No. Not the rock band Michael Learns to Rock. This MLTR is an institution that predates any guitar riff.
Maha Lakshmi Tiffin Room, fondly known as MLTR, stands proudly on D.V.G Road in Bangalore. Since its inception in 1926, it has been serving a quintessential Bangalorean breakfast—idli, vade, dose, and coffee—among other delights. But MLTR isn’t just another eatery; it’s a portal to the past. Its ambiance is a nostalgic nod to the 1950s, a simpler time that resonates within its walls.
The time machine called MLTR
Once you step inside the restaurant, the black and white chequered tiles immediately catch your eye, setting the stage for a retro experience. The marble-topped tables and wooden benches are not mere furniture; they’re storytellers, whispering tales of bygone eras. And the waiters, donning white panche (dhoti), add to the vintage charm, serving up nostalgia with every order.
To the right, a glass showcase presents an array of delectable dishes—a sight becoming increasingly rare in modern times. Beside it, a wooden menu board stands—a relic that many today may never have seen.
A quaint wooden partition discreetly reads “families only,” marking a dedicated space that takes you back to a different era of dining etiquette.
The taste of tradition
Accompanied by my cousin Raghu, we indulged in a feast of idli-vade, khali dose, and sagu masale dose. Each dish complemented the other in a dance of flavors, all rounded off with the comforting warmth of traditional coffee.
The idli-vade combo is a staple here—soft, fluffy idlis paired with crispy vades, all swimming in a flavorful sambar.
The star of the show, however, is the Khali dose. It’s soft, it’s fluffy, and it’s utterly divine with chutney or sambar. Remarkably, it’s made without a drop of oil, ghee, or butter, yet it dissolves in your mouth with ease.
The Sagu Masale Dose is a culinary masterpiece that is served with a dollop of butter gently melting atop its steaming surface. This dose strikes the perfect balance between textures—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and brimming with a hearty filling of sagu. Each bite of this mildly spicy, flavor-packed dish promises a delightful symphony of tastes.
And what’s a Bangalorean breakfast without a cup of traditional filter coffee? The robust flavor of MLTR’s brew is the perfect finale, leaving you yearning for just one more sip.
Location: Maha Lakshmi Tiffin Room.
Looks very yummy, will definitely try👍
Hey I missed the treat buddies… However will visit there shortly 😊