ( called Benne in Kannada). It is crisp and has a filling of potato palya within it. 

Their website informs us that they make and serve over 7500 Benne Masala Dosa per day!! 

We naturally had the Benne Masala Dosa- the most talked off dish in CTR.

We love this dosa- each time we visit here the taste remains as delicious as always!! 

Naturally, the restaurant exudes a quaint, old world charm. Try to get a place upstairs when you visit there. It is less crowded than the downstairs area and has so much nostalgia hovering over the place. 

We particularly loved the Essence of Teachings from the Bhagawat Gita. 

 We also had idli and vada- two other popular South Indian breakfast items. These were of course served with the traditional accompaniments of sambar and chutney. 

When you are done with eating and feeling satiated with the delicious food, you must have another favourite of mine- the South Indian filter coffee. 

A word of advice for those of you who are new to town and have been recommended a visit to CTR.  Since there is so much demand, the service tends to be brisk. You will be well advised to be ready with your order. Asking the waiter doesn't help much as he will rattle off so many items that you may find it difficult to comprehend. Instead, have a good look at the decidedly old world menu board! You will note with interest that CTR dates back to 1920 and they have no holidays!!! 

They won't hustle you out while you eat your food, but please note that CTR is not a modern coffee shop where you can sit - with or without your laptop - for hours over a coffee or two.

If you visit Bengaluru and haven't been to CTR yet, I would strongly recommend a visit. Definitely worth it!!