Get a whiff of nostalgia and a plate of benne masala dosa in Old Bangalore’s best kept secret — CTR. It turns 60 this year, and is still going strong.
For years, Central Tiffin Room stood as an inconspicuous cream-coloured building at the corner of seventh cross, Malleswaram. If passers-by didn’t know better, they would slow down to see what the rush is about. That’s before CTR was given a new look a few months ago. Today, the new, improved CTR, renamed Shree Sagar, has a fancy name board on the outside. But on the inside, it’s with pretty much the same enthusiasm that customers lap up plates of dosa, washing it down with hot filter coffee.
This is a landmark ‘thindi’ joint — landmark to those looking for a delicious snack, and also to those looking for directions in Malleswaram, who are generally guided with CTR as the central reference point. Sanjeeva S Pujari, proprietor of CTR says: “This has been called Central Tiffin Room or CTR since 1992. It was established as Shree Sagar in 1950 by Raghavendra and the management was passed on to Ramakrishna Holla in 1952. From 1992 onwards, I have been in charge. It is referred to by both names.” But what’s in a name? It’s the taste that people come looking for, he says.
“All the ingredients we use are pure. The rice, dal and vegetables — everything is always of number one quality,” Pujari says, raising his index finger. The butter, especially, he says is acquired directly from the homes of farmers in Nagamangala town and Mandya district. “Nothing is adulterated. That’s why people come here from across the city — from as far as Devanahalli and Yelahanka,” Pujari adds.
And what do they mostly order? “Now, what did you ask for? Benne dosa? That’s what people come here for.” The menu is simple; prices are low. “We are not greedy. We don’t want any excess profit by defying the rules set by our elders. Simplicity has brought us this far. We will stick to it dutifully, including not using onion or garlic in any of our dishes” Pujari says.
But why is the size of the dosa so small? “That ensures that people don’t waste their dosas. Aren’t things in small quantities most relished, anyway?” Pujari smiles. One can’t help but agree.
Where: 7th cross, 3rd main, Margosa Road, Malleswaram (opp. Malleswaram playground), 080-23317531
When: 7.30 am to 12.30 pm; 4 to 9.15 pm
How much: Benne masala dosa is for Rs25. The plain dosa is for Rs22
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