Bengaluru's iconic Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR), a culinary institution celebrated for over a century, is set to open its first franchise in Sydney, Australia. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the 102-year-old brand, bringing its renowned South Indian breakfast staples, including crispy dosas, aromatic filter coffee, and the famous rava idli, to a new international audience.
MTR Heads Down Under
The exciting news was shared by Australia's Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, following his visit to the original MTR restaurant in Bengaluru. Hill took to Instagram, expressing his enthusiasm and describing MTR's dosa as "literally the best dosa ever." His announcement has generated considerable excitement among Australian food enthusiasts and the Indian diaspora alike, eager to experience authentic South Indian cuisine closer to home.
Sydney will join a growing list of international cities where MTR has established a presence. The restaurant already operates outlets in global destinations such as Singapore, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Seattle, Toronto, and Bristol, alongside its numerous locations across India.
A Century of Culinary Innovation
MTR's storied journey began in 1924 when brothers Ganappaiah Maiya and Parameshwara Maiya founded a small eatery named Brahmins' Coffee Club on Lalbagh Fort Road in Bengaluru. After Parameshwara Maiya's passing in 1933, their brother Yagnanarayana Maiya took the helm and rebranded the establishment as Mavalli Tiffin Rooms.
The restaurant moved to its distinctive Art Deco building on Lalbagh Road in 1959, where it pioneered the concept of an open kitchen, allowing patrons to observe the preparation of their meals. MTR is also widely credited with the invention of rava idli. During the Second World War, facing a severe shortage of rice, the restaurant ingeniously substituted semolina (rava) and sour curd, creating a dish that quickly became a beloved South Indian staple.
Today, MTR continues its legacy under the stewardship of the third generation of the Maiya family, including Hemamalini Maiya, Vikram Maiya, and Arvind Maiya. The brand's initial expansion beyond Bengaluru commenced in 2004, paving the way for its current international footprint.