For fans of authentic Indian cuisine, MTR 1924 is a must-visit destination. Nestled in the heart of Brickfields, this restaurant offers a range of traditional South Indian vegetarian dishes straight from Bangalore.
The restaurant is housed in a charming heritage building that has been beautifully restored to reflect the ambiance of a bygone era. As you step inside, you’ll be transported to the bustling streets of India, with the aroma of fragrant spices filling the air. The interiors are tastefully decorated with vintage photographs, paintings, and memorabilia that tell the story of MTR’s rich history.
WHO IS MTR ?
MTR 1924 has a rich legacy that dates back to 1924, when it was first established in Bangalore. The initials “MTR” stand for Mavalli Tiffin Room, which was started by three enterprising brothers – Parampalli Yagnanarayana Maiya, Ganappayya Maiya, and Yagnanarayana Maiya. Their vision was to create a place where people could enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
The Maiya brothers’ dedication to quality and authenticity soon made MTR a household name in Bangalore. Over the years, the restaurant has expanded to other cities in India and even internationally, but the focus on quality and authenticity has remained the same.
WHAT THEY SERVE?
Bisi Bele Bhath
Bisi Bele Bhath is a flavorful South Indian dish that is both hearty and wholesome. The dish features a combination of rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices, which work together to create a unique and complex flavor profile. The spices used in the dish include cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek seeds, which add a warm and aromatic quality to the dish.
The lentils and vegetables used in Bisi Bele Bhath give the dish a thick and creamy texture, while the tamarind pulp adds a tangy and sour flavor. The dish is usually served hot and garnished with roasted cashews and ghee, which add a nutty and buttery flavor to the dish. MTR had perfected the recipe over the years, using high-quality ingredients to ensure a consistent and authentic taste. The dish is easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Masala Dosa
Masala Dosa is a popular South Indian dish that consists of a thin, crispy crepe made from a batter of rice and black gram, filled with spiced potatoes, and served with sides of green chutney and lentil sambal. The potato filling is cooked with aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds, along with onions, ginger, and curry leaves, which impart a rich and flavorful taste to the dish.
The crepe is cooked on a hot griddle with a generous amount of ghee, which lends it a crispy and buttery texture. The crispy outer layer of the dosa provides a satisfying crunch, while the soft and moist potato filling offers a burst of flavor in every bite.
The dish is often served with a variety of accompaniments, including coconut chutney, tomato chutney, and sambar. The green chutney is made with mint, coriander, and other herbs, and adds a refreshing and cooling element to the dish. The lentil sambal is a spicy and tangy lentil stew that is used as a dipping sauce for the dosa. It is such a delightful and satisfying dish that is beloved by many for its unique blend of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast dish or a light meal, it is a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious and filling meal.
Vadai
Vadai (also known as Vada or Medu Vada) is a popular South Indian dish that is commonly served as a snack or breakfast item. It is a crispy and savory doughnut-shaped fritter made from urad dal (split black gram) and spices. Whats make it uniwue is they are served with a variety of accompaniments such as coconut chutney, sambar, or tomato chutney. In some regions of South India, Vadai is also served with a bowl of hot and spicy rasam soup. It brings you with the appetizing flavours that you will definately love.
Rava Masala Dosa
Rava Masala Dosa is an intriguing take on the classic Indian dish, Masala Dosa. The dish features a savory crepe made with semolina, which lends a unique texture and flavor to the dish. The spiced potatoes used as a filling are cooked to perfection with a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin seeds, coriander, and green chillies. The addition of grated coconut and ghee add richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
One of the highlights of Rava Masala Dosa is the blend of flavors and textures that come together with each bite. The crispy and slightly crunchy exterior of the crepe provides a satisfying crunch, while the soft and fluffy interior contrasts with the rich and savory potato filling. The spiciness of the green chillies is balanced by the sweetness of the coconut, creating a harmonious and well-balanced taste profile. With its unique texture and blend of flavors, Rava Masala Dosa is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the diverse world of Indian cuisine.
Rava Idli
Rava Idli is a classic South Indian dish that originated during World War 2, when rice was scarce. This innovative dish was invented by MTR and remains one of their most popular creations to this day. These steamed semolina cakes are made with a unique blend of ingredients including yogurt, coriander, potato sagu, cashew nuts, curry leaves, and mustard seeds, which all come together to create a fresh and flavorful taste.
What sets Rava Idli apart from traditional idlis is its spongy texture, which is a result of the use of semolina instead of rice. The dish is prepared by steaming the batter in special idli molds until they are light and fluffy. The end result is a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.
One of the best ways to enjoy Rava Idli is with a generous serving of ghee, which adds richness and flavor to the dish. It can be served as a breakfast dish or as a snack, and is often paired with chutneys, sambar, or other side dishes
Podi Dosa
It is made by spreading a special spice powder (called “pod”) onto a plain dosa (a fermented crepe made from rice and lentils) and then folding it into a triangular shape. When spread on the dosa and folded into a triangular shape, the spices infuse into the crepe, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Udelim Vada
For those who are aware, this dish is a perfect representation of the rich culinary heritage and diversity of the region. Udelim Vada is made from a batter of ground lentils that is spiced with a blend of aromatic seasonings, including cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds. The batter is then deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior that gives way to a light and fluffy interior.
What sets Udelim Vada apart from other fried snacks is the addition of sambal and mint chutney. You can enjoy them with sambal that brings you a light twist of spiciness, while mint chutney is a tangy and refreshing sauce made from fresh mint leaves, coriander, and spices. Together, these sauces give Udelim Vada a unique zing that sets it apart from other lentil-based snacks. You can also can paired them with other dishes such as sambar, rasam, and yogurt-based dips.
Neer Dosa
It is a thin and crepe-like pancake made from a batter of rice, coconut, and water, and is typically served with a chutney or curry. It is a thin and crepe-like pancake made from a batter of rice, coconut, and water, and is typically served with a chutney or curry. To make neer dosa, rice is soaked for a few hours and then ground with freshly grated coconut and water to form a thin batter. The batter is then poured onto a hot griddle or tawa and cooked until the edges become crisp and the center is cooked through. Neer dosa is a simple and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is often served with a coconut chutney or sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew)
Ends your meal with the soothing cup of Almond Milk. It is indeed a soothing way to help digest food and provide some additional nutrition. Almond milk is low in calories and fat compared to cow’s milk and is a good source of vitamin E, calcium, and vitamin D. Love it so much!
Overall Experience
At MTR, the food is only part of the experience. The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a cozy interior that is reminiscent of a traditional South Indian home. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels like a valued member of the MTR family.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an authentic and unforgettable South Indian dining experience, then look no further than MTR. With its delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and rich culinary heritage, MTR is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the flavors and traditions of this vibrant region. So why wait? Head to MTR today and discover why this iconic restaurant has been a beloved institution for nearly a century.
MTR, Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
69 Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields
Kuala Lumpur 50470, Malaysia
+603 2276 4924