Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) is an institution. Period.
If you have been to MTR in Bangalore, you will remember the serpentine queue outside the restaurant getting longer during lunchtime. I remember this clearly, having spent many hours waiting to enter the hallowed interiors of MTR – well, in Dubai, it is not that difficult to get in…and that’s a good thing, especially when you are hungry on a Friday morning!
I am usually!
And oh, before I forget, I am mighty glad that it did open in Dubai!
It is definitely my most favourite ‘Friday-Indian-Breakfast’ places in Dubai. I must be one of their ‘loyal’ customers for sure… (going by the smiles of greetings and extra helping of ghee).
Rava Idli served with ‘gasi’ or potato stew and ghee (clarified butter) is a MUST try. In fact, one rava idli is enough to fill you up nicely! Okay, so I have eaten rava idli in many other restaurants as well, but suffice to say that for a “real rava idli”, MTR takes the cake. I am sure it is the ‘Bangalore’ thing in me.
MTR has that uniquely shaped ‘triangle’ masala dosa and is slightly thicker texture compared with dosas of other restaurants such as Saravan Bhavan or Venus, which is what gives it its unique taste. There is no pretense here – the menu is easy to read and only a true-blue Bangalorean will understand the concept of ‘less is more’ at MTR.
My breakfast is never complete without a vada! Never. And at MTR, the vadas fresh out of the cauldron is a treat. On the flip side, I have never like the sambhar, but dont take me up on it. I have an aversion to the strong flavour. In fact, I would rather eat the vada with the chutney!
If you want something spicy do ask for the “red chutney” – it is not served with all the dishes, but hey, ask away!
Depending on how you like your coffee, a cuppa at MTR will decide your day. While I love my coffee black and strong without sugar, I am always up for a cup at MTR – if only for the unique filter coffee with oodles of sugar! Give it a shot.
Where: Opp Apsara Supermarket, Bank Street, Bur Dubai
Contact: 04 327 5909 or 056 206 7321
